POLICE in Gwent are looking for new recruits - but the rookie cops won't need a uniform.

The force is in need of some canine assistance to replace three long-serving dogs who are ready to hang up their collars and leads and retire.

And dog handler PC Tony Radford is appealing to Argus readers who may know of a German Shepherd dog suitable for a career in the Force.

There are currently 23 police dogs to cover Gwent and the majority are gifts from the public.

But there is a particular recruitment problem at the moment.

Post September 11, the war on terrorism has meant a national shortage, particularly of sniffer dogs, as more and more private firms take them on to boost their security.

PC Radford has been in his role for eight years, the same time as his dog Jake, the regional champion in police dog trials.

But he said: "Jake is slowing up and I know I need to change him. He'll stay with me then and I'll look after him.

"We've been using German Shepherds for over 50 years and can't get another dog to equal them, let alone beat them.

"They are a complete all-round working dog. So many dogs are bred for their looks, not their temperament or abilities, so they don't have the intelligence.

"We don't care what they look like."

PC Radford explained what he was looking for in a police dog: "Ideally, they should be aged between six months and two years.

"We look for dogs that are confident, inquisitive and ball-mad - they will do absolutely anything for a ball because it's the only treat they get.

"People tend to gift them to us because although they are cute when they're little, they need exercise daily and then there's the food bills and vet's bills.

"We are looking to take on as many as we can, but we really need four at this moment in time."

Fellow dog handler PC Nick Price, pictured with New recruit Oscar, needs a dog to take to training school with him in September.

Oscar is only seven-months-old and not mature enough yet for proper training.

PC Price said: "I've been here a month now and have found five, maybe six, dogs that are totally unsuitable

"Oscar came from a lady in Coedkernew who had arthritis in her hands and was finding him hard to control.

"The only thing against him is he's going to take a bit longer to mature and won't be ready by September."

* If you have a dog you think would be suitable for life in the police force, call 01291 672245.