The demand for working dogs, both detection and patrol dogs, has increased during the pandemic and continues to play a key role in securing businesses and supporting the steady opening of our much-missed entertainment and sports venues as we return to some sense of normality.

In this article we consider the increasingly key role dog teams play in providing an effective and dynamic security solution during this phase of the pandemic.

Paws on the ground first

Dog teams provide a versatile, mobile and rapid screening service which is non-intrusive and efficient. Using their natural abilities (hunt and prey drives), dogs can detect a wide range of items, including drugs, explosives, pyrotechnics, currency and mobile phones. Unlike machinery, dogs can screen both metallic and non-metallic objects. Whilst explosives-detection devices can flag the presence of explosives, dogs will indicate the explosive and its location.

Force multiplier

A handler and dog can swiftly and discreetly security screen an area, on average, a quarter of the time taken by a single security officer. Handlers and their dogs work in unison, complementing each other, working as a team, allowing the handler to communicate any areas of interest/concerns to other agencies that are involved in the search.

COVID-secure screening

In a world where social distancing has become the preferred norm, a dog team becomes the ideal screening solution. Detection dogs deployed on an extended lead can screen a bag without the handler encroaching on social distancing guidelines. This method is non-intrusive and swift. It can reduce the need for manual searches, thus speeding up entry points and safeguarding personnel/visitors. However, the need to search for other contraband, such as bladed weapons, must be factored in.

New standards within the Canine Security profession

The National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme – Private Security Industry (NCTAS-P) was launched earlier this year. This new scheme sets standards for the explosives detection dog team accreditation in the private security sector.

The NCTAS-P scheme is one element of Counter Terrorism Policing’s Step Change Programme, initiated in response to recent terrorist attacks. The programme recognises the important role the private security industry plays in protecting a wide variety of important sites, venues and events.

A skilled, experienced and highly trained workforce is fundamental to the delivery of a top-quality security service. The same principle applies to our working dog teams, which is why the introduction of this new NCTAS-P standard is important.

A multi-layered approach

An optimum security operation has multiple layers. Dog teams effectively complement a security personnel and technology provision, resulting in an overall robust, effective and reliable solution. The presence of dogs and handlers not only provides a visible deterrent, but also reassurance to businesses and the public.

Andrew Dodds

Head of Canine Security Services

ICTS UK & Ireland

www.icts.co.uk

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How did security dog Marley get into the security profession? What does this job entail and what advice would he give others looking to follow in his paws?

I first met Marley one bright sunny summer morning in Canary Wharf just before he started work with his handler John.

GB: Marley, how did you initially get into the security profession?

Marley: I was born in Hull and as a pup I grew up in Halifax, West Yorkshire with a lovely lady and her children. As I was quite a boisterous young pup with bundles of energy, she soon saw the potential to divert my energy elsewhere. So, she contacted South Yorkshire Police when I was 18 months old, and after passing my Police Accredited Explosive Training, I was transferred to John at ICTS.

GB: What does your job entail and what is the best thing about your role?

Marley: Keeping people safe in Canary Wharf, being part of the Canary Wharf Management Team, networking, meeting new people and developing relationships – so much so I now have my own business cards.

GB: You really have your own business cards?

Marley: Yes, I’ll get John to give you one when we get back to the office.

Plus, I get free private medical, 25 days‘ holiday a year, free grooming, an unlimited supply of balls and I’m chauffeur driven everywhere in an air-conditioned vehicle – plus, I get to work with humans.

GB: What has been the highlight of your career?

Marley: Passing the Police Accredited Explosive Detection Course with South Yorkshire Police,  working at cool places such as Canary Wharf, Emirates Stadium, NEC and a variety of red carpet events where I have met many celebrities.

GB: What skills do you believe are important in your role?

Marley: You need to be dedicated, have stamina, combined with a nose for the business and the ability to achieve something humans can’t.

GB: How does technology support you in your role?

Marley: I’m microchipped, which provides an audit trail of my training and confirms my authenticity, plus John also helps me with his radio, body cam and link to the control centre/CCTV.

GB: What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the K9 sector?

Marley: Be prepared for hard work, early starts, make sure you get the relevant qualifications and have the appetite to develop and learn new things.

GB: How has your role changed since you first started?

Marley: The threat and crime space has changed over the years, so I have needed to adapt and learn new smells/substances.

GB: Have you completed your GRIFFIN/ACT training?

Marley: After securing all my relevant K9 qualifications/certifications I made sure John was equally as well qualified/licensed. So in-between chauffeuring me to and from work (and being an excellent ball thrower) he added his SIA licence plus Griffin/ACT training to our partnership.

GB: How would you like to see your career progress?

Marley: To be Top Dog.

NB: my thanks to Jed Marshall, Paul Ash and John Graham at ICTS for this article and allowing me to spend time with them and, of course, ‘the boisterous one’.

Graham Bassett, Editorial Committee

City Security magazine

See also related articles in our Guard Dogs archive of articles.

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In response to changing threats in aviation, the Department for Transport (DfT) is developing a new aviation strategy, and Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs) form part of their commitment to achieving a safe, secure and sustainable aviation sector. The certification and continuous quality assurance process incorporates stringent tests set by DfT and overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Following a recent live demonstration, Baroness Sugg, Aviation Minister said, “Free running explosive detection dogs are the latest addition to the government’s multi-layered approach to tackling potential aviation security threats. The ability of these highly-skilled dogs to detect small amounts of vapour from explosives hidden in cargo will bolster our existing rigorous security methods, and I was really impressed to see them in action.”

Since the 1950s, Securitas has used specialist dogs as part of their protective services.

In 2011, Canine Services were introduced into the Specialist Protective Services division in Securitas UK and within six years,  this became the first, and currently only, organisation to achieve certification for Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs).

Selecting and training FREDDS

Training FREDDs begins with discerning dog selection.

Securitas’ dogs include Labradors, Cocker and Springer Spaniels, and Malinois, but we look for any dog that can be trained to the highest search and detect standards, and that can work effectively in loud, challenging environments.

The basic assessment and training period can take between three and five months, depending on the confidence, capability and aptitude of the dog. Using clicker training techniques, the dogs are exposed to a variety of scents, including distractors such as cardboard packaging, bubble wrap and tape.

As training progresses, the dog can differentiate specific odours and will indicate their presence with a passive response – a clear signal to their handler that an explosive odour has been detected.

Once training is complete, the dogs undergo four levels of testing, including odour detection and role play scenarios in live and simulated environments, before they can be FREDD certified. Set out by DfT, the tests are filmed and independently assessed under supervised conditions.

Becoming a dog handler

The Securitas Canine Services team have more than 90 years’ dog training experience between them: our senior trainers all previously served in the Royal Air Force Police and have themselves received rigorous training and deployment in a variety of demanding environments.

While a police or military background provides evidence of a structured training regime, it’s not essential in our handler selection. Demonstrable, exceptional handling skills are fundamental to this role and, above anything else, a natural affinity with dogs is the key element we’re looking for.

We look for handlers with a passion and drive in training dogs, who understand the welfare needs of their dog and put these needs at the forefront of any task.  Handling and training dogs never stops – this isn’t a 9 to 5 job, with tools switched off at the end of the working day.

A handler must be able to integrate a highly intelligent dog into their daily life. Play time, grooming and TLC, as well as reinforcing obedience (for example, manners at breakfast or recall in the park), all play an important part of the dog’s ongoing training for its key role at work.

A keen eye for detail is also a vital quality of our handlers – they need to be able to recognise the slightest indication from the dog of the presence of a potential threat, in addition to maintaining regulated audit records to the highest standard.

Canine Services

Securitas Security Services (UK) Ltd

www.securitas.uk.com/security-services/on-site-security/canine

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We are living in troubled times. Islamic state, by whatever name, is “reaching out” over increasing geographical territory and it’s not to have a chin wag and a cup of tea!

Budget cuts to law enforcement, reduction in services, a Border Force under pressure and an almost daily increase in the number of refugees entering Europe is placing pressure on our ability to protect what we value. The latest report from Europol, “Changes in modus operandi of Islamic State terrorist attacks”, dated 18th January 2016, together with regular pieces from papers such as The Telegraph are not to be ignored. This is a problem that affects our whole society, not just within the commercial world or infrastructure, but what do we do about it?

There are as many ways of looking at remedies as there are threats, so some thought must be applied. The cost of implementing measures versus the results of those measures would be a good start.

Think, if my area of responsibility is shut down due to a suspicious package or incident, what will the knock-on effects be? Trading floors closed? Retail outlets closed? Core business suspended?

At the front of your mind, and what drives the blue light response, will be the safety of your staff and any members of the public who may use your facilities, but what will the financial cost be? For a shopping centre, retailers could lose thousands in revenue. Trading floor closure could be far more damaging financially. Then, after possibly several hours, the blue light response teams declare the incident a false alarm, albeit reported with good intent.  Ouch!

