Free Running Explosive Detection Dogs (FREDDs)

aes69

Super Moderator
So, it's official. Our Department for Transport has finally fallen into line with EU Regs and authorised the use of explo detection dogs to screen aviation cargo. This means we'll have the first fully licensed HMG none emergency services dogs working in the UK. Great news I hear you say, well it's taken over 3 years to implement and there's a very hefty price tag attached.

Next time someone asks you how much your dog is worth, think about whether the training and licensing affects the overall cost of the dog. If so, these new dogs will be worth in excess of £27,000!!!!!!!!!

2015 will be an interesting year for civilian detection dogs.
 
I've only worked one EDD. All searches were done on the lead. When SCT and I had set up a U.S. based K9 import business we brought in some Springer Spaniel EDDs from England that were trained to free roam. As an EDD handler I found it fascinating. I thought you guys were already doing that AES.

And yes....cost invested in the purchase, outfitting and training of the dog is pretty dang close to your estimate. hard to believe huh? An expensive piece of kit you don't want getting loose from the back garden and getting waffled by a car.
 
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There hasn't been a civilian license before now, and critical national infrastructure has been the remit of government agencies. This new license only allows explo teams to work aviation. It's relatively easy to produce the teams, it's just the cost of the license that's bonkers.
 
I think the license fee may prohibit certain providers though. That said, the standards imposed by DfT are far greater than our European colleagues. There's a 4 day handlers theory course taught by one of the larger police forces, then several tiers of handler and dog tests with quarterly assessments (as well as a requirement for 36 odour ID checks over every 100 hour period).
 
There hasn't been a civilian license before now, and critical national infrastructure has been the remit of government agencies. This new license only allows explo teams to work aviation. It's relatively easy to produce the teams, it's just the cost of the license that's bonkers.
I don't know if you were just referring to dog units there or also to human security, but Sellafield has had some none government security for many years and this now includes security at the gates.
 
Serco (amongst others) provide lots of security for the government, but under direct supervision of on site specialists. And the only license required by any of those civilians is the SIA badge. None of the dogs or handlers are licensed (handlers beyond SIA) which is what we're discussing.
 
I think the license fee may prohibit certain providers though. That said, the standards imposed by DfT are far greater than our European colleagues. There's a 4 day handlers theory course taught by one of the larger police forces, then several tiers of handler and dog tests with quarterly assessments (as well as a requirement for 36 odour ID checks over every 100 hour period).

Are the Police taking on the instructor role and signing off the licence?

The DAC missed a trick here.
 
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