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Why use dogs? They are not only better, but faster, more efficient, and less intrusive than any other inspection method known to man. Scientists have yet to create a more accurate and effective sniffing machine.  The use of detection canines in the workplace or in the private sector is intended to provide a further deterrent to the possession, use, or sales of contraband on the job.  Our Contraband Detection Canine Services program policy provides routine inspections of areas such as lockers, workstations, common areas, and parking lots.  These inspections, conducted randomly, ensure consistency as to areas searched.  As an adjunct, it is noted that, by law, canines used for detection are trained to “sniff” substances, not people, thus minimizing the level of intrusiveness.  The most ideal or appropriate canines contemplated for use in the Company inspection program are trained to detect all of the following. Typically, when detected, the canine will paw at the scent location of the contraband’s most recent and/or greatest concentration.  Sometimes the canine “alerts” at a seemingly drug-free area, but in fact, the canine is detecting a site whereon contraband previously rested or was present.  The canine is able to detect these residual odors for a period of time after the contraband has been removed.

Are you licensed? Currently, we are the first and only private sector certified, licensed and insured Explosives Detector Dog (EDD) in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska!

Who certifies your competency? The International Detection Canine Foundation (IDCF) was founded from the aspiration of returning real world training and certification processes back to the community of the working K-9, their trainers, and their handlers.

IDCF efforts are focused on the training, certification, and continuing education programs necessary to maintain the competent, prudent K-9 Division. As a result of this, we strive to train and certify under conditions as similar as possible to those in which the service dog team will have to perform their duties.

Foundation members believe that once a department, team, or handler promotes themselves as "Duty Ready", certain responsibilities are taken on. These responsibilities are to themselves, other team members, their department, and, most importantly, to the community which has now entrusted the team to possess the skills, traits, and attributes necessary to empower the team in the performance of conducting their duties without hesitation when called upon.

This is true "Deployment Readiness", and can not be achieved by simply participating in competitions, which are often geared to the current field or training conditions. Nor can it be derived from training curriculums that are structured solely around such competitions.

This level of "Deployment Readiness" is obtainable only through curriculum, ideologies, and methodologies which are based on the promotion of the K-9 Team, reflecting live or actual scenarios.

Where do you use your Contraband Detector Dogs?

The Workplace.  According to the most recent Labor Department statistics, drugs and alcohol (contraband) in the workplace cost society an estimated $102 billion a year in reduced and lost productivity.  Further, it is estimated that one in every eight (8) workers, ages 26 to 34, possesses, uses or sells contraband on the job.  According to several national drug-testing companies, we know that on average 25% of the U.S. Workforce would test positive for illicit narcotics.

We also know from experience that contraband exists in the workplace.  In support of the individual company’s philosophy of a drug-free environment, we must seek new approaches and methodologies that are efficient yet cost effective.

Your Company can better promote health and safety as well as limit its liability by having recourse to take action against and discipline any employee who elects to ignore Company policy by continuing the possession, use, or sale of contraband.

Schools.  As educators, parents, psychologists, and law enforcement officials search for answers as reports of continuing violence in our schools escalate, we offer one of the most successful deterrent programs available.

Principals of more that half of the nation's public schools reported an incident of crime or violence to law enforcement authorities during the 1996-1997 school year.  Each day more than 100,000 students bring weapons to school.  And each day students are killed or wounded by these same weapons.  Fearing victimization, over one-fifth of the students in our nations schools are afraid to use the school bathrooms.

Students are not the only ones who experience fear at school.  Yearly, students threaten over 6000 public school teachers.  Violence is not unique to public schools or the nations urban centers.  Nine percent of public, seven percent of private and six percent of non-sectarian school students reported being victims of violent acts or property crimes.  

What greater deterrent program could you possibly employ than a tool capable of locating contraband items?  

Residences.  Are you concerned that your children may be using drugs?  Hiding alcoholic beverages?  Our inspections are often unexpected and unannounced.  Peace of mind is important in today's society.  Our dogs can help.  

Vehicles, Vessels, and Aircraft.  Planning on a trip to a foreign country?  Will your vehicle, vessel, or aircraft be seized as a result of a routine border inspection?  Was your vehicle stolen?  Were the criminals using narcotics?  Did they leave a controlled substance in a concealed location?  

What is the dog looking for?

Illegal Drugs: Typically include Marijuana, Opium, Heroin, Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamines.

Alcohol:  Specifically, Ethanol Alcohol commonly found in beer, wine, and drinking liquors.

Nitrates, Nitrite and Nitrile:  Specifically, smokeless, black and flash powders typically found in ammunition, guns, fireworks, and many explosive devices.  Firearms.  Whether clean or dirty, all firearms are contaminated by nitrates contained in gunpowder.

Legal Drugs: Commonly abused prescription and over-the-counter narcotic medications, their derivatives, or precursors thereof.

What does the dog do when they find one of these odors? Ours dogs respond in a passive manner. Once they identify the strongest concentration of explosive odor, the dog will sit at that location.

What is the reward given to the dog for making the find? Each dog has its own favorite reward. This could be a ball, Kong, or knotted cotton rope. They are given the reward for identifying the correct location of the explosive or training device. In addition, the dog receives physical and verbal praise for each successful find. Basically, we have a party! To the dog, detection work is merely a game of hide-and-go-seek.

Do you travel out of state or out of the country? Yes, we have been as far away as South America for our customers. It is not unusual to travel as far as the southern states or the east coast. We are well-traveled throughout the west and Alaska. The dogs are great traveling companions and do well in vehicles or on aircraft. In fact, since they are considered Service Dogs, they travel in the aircraft cabin with us.

Are you licensed? Is a professional license required? Yes. A simple business license is not sufficient. As required by law, we are licensed in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Alaska to conduct private investigations. Several other states offer reciprocity. Don't let any detector dog service convince you that they do not need professional licensing. The handlers are conducting an investigation as defined by law. It would be unfortunate and potentially embarrassing if the work they did for you was thrown out if court because they did not have the appropriate professional licensing.

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