Recommendation MAI-45: Ensure effective explosive detection dog deployment
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
The Home Office, 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.
In brief (written by this site)
The Cabinet Office reported in February 2026 that the recommendation had been completed and closed, stating that Chief Constables agreed the availability of explosive ordnance disposal dogs at the National Chiefs Council and that this was included in the Strategic Policing Requirement (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). The UK Government had previously accepted the recommendation in full in November 2025 (Cabinet Office response, Nov 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The record reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says completed (27 February 2026)
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.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
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.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement