The team at ICTS UK & Ireland explain how drug detection dogs can be a useful method of providing a high profile deterrent of drug misuse in educational institutions, as well as a useful method of educating about the dangers of drugs to young people.
Far-reaching ‘county lines’ drug dealing networks mean that young people are increasingly exposed to the dangers of drug misuse, and lockdown has exacerbated the problem. Drug offences were up 27% before lockdown eased. As schools, colleges and universities prepare to welcome pupils back for the start of the academic year, this will be a factor institutions will need to take into account.
Canine deployment is an effective resource to support local authorities, police forces and educational institutions. Drug detection dogs can provide a high-profile deterrent to drug misuse and raise drug awareness amongst pupils in an effective manner.
ICTS UK & Ireland’s Canine Security Division is an example of a provider which for the past 10 years has worked closely with over 60 institutions across the UK, supporting drug awareness programmes and PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) lessons. Our team of drug detection dogs and handlers offer a range of different approaches, as well as a drugs awareness presentation which includes up-to-date briefings on ‘county lines’ issues.
Each institution varies in character and requirements. It is important that the drug detection dogs in education programmes are flexible and adjusted to the specific needs of the educational locations and premises. The Canine Teams can be highly visible or more discreet as they carry out drug sweeps in classrooms, communal areas and playgrounds/campuses.
Jed Marshall, Divisional Director Canine Security Services, ICTS UK & Ireland says: “We provide an opportunity for early intervention without criminalising young people. Our highly trained dogs, principally spaniels and labradors, are extremely popular with the students and are always well received by staff and governors. The dogs really catch pupils’ attention and assist in the delivery of what is an essential life lesson.
“All of our dog handlers are DBS cleared to an Enhanced Level for working in schools, colleges and universities. They are also drug awareness trained and have a sensitive, professional approach when working in what can sometimes be a challenging environment.”
Why are sniffer dogs so good at what they do?
- The canine olfactory system (nose) has up to 300 million scent receptors and a dog’s sense of smell is up to 10,000 times better than humans, so are well-equipped for detecting substances.
- Detection dogs can be trained to identify several different types of scents and articles related/associated to those scents. This can include the target source (such as an explosive or drug), or any associated equipment related to the crime through contamination of the target source.
- Compact, mobile, rapid searching and with the capability to search both metallic and non-metallic items, specially trained detection dogs are ideal for searching a vast range of environments. These include airports; shopping centres, theatres and concert venues; sports events; public spaces; occupied buildings; derelict buildings; routes and vehicles.