MEET
RPD Bo
German Shepherd
Leicestershire Police
General Purpose
MEET RETIRED POLICE DOG BO
Which force did Bo work for?
“Over the years, he lent his nose (and terrifyingly deep bark) to Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire Police before returning home to Leicester, at age five, to partner with his forever handler.”
What made Bo a good police dog?
“From fields to back gardens, no criminal could hide from Bo’s nose. His size and bark alone convinced more suspects to surrender than any negotiation ever did — “I’m here, don’t let him near me!” became his unofficial catchphrase. If the police van was rocking, you knew Bo was on board!”
What’s Bo’s favourite things?
“Food is his truest calling — though he’ll happily interrupt mealtime for a good spin and bark when his people come home.”
How is Bo’s health?
“On retirement Bo had to have an operation to stop the bleeding in his urine caused by a cyst. His health is generally good but he has slowed down in his senior years. His hips can give him discomfort but overall he is doing really well.”
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RETIRED POLICE DOG BO
RPD Bo joined Leicestershire Police in 2014 as an eight-week-old puppy before leaving to work for other forces and then returning at the age of five.
He was partnered with PC Karen Daybell and they worked together for three years before Bo retired in 2022.
Karen said: “Bo was a confident police dog. He had a strong drive; he was reliable, protective, loyal, and eager to please – which all helped him to be very trainable.”
Now 11, Bo – also known as Chip after losing a tiny piece of his ear – is enjoying retired life with Karen and her furry crew: PD Griff, German Shepherd puppy Zaya – the younger sister of Zyla, who Karen lost in the line of duty – and pet Labrador, Willow.


Karen said: “Known off-duty as a big softie, Bo has swapped chasing criminals for chasing snacks, bees, and the occasional pear from the family tree!
“Bo may be off the clock, but his loyalty, gentleness, and sheer presence still command respect, especially around dinner time!”
Karen registered Bo with the Foundation as she wanted him to be a part of our community.
She added: “The Foundation does so much for serving and retired police dogs. The charity understands their sacrifice and recognises that they’re heroes who have shown courage, bravery and selflessness.
“Registering Bo with the Thin Blue Paw felt like a tangible way of saying his years of service still matter and he deserves the very best in retirement.”

“Many retired police dogs are hard to insure due to their working history and existing injuries, which means owners often face all the costs alone; the Foundation is designed to address that gap.”
Karen, Bo’s former handler and owner
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