Detecting substances

How security companies train sniffer dogs to detect explosives, weapons and illegal drugs

In an increasingly high-tech security market, more and more security and protection systems are becoming unmanned or electronic. From a costs perspective, this is very often a good thing. As information technology improves, so it can increase the standard of security for public places and buildings.

A sniffer dog searches for explosives ahead of
the arrival of a VIP

But when it comes to the detection of dangerous or illegal substances, there is still no substitute for the brilliant noses of trained sniffer dogs. Daniel Mannix knows more than most about the benefits of canine olfactory skills. Mannix and business partner Alan Savill met at a training course in 2004. Between them they had a collective 51 years of dog-handling experience and decided to pool their knowledge. Mannix had set up his own company after retiring from over thirty-five years working for London’s Royal Parks.

Savill sums up the importance of their work: "Dogs really are the best way to identify if illegal or dangerous substances are in a building. They do not need to understand different languages – they work on their natural instincts."

The company’s core business lies in static guarding, alarm response, and key handling. The services they provide are constantly evolving, and the demand for dog services is rising. The company specialises in scenario-based training. They are able to demonstrate to potential clients scenarios where their services can be of use – for example, dogs sniffing out potential substances needed for explosives which have been placed in suitcases.

Employees at Mannix have brought experience in from both the British Military and Metropolitan Police. The company’s security services have been used at high-profile venues such as Wembley Stadium, and by major transport networks such as London Underground.

The company have also been present at events held at the Royal Albert Hall and the prestigious Farnborough Air Show. Major clients who have required Mannix’s security services include former mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani, musician Sting, and former US president Bill Clinton.

The dog learns to sit patiently next to a suspect package
and in return have a tennis ball given

So how do Mannix try to stay ahead of their competitors? Savill is frank about the key factor:

"What it comes down to are the actual dogs and staff used," he says. "Many companies offer the same kind of service; however we see our level of training standards as better than our competitors. No short cuts are taken, and both the manned guards and dogs are made sure to be able to deal with the scenarios expected to be dealt with by the potential clients (through their scenario-based training and supervision).

Savill states that the company, though aiming to provide a second-to-none service in their field, are quite an understated company – pretty confidential, but with a great sense of ethics. Mannix’s greatest work ethic is to provide the best quality and best value for their clients.

"We don’t really use any cutting-edge new technologies," says Savill "We rely on good old-fashioned physical supervision and training, along with a built-up respect and reputation with our clients."

The majority of the training that Mannix provide for both their static and mobile guards is scenario-based – putting them in real-life scenarios that they could find themselves in on the field. Guards are also given updates and advice in regular newsletters that Mannix provide to their employees.

The staff turnover at Mannix is very low – two employees in the last five years (which for the security sector is extraordinary). Each guard is always encouraged to stay and develop their skills.

The company selects dogs that have the potential to have their natural instincts developed into great hunting instincts, in line with the requirements of the job.

Training follows a standard pattern. Initially, a reward is placed next to the scent of potential explosive substances. The dog takes recognition of the scent after retrieving his reward, and after a few repetitions of this procedure, the dog has been trained to expect a reward on detection of a certain smell.

Once the dog is able to pick up on the scent of a potentially explosive substance (or illegal drug), the next stage is identification. Naturally, in a real life search for an explosive or banned substance, no reward for the dog will be located next to it, so for the successful find to be "identified" the dog learns to sit patiently next to the suspect package and in return have a tennis ball given if the find is correct. This process is repeated for a number of weeks to allow the process to become second nature to the dogs.

"It is important not to mix the drug-sniffing dogs with the explosive substance identifiers as false leads could be made," says Savill. "In looking for an explosive, a dog trained in identifying both drugs and explosive substances could be distracted if illegal drug substances were in the area. It is fine however to train dogs in both the search for illegal drugs and weapons as the two areas often come together."

Savill stresses the importance of having expertly trained people and dogs: "Many companies are involved in the same sector but do not provide the same standard of training," says Savill. "One bad call could mean the difference between life and death."