Legendary Nottinghamshire police dog Akie is retiring

A police dog who never let a criminal escape him is set to retire after seven years of catching bad guys.
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Akie first joined Nottinghamshire Police in 2013 when he was just seven weeks old before taking his general police dog training early the next year.

Akie and his handler, PC Mark Haywood, have been together from the start, with PC Haywood walking Akie as well as attending his courses with him.

He said: "During his career as a police dog, Akie grew into a very confident and capable dog.

Police dog Akie is retiring after seven years of service to Nottinghamshire PolicePolice dog Akie is retiring after seven years of service to Nottinghamshire Police
Police dog Akie is retiring after seven years of service to Nottinghamshire Police

“Everyone knew he was there on the radio as he constantly barked whilst in the police car eager to get out and chase people.

“His forte in life was detaining all kinds of criminals in Nottinghamshire and some even thought they could out run him but no-one ever did."

Akie assisted with a number of successful jobs and operations, with one incident during his early days ranking high on his achievements.

He searched the Lenton Triangle in Nottingham where he found and gave chase to a couple of men who failed to stop for police.

It resulted in a firearm being found in the car, with Akie tracking the offenders to a garden where he detained them so they could be arrested.

PC Haywood added: “Akie was never the greatest dog at tracking but once he became familiar with the smell of a criminal he excelled.

“During a particular firearms job, he tracked a man who had threatened his partner with a loaded crossbow and then went out onto the streets of Mansfield.

“Akie was in his harness and tracked the man in Ravensdale and onto a park at night where he located the man still holding the crossbow in the distance.

“He gave chase and detained the man who dropped the loaded crossbow, making it safe for the firearms officers to go forward to detain him.”

Akie received several awards for his work, one of these being a Crown Court Commendation from the judge.

He earned it after he tracked offenders for more than a mile after a vehicle sped off after police tried to stop it.

They eventually caught those responsible, who were later sentenced in court.

During 2019, it became clear Akie's commitment and service over the years was beginning to take a toll on his body.

While out searching for a missing person, he injured the carpal joint in his leg by chipping his bone and snapping his ligaments.

Handler PC Haywood was forced to carry the 40 kilogram dog back to the police car.

Akie is slowly improving now, but is ready for his retirement where he will be pampered at home with Mark.

Sergeant Gavin Berry of Nottinghamshire Police's dog section said: "PC Haywood and Akie have been a phenomenal team and have rightly been recognised for their achievements along the way.

“This duo will have been a welcome sight for many colleagues over the years. It’s always sad to see our dogs grow old but a dog and handler team will experience a unique bond.

“To place your trust and life in a police dog is an absolute privilege.

“Akie can now enjoy a well-earned retirement and pass on his wisdom to PC Haywood’s new dog Morse.

“Well done Akie and thank you for your service."

Chief Constable Craig Guildford added: “PD Akie has been a real asset to the force and he has certainly had a very successful career alongside PC Haywood.

“It's great to hear that he will get to spend his retirement at home with PC Haywood who he has been with since beginning his career with us.

“I'd just like to thank Akie and PC Haywood for their work together, and we wish Akie a very happy and comfortable retirement.”