Lapping up the love COPPER JANE CAPTURES THE MAGIC

The forensic photographer shines a light on future working-dog heroes

- Cloe Willetts

Jane Dunn's job as a senior constable is serious work. A forensic photographer for NZ Police, she has the responsibility of capturing crime and incident scenes including homicides, fatal car crashes and post-mortems. But there's a lighter side to the Wellington officer's career. With the help of mini denim jackets, banana costumes and pint-sized tuxedos, Jane also uses her lens to capture police dogs and puppies in training.

Canine candid camera

These German shepherd pups are already feeling the full weight of the law!

“I'm very passionate about forensics and love my job, but I've seen all the worst things you can imagine and it can be quite confronting,” says Jane, 42, whose forensic work covers the wider Wellington area and the Wairarapa. “For me, the police dog stuff is a real breath of fresh air and I do it for my sanity. I love capturing these majestic animals in cool ways and coming up with funny ideas."

Jane started posting photos of pups and operational dogs on her social media in 2015, after she took snaps for the first NZ Police Dog Trust calendar. When she realised how much creativity was involved in photographing canines and their handlers in action, this officer, who's worked in several frontline roles, knew she'd found her happy place.