Explosive Detection Dogs

One tool in the armoury of protective measures is the ability to have a suspect object, whether accidently discarded by the public/staff or delivered by courier, quickly checked by Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD).

Many users of this service take the view that the financial outlay is far outweighed by the ability to confirm if the reported threat needs to be escalated or not. If the threat has substance (an indication from the EDD), then action plans are put into motion. If not, then normality can resume with the minimum of disruption whilst having ensured that staff and public are protected fully within their corporate responsibilities.

EDD teams are used for mail and cargo screening, vehicle search, aircraft search, area search, goods-in screening and, under specifically controlled circumstances, the screening of people and hand-held belongings. Dependant on client requirements, they can be deployed in an overt posture (highly visible to reassure staff and the public that the client takes their safety and wellbeing seriously and to be seen during any hostile reconnaissance, resulting in the deflection of any attack) or covertly.

What is an Explosive Detection Dogs team?

So, what is an EDD team?  Most people think of “bomb” dogs as cute spaniels (“fluffies” as the Marines call them) or labradors, which to some extent is true, due to UK public perception of search dogs.

Explosive Detection Dogs undergo many hours of training with the handler resulting in the canine being able to indicate to the handler a variety of explosive scent “pictures”. Dogs should be able to indicate on amounts of substance as small as 1 gram or less to large amounts of 15 kilos or more. However, a fully trained EDD can only indicate if a scent is detectable to the dog.

Explosive Detection Dogs training

Training is to ACPO (now known as NPCC) and DAC (Defence Animal Centre) standards via BS 7517-2: 2010 Code of practice for the use of detection dogs. BS 7517-2 is available for any client or potential client to read and allows potential users to understand the minimum requirements of an EDD team and ask the right questions when sourcing an EDD service. It also provides an end user the ability to comply with their audit requirements and due diligence needs.

Competent EDD service providers will be ISO inspected by one of the following: BSI, NSI, SSAIB, CCSA and ISOQAR. Continuation Training must be completed by a certified trainer at least monthly and recorded. An annual certification test must be completed and recorded. A competent service provider will provide training, continuation training and annual certification records together with insurance details, and should be pleased to allow any potential client or existing client to visit the kennels to complete due diligence checks. Some providers, via the local Police Force, will also arrange for a long-term client to have their own dedicated training aid store. A few providers will have handlers certified with two dogs, allowing more search or harness time per handler, thus reducing cost. It also provides comfort to the client in that if one dog becomes non-operational for any reason, the service can still be provided, albeit with one animal.

Now the question! To act or not to act? That is down to you and your employer, but be assured that a competent EDD team can be a valuable, flexible and cost-effective addition to your protection package.

RFA Security

www.rfasecurity.co.uk

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In the Middle East, security awareness is unsurprisingly high, with Governments in high political risk countries investing in security measures to both secure properties and people, but also to reassure companies they offer a safe haven to conduct business.

How effective is the increasing use of security dogs in the Middle East, both in airports and elsewhere?

The use of dogs by Government officers to detect illegal substances, explosives and stowaways at airports and border controls has been commonplace since the 1960s. Initially, many countries conducted their canine searches away from the public gaze, but the recognition that dogs with handlers in action can also provide a strong visible deterrent meant that dogs soon became fully integrated with the enforcement officers on the ground dealing with the general public.

Globally, the aviation security industry has long embraced the integration of dogs into their security programmes. Capable of screening cargo, mail and large volumes of people efficiently, dogs also provide a complementary detection tool alongside high tech mechanisms, such as trace particle detection and x-ray machines.

Trust in security dogs

The level of trust the general public place on security dogs is now also extremely high – a recent U.S. passenger poll, to establish how best to reduce drug smuggling into Grand Cayman airport, showed more than 62% felt the most preferable method would be to introduce or increase the presence of sniffer dogs.

In general, the use and acceptance of security dogs as a key security device is increasing in the Middle East as well, and not just with state institutions, but also with private businesses, who are activity seeking professional dog security.

CCTV and dog security together

Dogs and handlers certainly don’t replace or negate the need for more modern techniques such as CCTV or Wireless Intruder Detection Systems, instead they augment the security and, particularly when there are large spaces and perimeters to patrol, such as airport terminals, they can be much more effective. Dogs also ensure the security officers are not exposed unduly to risk while on patrol.

Generally, people tend to be more scared of dogs than cameras, so the presence of a dog on any site can often be a strong enough deterrent to stop a criminal act occurring.   For the aviation industry, particularly in countries near war zones or with a high risk of domestic unrest, this provides a strong reason to incorporate an element of dog security into their tightening security programmes.

