28 April
Corrections' newest drug dog graduated last week with flying colours and is now ready to join the ranks at Wanganui Prison.
Charlie, a 13 month old chocolate Labrador, will officially start work at the Prison this week after completing his nine week training course. The course is held at the Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham and involves training dogs to recognise and find different types of drugs, often in small quantities.
“We are very much looking forward to having Charlie at the prison and we look forward to hearing about the contraband he and his handler will stop from coming in,” says Acting Wanganui Prison Manager Hati Kaiwai.
“Our drug dog handler has done a tremendous job and shown immense dedication in getting Charlie up to speed for his new role as a prison drug dog. Our dogs get trained to detect certain odours down to parts per trillion so they make a significant contribution to our ongoing efforts to keep drugs out of prison.”
"Charlie took to the training immediately and has proven to have a very sharp nose which will no doubt come in handy when he starts work next week. While still very young and boisterous, it won't take him too long to settle into his new role and perform as well, if not better than his predecessor," says Dog Handler Marc Kilmister.
"Roxy, Wanganui’s former drug dog, has now retired and is enjoying herself being a normal dog. During her six year career she had many significant drug finds in prisons around the central north island so Charlie has big shoes to fill!"
Charlie was sourced from Police who first discovered him in the SPCA in Hamilton.
There are currently 12 drug dogs working across New Zealand prisons. The dogs are kept busy routinely searching prisoner property, cells, visitors and their vehicles as well as all property posted or couriered into the country’s prisons.
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