Also attending the training day, which was held at Surrey Police Dog School, were a number of representatives from the Security Industry Authority’s Quality Assurance Department.
The purpose of the day was to afford assessors and those involved in the accreditation of ACS Companies an insight into the requirements contained within the current British Standards for security dogs, namely BS 8517-1:2009 Code of Practice for the Use of General Purpose Security Dogs and BS 8517-2:2010 Code of Practice for the Use of Detection Dogs.
The training was delivered by Nigel Edwards and Steve Hill, both of whom sat on the BSI GW3 Panel that developed the above standards for which the original NASDU Code of Practice for Security Dogs was used as a base point.
Knowledge of security dog handling
Steve Hill, secretary of NASDU, commented: “Having developed these standards it was essential that those responsible for assessing and accrediting ACS companies should have some knowledge of security dog handling. It was for this reason that NASDU pursued the prospect of a training day with the Security Industry Authority.”
The day, which included practical awareness about kennels and vehicles, was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Several attendees commented that it was “extremely worthwhile” and would certainly assist them in the future when assessing companies deploying security dogs.
Further training days for SIA ACS assessors have been organised for March.
Should any organisation or individual believe they could benefit from these training days, or if further information on the British Standards is required, they should contact Steve Hill at NASDU’s Head Office (telephone: 01483 888588, e-mail: [email protected])
Dog Control Bill: NASDU update
The Private Members Bill sponsored by Lord Redesdale which started in the House of Lords had its second reading in July, at which a wide ranging discussion took place on issues including the Dangerous Dogs Act and Dog Licensing.
The Bill will now go to Committee stage on Thursday of this week (21 January) where a line-by-line examination will take place.
One of a number of amendments to be moved in Committee which was brought to the attention of Lord Redesdale by NASDU is the issue regarding the Private Security Dog Sector. While previously provision was made for a police constable to use a dog, it would have been illegal for a private security dog handler to use a dog.
The proposed amendment reads: “The dog is being used for a lawful purpose by a person licensed by a body established by the Private Security Industry Act 2001, or a person who complies with BS 8517-1:2009.”
For further information on the Dog Control Bill or the implications for the private security dog sector contact NASDU Head Office on (telephone) 01483 888588 or e-mail [email protected]
Further information on NASDU is available by accessing the official website (click the link on the right hand panel of this page)
