Paws-itive news for dog handlers as mileage pay backdated

3 October 2023

The secretary of West Mercia Police Federation has welcomed a move by the Force to backdate mileage payments for dog handlers.

Pete Nightingale said the Federation was “absolutely delighted” with the announcement which would bring West Mercia Police dog handlers in line with those in other forces.

It follows a High Court ruling in 2019 involving Cleveland Police that handlers who are required to use their own vehicle to take their dog from the police station to their home, where the animal sleeps, should be paid an allowance.

Pete, who is a former dog handler, said: “We are absolutely delighted that officers will receive a settlement.

West Mercia Police is backdating mileage payments for dog handlers.

“We understand the current financial pressures the Force is facing but we welcome the decision by West Mercia Police to backdate mileage claims for our dog handlers.

“During austerity, our force immediately removed police vans from handlers who were permitted to use them to take their police dogs to and from work.

“Handlers were instructed at the time to use their own cars and, or purchase appropriate vehicles almost overnight. This caused significant financial outlay.”

Pete added: “The High Court judge determined that a police officer who is required by a senior officer - acting on the instructions of the Chief Constable - to use their own motor vehicle to transport a police dog from the police station to their home - where the dog is housed overnight - should be paid a motor vehicle allowance.

“It’s the Federation view that this should include mileage payments moving forward and also backdated.”

He said the move not only honoured the court ruling and was in line with guidance from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, but gave West Mercia dog handlers parity with those in other forces.

“As a previous dog handler myself, I know the significant financial contribution handlers made,” he said, adding: “It could not have been right that our handlers had inferior remuneration compared with our regional colleagues and many other forces nationally. This decision puts that right and honours the court ruling and NPCC guidance.

“Many other police forces have either purchased additional police vehicles or agreed to pay mileage. While the exact details of the payment are yet to be confirmed, I’m delighted that the force has made the decision and we have not had to take formal legal action.

“Dog handlers can get on with the job in hand of protecting the community, which they do so well.”

Pete said that the ‘additional money will be very welcome, especially during the cost of living crisis’.

The news was welcomed by the Force’s dog handlers.

One said: “I’d like to thank the branch secretary for all his hard work in progressing this matter.

“It’s dragged on since 2019 and we look forward to the matter being concluded.

“We’re all really grateful for the efforts of Pete.”