There will be new paw-lice on the beat in the Bay of Plenty as two new police dog and handler teams graduate from the Dog Training Centre at Trentham.

After six years on the front lines with New Zealand Police, Constable Max Weallens began training with his new canine colleague, Phelix, a few months ago, he told the NZ Police Ten One magazine.

“He’s a big dog – he stands as tall as me when he’s on his hind legs, but he’s a lovely dog and can be chill when he needs to be,” Weallens said.

Weallens, who would be based in Tauranga with Phelix, said he was grateful for the help and training from his colleagues in the coastal Bay of Plenty Dog Section.

“It will be good to get back out on the street and support the frontline with my new partner,” he said.

Senior Constable Walter Treviranus from Rotorua fulfilled his dream of becoming a dog handler after the ‘woofing in’ ceremony with his first police dog, Ultrah.

Ten One magazine reported he and Weallens joined Constable Scott Crewe of Hamilton as first-time handlers graduating alongside experienced officer Senior Constable Hugo du Plessis from Tāmaki Makaurau with his second dog, Thored.

The the ceremony was held earlier this month in front of whānau and friends, Police executive members and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell.

Commissioner Richard Chambers congratulated the group upon completing the training.

“It’s a proud day for all four teams, both experienced and new,” Chambers said.

“Our new graduates are a significant boost to our frontline capacity, and we are proud to have them join us.”

Crowe said he looked forward to his first shift with H-Jordy a few days after graduation.

“I’ve enjoyed training with him,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the team at Waikato Dog Section for all their help getting us to this point.”

Policing runs deep in Scott’s family – his mum is a former police officer, his dad is a retired senior sergeant, and his brother and sister serve constables.