New Passive Alert Drug Detection dog (PAD) for prisons introduced

27/11/97

Drug detection in Western Australian prisons has been boosted with the introduction of a new and friendly Passive Alert Drug Detection dog (PAD) - specially trained to move among visitors, prisoners and staff.

The new Golden Labrador - 'Duke' - was trained by the Ministry of Justice Canine Section and started drug detection work last month with the unit's five German shepherds.

Attorney General Peter Foss said PAD dogs worked differently to others by moving passively among people, sniffing and sitting before them, or objects, to indicate drugs.

Duke is the only drug detection dog of his type in WA's justice system and will work extensively throughout the State's prisons and in assisting police.

"As a labrador, there is more scope for Duke to move freely among people," Mr Foss said.

"While he passively indicates the presence of drugs, the other dogs are trained to show an aggressive response by biting or scratching at any scent indicating narcotics. "During trials at our two major metropolitan prisons the Canine Section found he was more readily accepted by prison staff and visitors, who found a labrador dog less threatening than a German Shepherd.

"He will be a useful addition to one of Australia's most professional canine units - based at the Canning Vale Prison Complex - increasing the range and scope of the dogs already operating."

Mr Foss said three of the section's German Shepherds were trained solely in drug search and detection duties, while a further two were classified for multi-purpose duties in drug detection and protection and control work.

The Canine Section is headed by respected co-ordinator Colin Thompson - formerly of the Victorian Prison Service - and has played a major role outside prisons in the past year by assisting the WA Police Service with drug detection operations. The specialist section was originally formed in March 1994 and has increased from two 'dog teams' - consisting of dogs and their handlers - to six teams and a co-ordinator.

Mr Foss said the Ministry would continue to assist the Police Service by making its drug dogs and handlers available as required.

"Co-operation between the two departments in this area has been a real boost to the fight against drugs inside the prison system and out in the community," he said.

"The dog teams travel to prisons across the State to conduct extensive random and targeted searches and are used to help police in a range of operations from roadblocks to searching vehicles and buildings."

The section's animals are expertly trained to detect a range of illicit drugs including cannabis and heroin.

They are matched with a handler from a young age and live and work with the same person for the duration of their careers. The work requires extreme dedication on the part of the section's officers and their families.

Mr Foss said the Canine Section also played an important role in spreading the message about harmful drugs to children.

The unit often gave lectures and visited schools and had developed a special relationship with children and staff at the Westfield Park Primary School.

"Dog teams have visited the school three times so far to demonstrate the dogs and their skills and the experience has proved valuable for both the students and the animals," Mr Foss said.

"Children respond well to the teams with the knowledge they are given adding to the school's educational focus on the dangers of drugs.

"While the team's main work is obviously at the sharp end of the drugs equation, their community education work plays an important role in crime prevention."

Mr Foss said the section was looking for more dogs to train. They needed to be of an even temperament, bold, confident, well socialised and aged between 10 months and two years.

They must have a frantic desire to retrieve articles and have shown an interest when exposed to loud noises or gun fire.

Anyone wanting more information, or any school or organisation interested in learning more about the Ministry's Canine Section, should contact co-ordinator Colin Thompson on (08) 9366 6483.

Media contacts: Chris Morris (08) 9321 2222

or Stacey Molloy 9264 1099