Why the new Canine Security NCTAS-P standard is critical for national security

The National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme – Private Security Industry (NCTAS-P) was introduced in early 2021 by the Home Office. ICTS UK & Ireland explains why the standard is so critical for national security.

Developed by the Home Office in close collaboration with Counter Terrorism Policing (CTPHQ) and the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), the scheme aims to standardise the service provision of Explosive Detection Dog Teams within the Private Security Industry.

The standard was introduced after the National Police Chief’s Council mandated all Police Explosives Detection Dog (EDD) Teams to be trained and accredited to the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme (NCTAS) from 1 January 2020.

Prior to the introduction of these two accreditations, EDD Teams within different organisations, including Government Agencies, were working to a range of different standards. This was not conducive of quality services and had a limiting effect, making the collaboration of different Teams almost impossible. From a procurement perspective, the lack of standard accreditations could not guarantee that a certain level of service would be met by EDD Teams.

ICTS Explosives Detection Dog, Diesel, and his handler checking a car for explosives at Canary Wharf.

With the national threat of terrorism remaining substantial (an attack is likely), the ability to detect explosives remains vital. NCTAS-P supports the Government’s counterterrorism strategy (CONTEST) in that, the accreditation enables different organisations both from the Private Security Industry and Government Agencies to work together.

Andy Dodds, Head of Canine Security Services at ICTS UK & Ireland, says: “The NCTAS-P accreditation is a welcome standard in our Industry and one we have advocated for as business. The NCTAS-P course requires a significant commitment from a EDD Team, which at ICTS is typically composed of a Handler and their working dogs. An initial 9-week course is followed by 100 hours of practical annual training for the Team to retain their accreditation the following year. In addition, every two-years, EDD Teams need to participate in a government-led Canine Exercise.

“This accreditation enables the interoperability of EDD Teams from different organisations. Ultimately, we can all work together for the common goal of reducing the risk to the UK.”

Why are dogs used to detect explosives?

Why are detection 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 extremely well-equipped for detecting substances such as explosives.

Specially trained detection dogs are compact, mobile, fast, and capable of searching both metallic and non-metallic items, making them ideal for searching a vast range of environments including, public spaces and transport hubs, theatres and concert venues, sports events, occupied buildings, derelict buildings, routes and vehicles.

About ICTS UK & Ireland’s Canine Security Services

We are a leading provider of all aspects of Canine Security Services and have played a pivotal role in establishing the effective use of dogs within the private security sector. Our expert Handlers and highly trained dogs screen for drugs, explosives, firearms, currency, pyrotechnics and mobile phones. The pandemic has resulted in an increased demand for our patrol dog teams, for the protection of personnel and assets. Our reputation of excellence is founded on the collective efforts of our Teams and is demonstrated by our accreditations.

See the Home Office’s List of accredited explosives detection dogs, here.  

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