Changing of the guard for drug detection dogs

Specially trained dogs assigned to the Department of Justice’s Drug Detection Unit (DDU) have been honoured for their years of service.

Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce presented seven DDU dogs with Canine Service Medals to recognise five continuous years of service.

Each of the passive alert response Labradors have been working with Drug Detection Officers to keep contraband out of Western Australia’s prisons.

Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said the detection dogs and their handlers play a key role in breaking the cycle of drugs and offending.

“Tackling this problem at a root level contributes to more secure and healthier prison environments,” Ms Maj said.

“It also helps preserve the integrity of the drug and alcohol programs we have in place to help prisoners overcome their addictions.”

Three of the dogs - ‘Ziggy’, ‘Zabel’ and ‘Quinlan’ - are retiring from active duty and making way for the DDU’s newly trained recruits ‘Lexus’, ‘Nix’ and ‘Chance’.

The other awarded dogs are retired or still on active duty. The Canine Service Medal recognises working dogs performing duty in the protection of State or Federal laws.

There are 18 DDU teams operating in metropolitan custodial facilities and in Bunbury, Albany, Greenough and Eastern Goldfields prisons.

The DDU conducted more than 57,000 searches last financial year. During those operations there were 102 seizures that included drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons.

Criminals are constantly looking for new ways to bring narcotics into prisons and the DDU provides strong elements of detection and deterrent,” Commissioner Royce said.

“Our drug detection teams also test prisoners, inspect mail and use electronic drug tracing technology.”

The new dogs are part of the Australian Border Force Detector Dog Breeding program.

Once in WA, the dogs are paired up with handlers and undertake a three-month training course.

The strong bond often extends beyond the dogs’ working lives with handlers given the opportunity to take on their retired animals as pets.

Drug Detection Officer Amie has had several dogs during her time at the unit and has just taken on new recruit Nix.

“This isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life - our dogs live with us, and we care for them from the moment we wake up, through long shifts, and even our days off,” Amie said.

“They are our partners and our responsibility; they have to trust us and in turn we trust them completely to find the contraband others can’t see,” she said.