THE Thames Valley Police dog unit will be reduced in size by a total of 15 officers in a cost cutting exercise.

The reduction comes despite chairman of the TVP Federation Craig O’Leary warning it would have an 'unknown impact’ on the area’s policing, which would not be felt until it was ‘too late’.

The new streamlined Joint Operations Dog Unit of Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary will consist of 40 handler constables and four handler sergeants, reduced from its current make up of six sergeants and 53 constables.

ACC Operations for Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary Dave Hardcastle, said: “Our Dog Unit is, and will continue to be, a valued resource that is key to the operational tactics that we have available to deploy.”

The federation will be consulted over the decision.