Guidelines 566-13-1: the Detector Dog Program

Number: 566-13-1

In Effect: 2025-05-27

Authorities

• Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), sections 2, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 97 and 98
• Corrections and Conditional Release Regulations (CCRR), sections 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 and 58
• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, subsection 2(1)
• Narcotic Control Regulations, section 3
• Criminal Code of Canada, section 2
• Applicable provincial animal cruelty prevention legislation

Purpose

• To provide guidance on the utilization and management of detector dogs
• To establish responsibilities and procedures for the control, verification and safeguarding of training aids

Applications

Applies to all staff working with a detector dog or managing detector dog teams

Contents

• National Detector Dog Program Committee
• Use of Detector Dogs
• Progressive Training of Detector Dogs
• Treatment of Detector Dogs
• Emergency Care of Detector Dogs
• Retirement of Detector Dog
• Transportation of Detector Dogs
  • Vehicle Assignments
  • Temporary Kenneling in Vehicle
  • Use of Vehicles
  • Use of Vehicles Outside of Working Hours
  • Regular Operations and Maintenance of Vehicles
• Kenneling of Detector Dogs
• Drug Detector Training Kit (DDTK)
  • Use of DDTK
  • Control and Verification of DDTK
  • Safeguarding of DDTK
  • Safeguarding of DDTK During Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist Extended Absence
  • Threat Risk Assessment of DDTK
  • Sign-Out Procedure for DDTK
  • Loss of DDTK or Training Aid
  • Expiration and Destruction of DDTK
• Enquiries
• Cross-References and Definitions

National Detector Dog Program Committee

1. The National Detector Dog Program Committee will be convened on an as-needed basis to make recommendations on issues related to detector dogs (for example, temporary or early retirement, reassignment, significant medical procedures, behavioural issues, ongoing medical care, or performance issues).
2. The National Detector Dog Program Committee will be chaired by the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator. Other participants will normally include staff from the Preventive Security and Intelligence Branch at National Headquarters, representatives from the institutional management, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist, or any other individual who may contribute to the discussion, as required.
3. The National Detector Dog Program Committee will make recommendations to the Deputy Director, Preventive Security and Intelligence, for approval.
4. Once endorsed, official records of decisions will be shared with all participants. The Committee and/or the decision maker may review past decisions to guide decisions on similar situations.

Use of Detector Dogs

5. In accordance with relevant CSC policies and legislation, detector dogs can be used to assist in search activities, such as:
   1. any area of the institutions (for example, cells, rooms, commons areas, or vehicles)
   2. any items (including, but not limited to, personal effects, deliveries and correspondence), and
   3. any persons entering or exiting the institutions.
6. When using detector dogs to perform a search, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of the animal, including, but not limited to:
   1. conducting a risk assessment
   2. removing inmates from their cell or their room prior to carrying out the search, and
   3. pre-searching the area to identify and remove any items that could injure the detector dog or be damaged by the dog.
7. Detector dogs will not be used for performing searches in non-Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) facilities. This includes community-based residential facilities, private residences, public places, provincial correctional centres, etc.
8. In exceptional circumstances, detector dogs may be used for searching lands designated as sacred grounds within an institution. The Institutional Head will consult with the Elder to identify procedures that will respect spiritual and cultural protocols, while ensuring the safety and security of the institution.
9. Inmates with a religious practice that prohibits dogs from making contact with their person or belongings may request an accommodation in accordance with CD 702: Indigenous Offenders and Guidelines (GL) 750-1: Inmate Religious Accommodations.
10. When other animals are permitted entry into the institution, a strategy will be implemented by the Assistant Warden, Operations, to mitigate any potential risks related to the safety and security of the detector dogs and their effectiveness as a search tool.

