Prison officer Charlie, 38, and his working partner Eric, a black Labrador, won the triple crown at the HMPPS Dog Trial Finals at Prison Service College Newbold Revel in Warwickshire.
The trials test prison dogs and their handlers across three disciplines: operational searches, distraction-filled carousels, and a prop square made up of 20 cones with one target scent, which the pooches must negotiate in 40 seconds.
Charlie and Eric won all three disciplines.
Charlie said: “I entered the dog trials not thinking much of it, but found myself getting through each stage with Eric, and then we were invited to the finals. I was more nervous than Eric, but Eric was incredible.”
The pair met after Charlie, who joined the prison service in security at HMP Pentonville, saw prison dog handlers in action and knew he had found his calling.
Charlie met Eric, and their bond was instant. They developed a strong partnership, and with the support of Charlie’s team, he was encouraged to enter the trials, in which dogs working across the prison estate, alongside their handlers, compete to be crowned top dog.
Charlie describes Eric as “so soft and placid, a real daddy’s boy, and the only Labrador who is picky about his food”.
Charlie also works with Alice, an active dog and a cocker spaniel whose energy he describes as the opposite “like a firework going off in her head”. Both live with Charlie, which makes for never a dull moment.
Prison dogs work alongside their human colleagues to keep prisons safe and secure. There are hundreds working across UK prisons. The four-legged heroes not only live with their handlers but are their dedicated partners at work too.
Eric and Alice are trained to sniff out illegal items and substances, and general purpose dogs will de-escalate tense situations.
The success highlights the diverse and rewarding career paths available within HMPPS. For Charlie, the role represents the perfect combination of professional challenge and personal fulfilment.
He said: “To be a good dog handler, the bond is the crucial part. It is genuinely the best job and it is so rewarding.”
