Explosive Detection Canines; Effective Application and Utilization in the current threat atmosphere

By Mike Herstik, Chameleon Associates, Canine Consultant

IED's, VBIED's, WMD's, Suicide Bombers; What is the role of the detection canine as a mitigation tool?

Conventional deployment application of the detection canine within the U.S. is generally based on area clearance, evidence location, and response to calls. The canine is utilized in close proximi ty to the handler and the methods are basically the same for law enforcement or U.S. military application. Most application within the U.S. is based on concepts developed within a somewhat limited frame of reference in relation to actual experience with high threat scenarios. Beyond the realm of the conventional, progressive deployment concepts of a more unconventional nature have been developed. For various reasons, including lack of familiari ty, these unconventional methodologies are virtually unutilized within the U.S. Some examples of unconventional deployments include:

Personnel search/detection (teamed with tactical = suicide bomber take down)
Standoff/Advance clearance (remotely directed search)
Bio-Tech (remote search incorporating electronic technology)
Secondary and Third IED device training (locating 2nd and 3rd devices placed at bombing scenes, usually intended for responders).

What are the basic mitigation factors offered by the specialist canine?

Two basic factors may offer a significant hardening of the target when properly incorporated into a securi ty plan.

1. Psychological deterrent; the abili ty to undermine the terrorist assault in its conceptual stage.

2. Technical effectiveness; the abili ty to thwart the terrorist mission through its physical detection capabilities.

Proper incorporation of these factors is enabled by cross cooperation & cohesion between the canine teams, tactical LE/securi ty and, if applicable, the various interactive working levels functioning at a potential target site.

Canine teams must continually develop their skill levels by adhering to a well designed training and maintenance regimen that will enable them to meet the realistic challenge of red teaming. Handlers and trainers need to educate themselves beyond traditional "dog" knowledge. To be effective they need to be familiar with concepts such as terrorist assault structure and suspicion indicators. Familiarization with terrorist methods and materials that may be encountered in the field is an integral facet of an effective explosive detection canine program. Supervisors, trainers and handlers need to be active and progressive in their thinking. Maintaining the status quo is simply not acceptable.

Baselines and standards for performance should be founded on reali ty and integrated into the program. Consider that training focused according to job description helps to develop maximum precision.

Reliabili ty must always be the common thread in any explosive detection program, regardless of s tyle or technique. The explosive detection canine is not a panacea. It is however the best biologically based detection tool we have available to us.

At Chameleon Associates our canine consultants are able to offer both conventional and progressive protocols and training methodologies based on their international frame of reference. From basic evaluations to complete program development, governmental or qualified private enti ty, we are able to provide knowledge and abilities beyond the realm of simple "dog skills".

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