A police dog who tracked a man threatening others with a crossbow in Mansfield has retired after a seven-year career with Nottinghamshire Police.

PD Akie first joined Nottinghamshire Police in 2013 when he was just seven weeks old before undertaking his initial general police dog course early the next year. Akie and his handler, Pc Mark Haywood, have been together from the start, with Pc Haywood initially puppy walking Akie as well as attending his initial courses with him.

Pc Haywood said: “During his career as a police dog, Akie grew in a very confident and capable dog and everyone knew he was there on the radio as he constantly barked whilst in the police car eager to get out and chase people.”

“His forte in life was detaining all kinds of criminals in Nottinghamshire and some even thought they could out run him but no one ever did.

“Akie was never the greatest dog at tracking but once he became familiar with the smell of a criminal he excelled.

“During a particular firearms job, he tracked a man who had threatened his partner with a loaded crossbow and then went out on to the streets of Mansfield.

“Akie was in his harness and tracked the man in Ravensdale and on to a park at night, where he located the man still holding the crossbow in the distance. He gave chase and detained the man, who dropped the loaded crossbow, making it safe for the firearms officers to go forward to detain him.”

Akie received several recognitions for his work. One of these was a Crown Court Commendation from a judge after tracking offenders from a vehicle that sped off after police tried to stop it. Akie tracked the people for over a mile, which linked the people to the vehicle, helping to find them guilty at crown court.

Sergeant Gavin Berry of Nottinghamshire Police’s Dog Section said: “Pc Haywood and PD Akie have been a phenomenal team and have rightly been recognised for their achievements along the way.

“This duo will have been a welcome sight for many colleagues over the years. It’s always sad to see our dogs grow old but a dog and handler team will experience a unique bond.

“To place your trust and life in a Police dog is an absolute privilege. Akie can now enjoy a well-earned retirement and pass on his wisdom to Pc Haywood’s new GP dog, PD Morse.

“Well done PD Akie and thank you for your service.”

Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “PD Akie has been a real asset to the force and he has certainly had a very successful career alongside PC Haywood.

“It’s great to hear that he will get to spend his retirement at home with PC Haywood who he has been with since beginning his career with us.

“I’d just like to thank PD Akie and Pc Haywood for their work together, and we wish Akie a very happy and comfortable retirement.”