Narcotic Detection Dog Certification
This standard applies to detection teams (dog and handler) that are trained and tested in the recognition and indication of designated narcotic target odors. The Certification encompasses the following search environments:
-Vehicles (Interior, exterior, and cargo areas)
-Buildings/Rooms (offices, warehouses, lockers, open areas)
-Parcels (packages, boxes, mailed items)
-Luggage (soft and hard-sided travel bags and suitcases)
Target Odors
Dogs must demonstrate proficiency in locating and responding to all approved target narcotic odors (Including but not limited to: Methamphetamine, Heroin, PCP, MDMA, Cocaine).
Each odor will be verified as "imprinted" through the National Odor Recognition Test (NORT), prior to attempting the certification attempt.
Testing Conditions
1. Searches shall be conducted in environments that simulate real operational conditions (including distractions such as human odor, noise, food, and environmental changes).
2. Each search area will contain:
- A designated number of hides (minimum of 1, maximum of 3)
- A proportion of blank areas to evaluate search pattern and the ability of the handler
to recognize change in behavior or lack thereof.
3. Teams will be allowed one pass through each search area.
4. Hides will be placed by the APDA evaluator who has had no involvement in the team's training.
Certification Criteria
To achieve certification, the detection team must:
1. Accurately locate and indicate to the presence of target odors
-The K9 must display its Trained Final Response (TFR) clearly and consistently as previously defined during training (e.g. passive sit, down, or focused stare).
-If the K9 displays a TFR other than it's predetermined trained final response, the indication will be recognized if the handler relays to the APDA evaluator that the dog has alerted to the presence of the target odor, and is displaying a final response to odor.
2. Handler Performance
- The handler must correctly interpret the K9's TFR and communicate the find to the evaluator.
- The Handler must demonstrate proper search patterns, area coverage, and control of the K9 through the test.
3. Performance Standards
- A minimum score of 90% accuracy for narcotics/contraband detection and a 95% accuracy for explosives/firearms.
- A false indication on a non-target item is considered a "miss". Explosive/firearm detection handlers will be allowed 1, narcotics/contraband detection handlers handlers are allowed 2.
*If the K9's TFR is an aggressive alert, the handler must notify the evaluator prior to concealing hides to ensure the safety of private property.
Article Search Certification Standard
This certification process evaluates the K9 team's proficiency in locating discarded or hidden evidence items in an outdoor environment, simulating field recovery operations where physical evidence must be recovered without contamination or damage.
Purpose
To establish a verifiable standard for K9 teams in the systematic search and recovery of human-scented objects, ensuring reliability in criminal investigations and evidence collection.
Scope
Applicable to all professional working dog teams. The team must demonstrate thorough area coverage, independent searching by the K9, and a clear, focused indication by the dog upon locating an item.
Testing Area
- Dimensions include a designated outdoor search area measuring approximately 100 feet by 100 feet. The surface will consist of environmental terrain such as grass, dirt, or light brush to simulate operational conditions. K9 teams are allotted a total time limit of ten (10) minutes to locate and recover all hidden articles.
Article Placement
- Quantity & Material: Three (3) articles made of varied materials (e.g., metal, leather, wood/plastic).
- Scenting Process: Articles must be scented by a person for at least 30 minutes prior to deployment.
- Method: Articles are placed by an evaluator without creating a visual path for the handler.
Search Parameters
-The handler may choose to conduct the search on-leash or off-leash, at their discretion.
-The handler and dog will be given a maximum of eight (8) minutes to complete the search.
-The handler must demonstrate control of the dog, maintain a systematic search pattern, and properly interpret the dog’s trained final response (TFR).
Search Parameters
Search Parameters
Search Parameters
Certification Criteria
To successfully pass the certification:
- The dog must locate and indicate to at least three (3) out of the five (5) articles placed in the search area.
-Each indication must include a trained final response (TFR), as defined during training.
-The TFR must be clearly recognized and acknowledged by the handler.
- The handler must correctly call the find at the time of the dog's indication. The handler will be given 5 flags prior to the search - and will place a flag at each article the K9 displays a TFR to.
-NO false indications (TFR on non-existent or non-target areas).
Failure to meet these minimum standards will result in a “Not Certified” outcome.