UK Law Enforcement Agency Dog Systems (LEADS) met with representatives from industry groups (NASDU, NTIPDU, Skills for Security) and government on 26th November 2008 to discuss training and accreditation of Explosive Detection Dog Teams supplied by private security contractors. The outcomes from the meeting were:

1. NASDU / NTIPDU already maintain registers of approved handlers and would be willing to maintain/enhance this role. There may also be an option for NPIA to hold such a register.

2. There is a requirement to define the standards that must be met for inclusion on the register. Skills for Security are publishing The Security Dog Handling NOS which will define competency in general search for the handler only. An amended ACPO Manual of Guidance could be used as the standard against which dog teams are licensed.                                                                                                                                                                       3. Some ACPO forces may be willing to provide training / licensing on a fee-paying basis.                                           4. The most challenging issue may be access to validated training materials. One option to overcome this would be for dog teams to attend police training schools or other approved venues to access certain training aids / materials.There was general agreement that if the training aids and materials issues could be sorted, NASDU and NTIPDU, the police and/or industry could provide training but it should be mandatory that ACPO has responsibility for licensing. There was enthusiasm from those present to take training and accreditation of Explosive Detection Dog Teams forward.UK LEADS

Security Sector Recognition

To this, Trained Security Dogs & Handlers