Dog handling is a highly skilled, specialist role that requires handlers to undergo rigorous training regimes and the companies that provide them to pass and maintain the highest possible accreditations and standards in order to provide dog security.

The value of the police dog, not just in transportation security, has been recognised in the UK for a long time and for that reason the UK has built a reputation for excellence in the provision of highly skilled guard and detection security dogs.

David Ward

Managing Director, Ward Security

www.ward-security.co.uk

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An unhappy beginning

I arrive at a mid-terrace property in South Wales; the owner has advertised a dog for sale on the internet. As I stand in the kitchen talking, I am aware of a small black scruff, jumping up at the window. After several minutes looking at this bouncy dog, I am led out of the back door and into a tiny back yard, to be greeted by a small black dog who immediately deposits paw prints all over my trousers and jacket.

As I try to brush off the prints, I notice the paving slabs can barely be seen for dog faeces. There’s a small wooden shed in the corner of the yard, strewn with rubbish, torn plastic sacks and broken window glass: this is home for the little black spaniel bitch, Pip. That was on Saturday 25th February 2012, a day that I will not forget as Wales were playing England in the Six Nations. It’s a match that, as a proud Welshman, I would never normally miss, but Chester, my current explosive detection dog, was approaching his 12^th birthday and I needed to find his replacement. A dog I could train and have operationally ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

I decided to give the owner the £210 he had asked for Pip. I would normally have taken time to assess a potential sniffer dog and carry out suitability tests, but on this occasion I let my heart rule my head. I’m pleased I did.

Life as an Explosive Detection Dog

Twelve months on and I hope that Pip has forgotten about her miserable existence before becoming a “bomb dog”. During her training she has been introduced to dozens of new and exciting environments; train stations and ferry terminals, schools and building sites, even Trafalgar Square. Not once has she been fazed, something I still find astonishing given the start she had in life. In order for her to carry out a role as an Explosive Detection Dog (EDD), it was necessary to put her through her paces rigorously, as she is expected to carry out searches in almost any environment, without being put off by the location or anything going on around her.

During the past eight months Pip and I have travelled the length and breadth of the UK carrying out explosive searches. Vehicle checkpoints, rugby and football stadiums, colleges, office blocks, theatres, post rooms, aircraft, ships and exhibition centres are just some examples of the day-to-day searches that are now part of Pip’s life. Since becoming operational, she has carried out 129 explosive detection searches, not bad for a dog that at one point in her life had such a bleak future. Chester is now happily retired and Pip has turned out to be a remarkable little search dog.

Today, Pip is a fully trained and fully operational EDD. Following many weeks of training she can detect all of the current explosive threat scents which might be found here in the UK, from trace explosive scents to bulk quantities of explosives.

But it doesn’t always turn out so successfully. Had Pip not developed into such a gifted sniffer dog, she would have been added to my growing collection of dogs which haven’t made the grade. Finding a sniffer dog is a very difficult process, but it is a challenge I relish. I would estimate that out of ten dogs tested and evaluated, only three have the potential to start a course of training, and there is no guarantee that once a dog starts its training, it will complete the course.

So, why employ an Explosive Detection Dog?

Quite simply, an EDD remains the most consistent and reliable method of detecting explosives. In the current security climate, there is an ever-increasing demand for an EDD team. With its versatility, an EDD team is a real asset for a private company or government department. A dog team is not only a deterrent, but quicker, more effective and significantly more accurate than a human search team. What one machine can search vehicles, aircraft, buildings, luggage, open areas, people and even a route through the streets of central London? Only a detection dog. Detection dogs will be here for the foreseeable future and, all being well, Pip will be retiring in 2020, giving me a few years to look for her replacement.

Stuart Phillips

Managing Director

BWY Canine

www.bwycanine.co.uk

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 Ali Tod is having a tricky day. Eager two-year old German Shepherd, Barron, is supposed to be demonstrating his obedience in a series of tests, but today the playful canine is not playing ball; instead he’s choosing to creep forward whenever his handler’s back is turned.

It’s a futile game – and one in which there can be only one winner. Ali has a discreet word with Barron’s handler and the dog is made to repeat the task until he gets it right. Fifteen minutes later and Barron is rock still: a short command from his handler and he comes running, completing the task in the way it should.

It’s a job well done for Ali Tod, a retired senior instructor at the Metropolitan Police Dog Training School and the man in charge of Ward Security’s Dogs Division. Responsible for the training and welfare of 30 dogs, all of which are trained in general purpose security or explosives and narcotics detection, he’s used to the odd bit of ‘showboating’ from his dogs.

