WA Police to relocate Broome’s crime-fighting dog PD Hank to Perth as canine unit goes FIFO

The Kimberley will soon lose its local police dog despite a mass community outcry earlier in the year as WA Police centralises its canine section in Perth. Described as one of the most “highly valued” members of the Kimberley District force, police dog Hank, has been patrolling the streets of Broome since 2019. After news broke in May Hank might be sent to Perth, the community took to Facebook in a poll which received more than 700 votes for the pooch to remain in the Kimberley. In response to the outcry, police backflipped on their decision later that month, assuring he would remain posted to the Kimberley as an integral part of rapid response. But the Kimberley District was recently advised the canine team would be relocated to Perth as part of a broader restructure and centralisation of the unit. “While it will be disappointing to many in the Kimberley community that they will no longer have a permanent canine team in the district, it is recognised the current deployment model needed to change in the best interest of the police dog and their handler,” a WA Police spokesperson said. Many factors were considered during a recent review of the decision, which impacted on all regional canine teams and identified local challenges. It was established in the current environment, the centralisation of the canine section would ensure the police dogs and their handlers maintained a high level of effectiveness, while ensuring the best welfare for the dogs. “While there is no longer a permanent canine team presence, the Kimberley District will continue to be supported by canine section,” a WA Police spokesperson said. “The community can expect to see canine teams being deployed during operations, investigations and incidents.” The canine handler was given the opportunity to transfer to Perth with Hank, but will remain in the Kimberley. “The way in which law enforcement duties are delivered will continue to change in the Kimberley District, an example being the recent introduction of police drones,” a WA Police spokesperson said. “Police will continue to make the most of all the resources and provide the best possible service to the community.”