Progressive Training of Detector Dogs

11. Detector dog teams will engage in progressive training activities a minimum of 16 hours per month. Each progressive training session must be a minimum of four consecutive hours. Training time does not include time spent travelling to and from the training location.
12. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will:
    1. develop and implement a progressive training schedule, in consultation with the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent)
    2. document all progressive training activities using the Detector Dog Training Record (CSC/SCC 1250-01e), and
    3. ensure that inmates and their visitors are not utilized to conduct any type of progressive training activities with the detector dog.
13. Progressive training should occur in varied locations that are representative of search environments found in CSC facilities (for example, offices, living accommodations, vehicles, warehouses, or outside areas).
14. Prior to participating in progressive training activities with external agencies or partners, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will request authorization from the Assistant Warden, Operations.

Treatment of Detector Dogs

15. Any person who wilfully causes unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to a detector dog will be reported to police and may be charged with an offence under the Criminal Code, applicable provincial animal welfare legislation, or both.
16. Any inmate who wilfully causes unnecessary pain, suffering or injury to a detector dog or who interferes with the duties of the dog may be charged with disciplinary offences under paragraph 40(r) of the CCRA and may be reported to police and charged with a Criminal Code offence.
17. In any case where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that abuse or neglect occurred, the Institutional Head will consider whether a fact finding/investigation is required.

Emergency Care of Detector Dogs

18. When an emergency medical situation involving a detector dog occurs, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will notify the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) and/or the Assistant Warden, Operations, of the situation as soon as practicable, who will in turn notify the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator.
19. The decision to proceed with urgent veterinary care does not require the pre-approval of the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator if the situation does not permit it.
20. Where the Veterinarian believes that the detector dog is suffering and that the dog’s death is imminent, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will make the decision whether to proceed with medical interventions aimed at preserving life or to euthanize the dog, based on veterinary advice.
21. When the urgency of the situation does not permit consultation to occur prior to obtaining emergency veterinary care, the National Detector Dog Program Committee will meet within 15 working days in order to debrief and document the situation.

Retirement of Detector Dogs

22. Detector dogs will normally be retired from service between the ages of eight to eleven, depending on the breed, overall health and performance of the dog. The National Detector Dog Program Coordinator, in consultation with the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist and site management, will approve routine retirements.
23. Notwithstanding the above, the National Detector Dog Program Committee may recommend to the Deputy Director, Preventive Security and Intelligence, that a detector dog be retired early due to illness, injury, extended absence, declining performance, or any other factor the Committee believes is relevant.
24. Once the recommendation to retire a detector dog is approved, a suitable home to adopt the dog will be identified in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Detector Dog Program Manual.
25. The National Detector Dog Program Coordinator or delegate will review and complete the Waiver for Correctional Service Canada Detector Dog form (CSC/SCC 1250-04e) with the new owner and provide the completed form to the Deputy Director, Preventive Security and Intelligence, for approval in order to finalize the transfer of the asset to the new owner.

Transportation of Detector Dogs

Vehicle Assignments

26. The Director General, Technical Services and Facilities, will ensure the timely acquisition of motor vehicles in accordance with Internal Services Directive (ISD) 335: Fleet Management.
27. Each institution will provide an approved vehicle to be used for the transportation and temporary kenneling of the detector dog as well as for carrying applicable supplies.
28. The vehicles used to transport detector dogs will not display any permanent markings which identify the vehicle as a CSC asset or security vehicle. Modifications to these vehicles are prohibited unless approved by the Chief, National Fleet Program.
29. In the event that the assigned vehicle is temporarily out of service, the Fleet Custodian at the site will ensure that another suitable vehicle is provided until the assigned vehicle is back in service. The vehicle will be equipped with a securely anchored portable dog kennel to transport the detector dog.
30. If a detector dog team is deployed to another institution, the Fleet Custodians at each site, in consultation with the Chief, National Fleet Program, will determine whether to transfer the vehicle to the new institution or recover the vehicle and assign a different vehicle to the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist.

Temporary Kenneling in Vehicle

31. When a detector dog is temporarily kenneled in the assigned vehicle, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will monitor the vehicle and ensure the climate control systems are operating as certain weather conditions require the engine to run the climate control systems and engine failure could jeopardize the dog’s health and safety.
32. Detector dogs will not be left unattended for extended periods inside a vehicle. When a detector dog must be left unattended for an extended period, vehicle kenneling alternatives, such as institutional, residential or portable kennels, should be utilized.

