IFSEC Global finds out why security solution provider, ICTS UK & Ireland, puts an emphasis on the use of canine security as an effective measure of security. Roberta Puccinelli Sher, Communications Manager at the business, explains.
ICTS UK & Ireland (a subsidiary of ICTS Europe) is a security solution provider driven by innovation and technology. During the past 32 years, we have built an outstanding reputation on quality of service and commercial integrity. Working in some of the most dynamic and high-profile environments, ICTS provides bespoke solutions to meet client needs.
We specialise solely on security, with separate divisions dedicated to Aviation and Corporate Security Services, specialising in Guarding, Canine, IT Systems, Alarm Receiving Centre and Mobile Response activities.
This is the fourth consecutive year ICTS has won an award at the Security & Fire Excellence Awards. We have won the ACS Champion of the Year category three times: 2016, 2018 and 2019, while in 2017 we won the Guarding Company of the Year (over £50M) award.
2019 was another year of ground-breaking SIA ACS Audit results, receiving the maximum score, a remarkable 145 out of 145. ICTS is committed to continuous improvement, raising standards, acknowledging performance and increasing awareness of the importance of the ACS. As a Company we are all incredibly proud of our achievement.
We’ve been employing expert handlers and highly trained dogs to screen for drugs, explosives, firearms and currency for over 10 years. However, our experience spans over 70 years with both ex-Police and Military personnel embedded within ICTS’ Canine Management Team and Handlers.
Canine Security or ‘detection dogs’ offer a low cost and extremely effective way of detecting and deterring terrorist/criminal threats. The reasons being:
ICTS employs expert handlers and highly trained dogs to screen for drugs, explosives, firearms, currency and pyrotechnics. Also available are patrol dog teams for personnel and asset protection. Our teams are experienced in explosive and drug detection in a wide range of environments including iconic sites, Royal Palaces, sports venues, exhibitions and events, critical national infrastructure including nuclear power stations, and corporate locations.
The increasing threat of terrorism has necessitated a tightening of security protocols. Skilled security and search canine teams play an important role to counter this threat. With expert training, strict animal welfare standards and all relevant licensing, ICTS is equipped to offer bespoke security programmes to meet client needs.
In addition, canine teams offer a visible deterrent and provide a welcome reassurance to the general public.
All ICTS specialist search dog handlers and their dogs are trained and accredited to the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) standard and working towards the new Home Office National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme (NCTAS), attending training at Regional Police Dog Training Centres or at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray. Both handlers and dogs are accredited as a team and live together.
Once operational, the teams receive ongoing continuation and refresher training. Accreditation takes place every six months in compliance with the NPCC model. Additionally, all our handlers receive regular on-site training by ICTS’ trainers, who are NPCC-accredited and NASDU instructors and are regularly tested, covertly, by outside assessors.
All ICTS dog handlers and their dogs are trained and accredited to HABC standards and receive regular training and annual accreditation by NASDU assessors.
All our handlers are:
The majority of ICTS handlers come from law enforcement backgrounds. As a result, they have a strong awareness of police procedures and working practices, and they understand the need to maintain approachability and professionalism.
ICTS is licensed by the Home Office for the possession of controlled substances (drugs) and licensed by three separate police forces for the acquisition and storage of explosive substances and firearms. This allows all our dogs to be trained on live substances, accurately replicating the working environment.
ICTS Explosives Detection Dogs are trained to detect a range of explosives that make up the UK Threat List, including commercial explosives, military explosives and homemade explosives.
In addition to the detection of Drugs, ICTS Drugs Detection Dogs are often also trained to find currency and firearms or pyrotechnics.
Patrol Dog teams can be supplied on request for protection of assets and people. They provide a highly visible deterrent to those seeking to engage in criminal or terrorist activities.
Absolutely. The welfare of our working dogs is paramount to ICTS. We source suitable dogs from rescue centres, the police force, and professional breeders. As a result of our commitment to the animal’s welfare, ICTS is currently the only commercial organisation trusted by the Dog’s Trust.
ICTS ensures the welfare of the security dogs through an independent Dog Welfare Visiting Scheme. Dog Welfare Visitors check that all of our dogs are treated in a humane, ethical and transparent way.
ICTS is fully compliant with BS 8517 Parts 1 and 2, and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. The company also holds UK Animal Transporter Authorisation to comply with the transport of animal regulations and guarantee the safety and comfort of our dogs when travelling.
You can also find ICTS UK & Ireland on LinkedIn or on the company’s website.
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