A cocker spaniel named Bramble has become a key asset in police investigations by specializing in locating digital devices that can provide crucial evidence in criminal cases. Based in Worcestershire, Bramble is one of approximately 60 so-called “digi-dogs” working across the United Kingdom, trained to detect the chemical compounds found on memory chips and circuit boards in electronic devices.
Bramble’s handler, Police Constable Mary Stone, credited the dog’s skills with assisting in various investigations, including a high-profile murder case in 2024. The case began when a man, Chris Hemming from Redditch, called emergency services to confess to stabbing his ex-partner Cheryl McKenna. During the investigation, Bramble successfully located a wireless portable storage device hidden in McKenna’s car. The data recovered from this device contributed to the prosecution, leading to Hemming’s life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years.
Retrieved from an animal shelter at eight months old by West Mercia Police, Bramble was initially earmarked for general police work but was later trained for digital detection. PC Stone, who is 38 years old, took on the responsibility of training Bramble herself in a 13-week process, teaching the dog to signal discoveries by wagging her tail and remaining stationary until given permission to move. This close working relationship requires constant interpretation of Bramble’s behavior, as signs can be subtle and varied.
Bramble’s motivation during training and operations is driven by the reward of a preferred toy, a red Kong, which Stone uses to encourage focus and responsiveness. Despite Bramble’s small size and generally friendly appearance, she is effective in carrying out searches, often surprising those involved with her precision. Stone noted that even suspects sometimes respond positively to Bramble’s visits.
Stone, who joined the police force at age 26, described working with Bramble as the highlight of her career. She emphasized the interdependence between handler and dog, highlighting that while the dog has the olfactory capability to detect devices, the handler directs and supports the dog throughout the process. Stone also manages additional police dogs, including a Belgian Malinois and retired canines with specialized roles such as victim detection.
Bramble’s rising profile has been amplified by her appearance on the true crime documentary series Murder 24/7, where her digital detection skills were showcased. This visibility has drawn public attention and appreciation for the unique contributions of police dogs in modern investigations.
The introduction of digi-dogs like Bramble marks a significant development in law enforcement’s ability to uncover crucial digital evidence that might otherwise go undetected, enhancing the effectiveness of criminal investigations across the UK.