He also knows that, when it comes to the real thing, he can rely on the dogs and their handlers to perform. “There is an expectation on handlers to attend training, but unlike other companies where the handler has to pay for training, at Ward Security it is all provided as part of the job,” he says. “There is a minimum amount of training required but the vast majority of trainers achieve a level of competence far in excess of these minimum standards.”

And there’s no doubt that business is booming for the Dogs Division, with several prestigious contracts currently in negotiation.

Physical advantages of guard dogs

In his role with the Met, before which he’d served for 22 years with the City of London Police before transferring as a full-time instructor, Ali has seen dogs in action for more than 20 years and is well aware of the advantages that using dogs in specific situations – many of them high risk – can have. Most obvious are the physical advantages that dogs offer: a patrol dog can identify a sound’s location much faster than a human can, as well as hear sounds up to four times the distance that humans are able to. And, while we might think we have a good sense of smell, it’s nothing compared to our canine friends: a patrol dog’s sense of smell is about 36,000 times more powerful than a human’s.

“Dogs have the ability to find intruders, even on patrol when perhaps a normal security guard may miss them, because their sense of smell is so enhanced,” says Ali. “They also offer the most effective visual deterrent.

“Intruders, vandals, or people wanting to steal, damage goods or property, will think twice knowing there’s the possibility of coming up against trained dog patrols.”

It’s clear that patrol dogs are psychologically demoralising to criminals; well-trained dogs show controlled aggression against anyone who confronts their handler. And, as anyone who’s witnessed a bite test will know, given the command, a dog will simply not let go of an offender until he’s told to.

Increasing efficiency and reducing costs

Using dog patrols can be more cost-effective, particularly if a company has large open areas to protect (parkland, industrial parks etc.). “If you do have suspects on the premises or someone missing, a dog can cover the ground a lot faster than a person can,” says Ali. “In this situation, you can use one dog in place of five or more people, offering customers a more efficient, cost-effective service,” he says.

Dogs can also be used to patrol areas with a restricted line-of-sight (large construction projects, warehouses, transport yards etc.) and for areas considered too dangerous for security guards alone (gang related problems, underground parking, high crime areas etc.).

But it’s the combination of physical presence and special abilities in situations such as airport security where dogs really come into their own, whether it’s providing general purpose patrol or specialist services like bomb and drugs detection.

“If the public see dogs in a high security area, then there’s a perception of greater safety,” says Ali. “Whether you’re searching or not doesn’t really come into it – it’s about having that added presence and peace of mind that dogs can provide.” Ward Security has conducted a number of specialist searches for the Metropolitan Police and a number of City institutions.

When it comes to specialist searches, dogs are extremely flexible; they can move easily, unlike mechanical instruments, and they’re not likely to break down. They also offer a more cost-effective solution – particularly when things deviate from the norm.

High standard training for guard dogs

Of course, it’s important that the dogs are trained to recognised standards. NASDU (the National Association of Security Dog Users) is the organisation that promotes welfare, standards, training and education within the security dog sector. It maintains nationally recognised training and operational standards for security dogs, their trainers and their handlers; security companies who adhere to NASDU Inspected status can demonstrate the highest levels of operational efficiency.

Ali, who has been an instructor since 1998 and is a fully accredited ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) General Purpose, Explosive Detection and Narcotic Detection Dog Instructor, says this can help clients make the right choices for their dog security provision. “If you say your dogs can provide highly-technical skills like bomb and drugs detection, then it’s important that the dogs are trained with the real thing,” says Ali. “It’s important to ensure that dogs are actually worked on proper explosive and that individuals examine the training records of these animals. Don’t take someone’s word for it!”

NASDU standards also govern dog welfare and the all-important relationship between handler and dog, something which Ali says is critical for optimum performance. “All our dogs live at home with their handlers – they see them more than their own partners. Everything needs to be audited and recorded, from vet treatment down to worming and flea treatment.”

And, while Ali admits that a dog team might be more expensive than static guarding, he says the efficiencies that a dog can bring to a security situation, well outweigh the costs involved, offering not only a more effective but more cost-effective security solution.

“There’s no doubt that dogs are more cost-effective, they’re a good deterrent, and they’re also good publicity as well,” says Ali.

“Just make sure you choose a NASDU recognised provider, and don’t base your choice on the cheapest price. It might just come back to bite you!”

www.ward-security.co.uk

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