Use of Vehicles

33. Detector Dog Handlers/Search Specialists are the only personnel authorized to operate the assigned vehicle to transport the detector dog to and from work locations as well as to and from applicable appointments, training activities and exercise areas. In an emergency, the Fleet Custodian may authorize another CSC staff member to operate the vehicle in order to transport the detector dog to the handler’s residence, a commercial kennel, or other location approved by the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator.
34. Detector Dog Handlers/Search Specialists are authorized to park the vehicle at their residence as part of their regular duties to facilitate secure transportation of the detector dog to and from work locations, appointments, grooming, health or hygiene locations, training activities and exercise areas, as well as to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of the vehicle.

Use of Vehicles Outside of Working Hours

35. In order to provide optimal care and maintenance of the detector dog outside of working hours, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist may use the vehicle outside of working hours when and only for dog-related duties.
36. The travel time to and from the residence and work location before or after a scheduled shift is not considered part of the Detector Dog Handlers/Search Specialists’ working hours.
37. Any request for personal use (for example, travelling to secondary residence) will be reviewed and approved in accordance with ISD 335: Fleet Management.

Regular Operations and Maintenance of Vehicles

38. The Fleet Custodian will ensure that a vehicle maintenance plan is in place. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will liaise with the Fleet Custodian or maintenance contact to report any potential issues with the vehicle.
39. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will wash the interior and exterior of their assigned vehicle regularly to ensure the health and safety of the animal.
40. To prevent infectious diseases, the Fleet Custodian will authorize a commercial detailed interior and exterior cleaning of the vehicle at least once a year.

Kenneling of detector dogs

41. Outside of working hours, including on rest days, the detector dog will be kenneled in the residential kennel provided. Any exceptions or alternatives must be approved by the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator.
42. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will complete the Detector Dog Afterhours Routine Checklist in accordance with the Detector Dog Program Manual.
43. Commercial kenneling may be considered in situations where the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will be away from their primary residence or temporarily unable to perform care and maintenance duties associated with their assigned detector dog.

Drug detector training kit (DDTK)

Use of DDTK

44. The National Detector Dog Program Coordinator, in consultation with external certifying partner(s), will determine the group of odours which the detector dogs will be trained to detect. Detector Dog Handlers/Search Specialists are not permitted to introduce additional odours to the detector dogs, unless authorized to do so by the National Coordinator.
45. The use of a drug detector training kit on inmates and their visitors for training or demonstration purposes is prohibited.

Control and Verification of DDTK

46. Detector Dog Handlers/Search Specialists will be required to complete the Detector Dog Handler Training Aid Kit Verification form (CSC/SCC 1250-06e) once per month. The Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) will witness the verification on a quarterly basis.
47. The Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) may request to conduct a DDTK verification at any time.
48. The DDTK must never be left unattended and will be properly secured, in accordance with the Detector Dog Program Manual, at all times when not being used for training purposes.
49. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will not transfer their assigned DDTK to another Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist unless the transfer is approved in writing by the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator.
50. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist may temporarily transfer their DDTK to a Correctional Staff Training Officer or a Border Services Instructor for use during training exercises or recertification. When this occurs, an inventory of the DDTK contents will be conducted and documented prior to transferring the kit to the Correctional Staff Training Officer or the Border Services Instructor and again when the kit is returned to the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist to ensure all contents are accounted for.

Safeguarding of DDTK

51. All DDTK will be stored in the approved safes at the institution when not being utilized for training purposes, in accordance with the specifications in the Detector Dog Program Manual.
52. While being transported to a training location, the DDTK will be stored in the approved security container of the vehicle and the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will maintain control of it at all times.

