Explosive Detection Certification
This test will determine the proficiency and reliability of dogs in the detection of explosives in an operational certification.
The Test:
For the operational test the Team Cannot Miss Any Training Aids. All testing will be done on a Pass/Fail basis. If the team fails in one (1) test area, “Only That Area Failed In Needs To Be Re-tested” at a later time. It is recommended that testing be done over a two (2) day period or more. However this is only a recommendation and the final decision shall rest with the certifying official. All aids will be placed at least thirty (30) minutes prior to testing. No detonating devices will ever be placed with the aids or used in testing. If an aid has to be moved to a new location, the previously used area must be removed as a testing sight. A “Certifying Official Accredited in Explosive Detection” will do all testing. Prior to the first detection team entering the test area, a man and a K-9 will be walked through the testing area. Each handler shall brief the Certifying Official as to the dogs alert and response to an aid prior to testing. Each indication to an aid by the canine should be obvious to the certifying official. The certifying official shall prior to each phase, explain each problem that will be encountered by the handler such as boundaries, time, starting point, etc…
The Purpose:
The purpose of the testing is to observe the team’s ability to locate a hidden explosive. It should be noted that all aids might not be pinpointed to source due to the height, wind currents or placement of the aid. The certifying official should exercise reasonable judgment and the handler for consideration should note all changes of behavior.
Any aggression towards a placed training aid (Bite, Bark or Scratch) can be used to disqualify the testing team. Each certification shall be valid for a one (1) year period from the date of issue. It should be noted that normal training and retraining must be conducted to maintain and enhance the team’s capability. All aids used in testing should be of recent manufacture and in separate containers. It shall be the responsibility of the agency being tested to provide the testing aids. Strict safety measures shall be upheld during testing. No smoking will be allowed in test areas.
Odors Tested:
All canines must be tested on all basic odors.
The basic odors are:
1. Powders (Black or Smokeless)
2. Commercial Dynamites
3. C4 or Flex-X/Data Sheet (RDX)
4. TNT or Military Dynamite
5. Primer Cord (PETN)
6. Slurries (Water-Gel)
The maximum weight of the explosive used shall be unlimited; however, a minimum weight of a half (1/2) pound shall be used for testing. The term “Aid” shall mean an explosive substance. Each area tested will contain a Minimum of two (2) and a Maximum of four (4) aids with each aid being a different explosive. The handler will not be told the number or type of explosives they are searching for.
Areas Tested In:
Six (6) areas will be provided for testing. The canine team will be tested in three (3) of the six areas. The areas will be picked by availability.
The six areas to be tested in are:
1. Buildings (mandatory)
2. Vehicles (mandatory)
3. Open Area (mandatory)
4. Aircraft
5. Baggage
6. Mass Transit Vehicle
1. Building Search:
The building search will consist of a minimum (4) of four rooms and a maximum of six (6) rooms. Each room will be at least 400 square feet and have some type of furniture in it. Only one (1) aid may be placed in one room. One or more rooms should contain no aid; one aid must be placed high. The aid may be placed anywhere from 8 feet to ground level. The aids will be placed so the canine can not retrieve it. The handler may not open cabinet doors, desk drawers, closet doors, etc.
2. Vehicle Search:
Eight (8) vehicles minimum with a maximum sixteen (16) of any type or model may be used. The vehicles will be parked in a park configuration so as to allow the team to have access to each vehicle. The aids will be placed so the canine cannot retrieve it. Only one (1) aid may be placed on or in one vehicle. All detection will be done from outside the vehicle. One (1) aid will be placed inside a closed engine compartment. Additional aids must be placed at the discretion of the certifying official and may be placed, but not limited to:
The exterior of the gas tank or filler pipe.
Drive shaft
Interior of closed trunk
Passenger compartment (Closed)
Underside and outer body
3. Open Area Search:
Open area to be no larger then 1,000 yards and no smaller then 50 X 50 yards or any configuration there of. Aids will be placed at the discretion of the Master Trainer and can be placed anywhere from a minimum of 1 foot below the surface level to a maximum of 8 feet above surface level.
An open area may be defined as:
Exterior of buildings
Open Fields
Wooded Area
Any area outside not covered
4. Aircraft Search:
Common sense shall rule as to the size of aircraft to be used. This will be at the discretion of the certifying official. Availability will be the ruling factor in the testing. The entire search shall include the interior and exterior of the aircraft along with all ground support equipment. One (1) aid must be placed inside of the aircraft. Additional aids will be placed outside at the discretion of the certifying official. This can be either inside the aircraft or outside. This testing phase is not limited to just one (1) aid inside the aircraft. All aids will be placed so the canine cannot retrieve them. TSA rules relating to contamination will be strictly adhered to regarding the placement of aids inside any aircraft.
5. Baggage Search:
Baggage shall be defined as hard and soft-shell suitcases, attaché’s case, clothing bags, brief cases, golf bags, sea bags, duffel bags, etc. Fifteen (15) bags minimum with a maximum of twenty-five (25) bags may be used. (Bags should contain some type of clothing of filler materials). All aids will be placed inside the bags in a manner so the canine cannot retrieve it. Bags may be placed in two to three rows with enough space between each bag to allow the canine to search.
6. Mass Transit Vehicles:
The certifying official based on availability will select the mass transit vehicles. Consideration may be given to the types of mass transit vehicles typically encountered by the handlers. These vehicles may include buses, trains, watercraft and etc. Training aids will be placed so that the canines cannot retrieve them. The certifying official will determine the number and placement of aids and blank areas.
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