A three-year-old English springer spaniel and his experienced handler are the latest duo to join Staffordshire Police's dog unit. 

Police Dog Pablo and PC Craig Neeson passed their intensive 10-week training course last month. 

Pablo moved in with PC Neeson back in August and has impressed with his work ethic and energy to impress. 

They both received their licenses and were presented with a certificate by Chief Superintendent Emily McCormick last Thursday. 

(Pablo with PC Neeson (left) and Chief Superintendent Emily McCormick (right))

As well as Pablo, PC Neeson also works with his General Purpose dog PD Kev. 

Pablo is responsible for locating and identifying a number of different explosive substances whilst on duty. 

He is also able to search cars and buildings and identify PC Neeson if he identifies anything of interest. 

PC Neeson joined the police force as a response officer in Hanley in 2014 and spend most of his spare time with the dog unit. 

PC Neeson said: "It's very cliché, but I've always wanted to be a dog handler."

"I became a fully licensed handler in June 2018 - but I'm still learning so many things to this day. It's lucky that PD Pablo is such a great dog."

"He's been so eager to impress and taught me so many things in this short space of time already."