Ensure effective explosive detection dog deployment
His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, Counter Terrorism Policing Headquarters and the College of Policing should take steps to ensure that all police services have in place effective systems for the prompt deployment of explosives detection dogs in circumstances in which such animals are needed.
- Chief Constables agreed at the National Chiefs Council the availability of explosive ordnance detection dogs, which is now included in the Strategic Policing Requirement (Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, Cabinet Office, February 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Home Secretary made a written statement to Parliament on 3 November 2022 following publication of Volume 2, acknowledging the findings on emergency response failures and stating the government would work with emergency services to implement improvements. The response committed to reviewing interoperability arrangements between emergency services and strengthening joint training and exercising protocols for major incidents.
Progress Timeline
Chief Constables agreed at National Chiefs Council the availability of EOD Dogs. This is now included in the Strategic Policing Requirement. Workstream has been completed and closed.
Chief Constables agreed at National Chiefs Council the availability of EOD Dogs. This is now included in the Strategic Policing Requirement. Workstream has been completed and closed.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Source type badge indicates whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent 3 April 2025. Creates two tiers: Standard Duty (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Duty (800+). SIA will be regulator. Not yet in force -- at least 24 months before enforcement (expected April 2027).
NPCC, Counter Terrorism Policing and College of Policing provided comprehensive updates to Sir John Saunders demonstrating "continued drive to improve collective response to terrorist incidents."
View detailed findings
Representatives working with UK Intelligence Community to address closed Volume Three recommendations. Cross-government monitoring ongoing.