Safeguarding of DDTK During Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist Extended Absence

53. If the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will be away from the institution for more than 30 calendar days, reasonable efforts should be made for the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist to complete the Detector Dog Handler Training Aid Kit Verification form (CSC/SCC 1250‑06e) in the presence of the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent), prior to their departure.
54. In the case of an unforeseen absence greater than 30 calendar days, the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator will be informed and the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) will complete the Detector Dog Handler Training Aid Kit Verification form (CSC/SCC 1250-06e) in the presence of another staff member as witness.
55. Once the Detector Dog Handler Training Aid Kit Verification form (CSC/SCC 1250-06e) is completed, the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) will place the DDTK in an approved safe and assume responsibility for the DDTK for the duration of the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist’s absence. Monthly verification of the DDTK is not required, as the DDTK should remain in the safe at all times.
56. Once the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist returns to work, both the Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) and the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will complete the Detector Dog Handler Training Aid Kit Verification form (CSC/SCC 1250-06e) before the first utilization of the DDTK.
57. Should the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist be away for longer than one year, consideration will be given to the destruction of the DDTK.

Threat Risk Assessment of DDTK

58. The Correctional Manager, Operations, (or equivalent) will complete a Threat Risk Assessment of the storage solution for each DDTK, in consultation with the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist.
59. The completed Threat Risk Assessment will be submitted to the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator for review and approval, and a copy will be kept on file.
60. The Threat Risk Assessment will expire after five years, after which an updated version will be completed and resubmitted to the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator. An updated Threat Risk Assessment is also required when there are any infrastructure changes at the site that may affect the existing storage solution (for example, office move, purchase of a new safe, or changes to closed circuit television systems).

Sign-Out Procedure for DDTK

61. The Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will document in the Controlled Substance Log (CSC/SCC 1250-05e) each time a controlled substance is removed from, and returned to, the approved safe.

Loss of DDTK or Training Aid

62. Should any loss of controlled substances, issued firearms, or ammunition supplies occur, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will:
    1. immediately notify the Correctional Manager in charge
    2. notify their designated manager as soon as practicable
    3. notify the police force of primary jurisdiction if a controlled substance, firearm or ammunition is lost in an area off the correctional reserve
    4. complete a Statement Observation Report in accordance with CD 568-1: Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents, and
    5. notify the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator in writing within one working day.

Expiration and Destruction of DDTK

63. When the DDTK is expired, the Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist will notify the National Detector Dog Program Coordinator or delegate to request instructions for the transfer and destruction of the expired DDTK.
64. All staff involved in the transfer and destruction of expired DDTK will follow the established procedures for the transfer and destruction of expired DDTK that are outlined in the Detector Dog Program Manual, including the completion of the Detector Dog Handler Transfer and Destruction of Drug Detector Training Kit (DDTK) form (CSC/SCC 1250-07e).

Enquiries

Strategic Policy Division
National Headquarters
Email: Gen-NHQPolicy-Politi@CSC-SCC.gc.ca

Assistant Commissioner,
Correctional Operations and Programs
Jay Pyke

Annex A - Cross-References and Refinitions

Cross-References

• CD 060: Code of Discipline
• ISD 335: Fleet Management
• CD 564-2: Departmental Physical Security
• CD 566-13: Detector Dog Program
• CD 568-1: Recording and Reporting of Security Incidents
• CD 702: Indigenous Offenders
• GL 750-1: Inmate Religious Accommodations

Standards of Professional Conduct in the Correctional Service of Canada

Definitions

Detector dog: a non-intrusive search tool, which consists of a dog trained to search for specific odours and identify the source of the odours through a behavioural change. CSC detector dogs are certified to work with a specific Handler. No other person will utilize the detector dog in a search capacity.

Detector Dog Handler/Search Specialist: a specialist who will assist in the development and maintenance of a thorough and consistent Institutional Search Plan and is a trained and certified Detector Dog Handler responsible for the care and custody of a detector dog.

Detector dog team: a trained and certified detector dog and Handler.

Drug detector training kit (DDTK): a supply of controlled substances approved and provided by Health Canada.

Progressive training: ongoing training that ensures a high level of performance by the detector dog teams in order to meet the established standards during certifications. This process also ensures detector dog teams are certified for court purposes.

Training aid: a legally possessed item or substance, approved for the Detector Dog Program and used to train a detector dog in the odour profiles for which the dog has been certified.