DETECTOR DOG PROGRAM GIVES PRISONS BETTER NOSES FOR DRUGS

They're searching high and low, sniffing every possible hiding
place. They're looking for drugs - marijuana, heroin, amphetamines,
you name it. But this search isn't taking place at the airport. It's
happening at prisons in Canada and it's helping stem the flow of
illegal narcotics behind bars.

Detector dogs have become a major part of the drug detection program
in Canadian prisons. Today, most penitentiaries have a full-time
detector dog and handler. The dogs are regularly called in to search
visitors and for random cell checks.

Given the success of detector dog programs operating within several
government departments and agencies and within various police forces
across the country, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) started
its program as a pilot project in 2000.

"With numerous drug seizures since its implementation, we believe that
the program is meeting its objectives of enhancing our ability to
control the flow of drugs and contraband into CSC institutions and of
deterring smugglers from attempting to bring drugs inside," said Dil
Pangalia, CSC's National Detector Dog Program Manager.

The program is part of CSC's drug interdiction initiatives. The
presence of the detector dog teams increases CSC's ability to detect
and deter the introduction of drugs into institutions on a daily
basis. Other detection techniques include the use of x-ray machines,
ion scanners, metal detectors and urinalysis testing of inmates.

"By enhancing our ability to control the smuggling of drugs and
contraband, we are reducing the negative effects drugs have on the
inmate population, thereby making our institutions healthier and safer
places for employees, offenders and the communities," explained Pangalia.

CSC uses medium-sized dogs such as Labrador retrievers and various
other breeds. They are passive when searching, meaning once they find
drugs, they don't go after them, they alert their handler by sitting
and/or displaying a behavioural change. The friendly nature of the
dogs used in the program allows handlers to peacefully circulate
within groups of arriving visitors.

The dogs and their handlers undergo a 10-week training course at the
Canada Border Services Agency's Detector Dog Learning Centre, a fully
accredited facility in Rigaud, Quebec. During their training, they
become familiar with the circumstances and situations under which they
will be working. The teams are re-certified annually and continue to
train all year long to sharpen their skills.