Police dogs carry out many important roles, and digital detection dogs have become inherently important in sniffing out microchips and storage cards found inside all devices.
The Foundation supports several retired digital detection dogs, such as RPD Zippy.
Our Founder Kieran Stanbridge said: “We live in a digital age, where technology is vastly important in the committal and investigation of crime. So it’s incredible to have a generation of dogs who can sniff out digital devices, speed up searches and help locate vital evidence.
“We’re proud that when these amazing dogs retire, we can be there for them to ensure they get the best retirements. But we can only do it with the support of our donors and partners, like Cellebrite.”
Cellebrite – a digital forensics, investigation and intelligence company that provides software and hardware to public safety, law enforcement, defence, intelligence and business organisations around the world in a bit to make the world safer – has donated £2,500 to sponsor RPD Zippy.
Cellebrite’s mission is to protect communities, nations and businesses by empowering its customers to access, collect, analyse and manage digital data to accelerate investigations, helping to solve cases quicker.
Digital detection dogs play a crucial role in this, often locating the devices that investigators then use Cellebrite technology to help to forensically access and analyse.
Ed Dolman, SVP and Head of EMEA at Cellebrite, said: “We wanted to find a meaningful way to give back to the wider policing community we work alongside every day, not just through technology.
“Police dogs give years of loyal service to their handlers and their communities, often working in demanding and high-risk environments most people never see. When their working life ends, that service and sacrifice doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.”
Zippy worked for Surrey and Sussex Police but had to retire early after being diagnosed with Immune-mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA) where the body’s immune system attacks its red blood cells.
The Foundation has helped with the cost of Zippy’s medication and also covered the bill when he needed urgent veterinary treatment for acute pancreatitis.
Ed, from Cellebrite, added: “Supporting Zippy’s retirement through the Thin Blue Paw Foundation felt like a natural fit for Cellebrite. It’s a reminder that behind every investigation, every case and every piece of evidence, there are real people, and in this case, four-legged colleagues, doing difficult work to keep communities safe.”
