B.19 Use of Drug Detection Dogs (National Policy)

Policy Standard

1. Drug Detection Dogs are used to strengthen and support the existing security measures for the detection of drugs and other contraband material.
2. Drug Detection Dog Teams (DDDT) contribute to the goal of “reducing drugs in prisons” by concentrating on “border protection” through the provision of services.
   This includes the following types of operational activities:
   • Visits - including searching of people and their property.
   • Prison entry searching (vehicles, property and people entering prison).
   • Mail and Property searching.
   • Searches based on informant driven information.
   • Organised operations.
   • Prisoner accommodation.
   • Facility, perimeter and environs searching.
   • Escort / transfers- searching of vehicles, prisoners and property.
3. In addition Drug Detection Dogs provide:
   • a deterrent factor to people considering introducing drugs and other unauthorised items into prisons.
   • a non-threatening interface with the public.

Performance Standards

1. Drug Detection Dog Teams (DDDT) will be trained and certified by the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre, and will be re-certified annually.
2. Training resources that have been issued to Drug Dog Handlers will be securely stored at all times.
3. Should the Drug Dog Handler wish to have another dog at their residence, the written approval of the National Crime Prevention Coordinator is required.
4. The Drug Detection Dog will be managed in a manner that is consistent with good veterinary care and with local government by-laws.
5. DDDT searches will be authorised by the Prison Manager or an officer delegated by the Prison Manager for that purpose (e.g. the DDDT Liaison Officer).
6. DDDT searches may be undertaken in conjunction with other searches being conducted.
7. The Drug Dog Handler will liaise with the DDDT Liaison Officer when conducting searches at a prison site.
8. The DDDT will provide a service in accordance with the agreed Regional DDDT Service Level Agreement.
9. Any search using a DDDT will be conducted with decency and sensitivity, and in a manner that affords any person being searched the greatest degree of dignity.
10. While a drug detection dog is being used for a search, the Drug Dog Handler in control of the dog will not allow the dog to make physical contact with the person being searched. The dog will have as little contact with property as is necessary to facilitate the detection of unauthorised items.
11. Where practicable areas within the prison to be searched must be cleared of prisoners, other persons in the prison, and any staff members not directly involved in the searching.
12. Unauthorised items seized will be treated in the same way as exhibits, and handled, stored and disposed of in accordance with the requirements contained in PPM B.12.
13. Training resources will be inspected on a quarterly basis.
14. The Drug Dog Handler complete operational activity reports in the “Dog Handlers’ Daily Activity Report” according to current instructions.
15. Drug Dog Handlers meet the requirements of the DDDT site-specific deskfile that has been approved by the Prison Manager.
16. The DDDT site-specific deskfile will be reviewed annually, and updated as required.

Other Dogs

1. The use of unofficial dogs as Drug Detection Dogs is prohibited.
2. The use of Detection Dogs (e.g. drug, firearms, explosives) from other services such as the Police or Customs shall be coordinated by the Drug Dog Handler in consultation with the DDDT Liaison Officer or person delegated for that purpose, with approval to use other services dogs to be obtained from the National Crime Prevention Coordinator.
3. Where the use of additional Drug Detection Dogs is required, Corrections dogs should, where practicable, be utilised first.
4. Other than Detection Dogs, no other dogs shall be permitted on Department of Corrections property except:
   • those owned by the Department, or contractors for work purposes (e.g. farm dogs)
   • dogs used to aid people with disabilities (e.g. guide dogs).

Drug Dog Handlers Training

1. Drug Dog Handlers will be responsible for ensuring they receive the appropriate training days required for annual validation.

Injuring, interfering or obstructing a drug detection dog

1. It is an offence, without lawful excuse, to:
   • injure a drug detection dog being used, or intended to be used, for searching .
   • interfere with or obstruct a drug detection dog.
2. Any person who injures, interferes with or obstructs a drug detection dog is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to a fine not exceeding $2000, or both.