Drugs Detection Dogs

Potential Drugs detection dog’s handlers participate in an 100(GLH) course, led by our experienced staff of ex-military personnel.

DD dog teams are trained at our facility in the centre of the United Kingdom where we offer theoretical and practical training for novice and experienced “narco dog” teams.

We are Home Office licensed and our services are proven to achieve proficient and reliable DD dog teams that are prepared for whatever task you need accomplished.

Basic search techniques and live drug training on real substances provided by the Forensic Science Service is completed here at our establishment prior to moving the teams to realistic scenarios relevant to their individual operational requirements.

With such intense circumstances, you can be assured that our teams have received the most comprehensive drug dog training available.

Whether you need enhanced security measures for licensed establishments such as night clubs or concert venues, airports, amusement parks, ports of call, or other important, high-traffic areas, the DD teams trained by Watchdogs Ltd are prepared for the job.

All dogs are trained to indicate the presence of target substances with a “passive” indication and the handlers have the option of three different courses:

Proactive: The Area or Venue Search Dog

The drug detection team will operate mainly with the dog off leash (where safety permits) under the full control of its handler.

The search team will be able to cover large areas in a relatively short time. The team will search classrooms, cloakrooms, washrooms, toilets, storage and staff areas, offices, delivery points, dance floors, seating areas, bars, vehicles and certain outside areas if deemed appropriate.

The searching technique is tried and tested for the purpose of identifying areas where drugs have been concealed or have been used.

This provides the management and/or security team with important information to enable them to take any necessary action.

When carried out as a high profile exercise this type of search is an excellent deterrent.

Passive: The People Screening

The dog will be operated on the leash and under the full control of its handler.

The individuals entering the buildings will simply have to walk past the Drug Detection dog on their way into the establishment.

The dogs are trained to have minimal contact with the persons as they screen them.

This screening will compliment any door searching or other security routine and may save the need for any overly intrusive body searches.

The dog team may also be utilised to search members of staff if required.

This second type of search is ideal for screening people for any drugs that they may have concealed about their person or are carrying in bags etc.

The objective of this type of search is to prevent any drugs from being carried on to the premises when it is open and to deter individuals from attempting to bring drugs in to the premises.

Multi Purpose: Combination of both the above

Multi purpose dogs combine the role of both the proactive and passive dog.

Available Courses

Watchdogs Ltd routinely offer Drugs Dog Hanlders courses. Each course is run from the Watchdogs head office and prices are available on application. For further information, please contact David Hollis on 0870 750 0545.

Watchdogs Ltd offer the HABC Level 3 Certificate For A Drug Detection Dog Handler In Conjunction With NASDU

INTRODUCTION:

The HABC Level 3 Certificate for a Drug Detection Dog Handler aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as a Drug Detection Dog Team.

This qualification has been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler and the training requirements contained within BS 8517-2:2010, (in that) it is an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria.

For Whom Suitable:
This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have experience as General Purpose Security Dog Handlers, Door Supervisors or Security Officers and wish to become Passive Drug Detection Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police, Prison Service or Customs Officers who wish to take on a Drug Detection Dog Handler role in the private security industry.

Awarding Body:
HABC Authorised by the regulatory authority OFQUAL
Recognised Awarding Body by the SIA

Level:
Level 3 – Certificate

Course Duration:
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks normally 3 and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 100 guided learning hours (GLH’s).

GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their tutor and not the duration of a course.

Programme Structure:
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 units all of which are compulsory (see content).

Prior Learning:
All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. licence (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a Door Supervisor role.

The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog. The dog should possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.

Learners who have proven drug detection dog handling experience as a Police or Prison Officer or a Member of HM Armed Forces within the last 5 years may apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL). A minimum of 15 GLH’s shall be required for final assessment and examination and to confirm understanding of the private security industry dog sector.

It is strongly recommended that learners and their dog are assessed prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.

Assessment:
Course assessment shall be of the team and carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer; internal moderation shall be carried out by NASDU. External moderation shall be carried out by HABC.

The mode of assessment shall be by ongoing practical assessment, by question and answer sessions by a written examination and final practical examination.

Final assessment/examination regarding the indication of target scents shall be carried out by a suitably qualified examiner (i.e. ACPO) that does not have an interest in the learner passing the qualification.

Certification:
Certificate(s) shall be for the handler and also as a Team i.e. handler and dog.

There are three types of Drugs Detection Dog Handler Courses available, the Proactive and the Passive (each a minimum of 100 GLH) and the Multipurpose a combination of the previous two (a minimum of 150 GLH)

Content:
Unit 1 (20 GLH)
Roles and Responsibilities of a Drug Detection Dog Handler:

• Underpinning Knowledge

Unit 2 (10 GLH)
Control/Welfare:

• Selection
• Control
• Recall

Unit 3 Passive (50 GLH)
Operational Control:

• Prior Assessment
• Scanning for Narcotics
• Indication of Narcotics
• Arrest

Unit 3 Pro Active (50 GLH)
Operational Controls:

• Prior Assessment
• Locating – Building Search
• Locating – Vehicle Search
• Locating – Open Terrain Search
• Indication – Building Search
• Indication – Vehicle Search
• Indication – Open Search
• Safe Systematic Search

Unit 4 (10 GLH)
Health and Safety:

• Health & Safety Assessment
• Grooming
• Load & Unload
• Emergency First Aid

Unit 5 (10 GLH)
Management:

• Operational Management
• Storage, Use and Transportation
• Progression of Training