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Certification + Training

Training K9's for a Brighter Future

  • Article I: Name and Purpose of the Association
    Section A The name of the Association shall be the “Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association” hereinafter referred to as the “Association’. The term Pacific Northwest shall refer to the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and the Province of British Columbia. MISSION The purpose of the association is to educate, train, promote, and increase the knowledge and standards of police detection canines throughout the Pacific Northwest. Further, to support and organize certification tests for detection canine teams, to provide for a standard of certification and to enhance in all aspects, the use and deployment of detection canines-regardless of training philosophies. In addition, to provide ongoing support services for detection canine handlers and units.
  • Article II: Membership
    Section A: Membership There shall be four categories of membership: LIFE-CHARTER, REGULAR, ASSOCIATE AND HONORARY. All memberships are the sole and exclusive property of association and may be suspended and/or revoked ‘for cause” by the Board of Directors. A LIFE/CHARTER member is defined as any of the 10 original founding members of association, and as such, they shall be entitled to lifetime rights and benefits as defined in these BY-LAWS of this Association, as long as they remain members in good standing. A REGULAR membership shall be open to all persons who are sworn Federal, State, County, or Municipal law enforcement officers. This category shall also include any officers for a foreign jurisdiction. Person/s applying for a regular membership must be fully commissioned law enforcement officer/s. In order for any Regular member to be nominated or hold a position on the Board of Directors, that member must be a sworn law enforcement officer of a member state or appointed by the Board of Directors. An ASSOCIATE membership shall be open to those who are: (a) Private trainers and vendors who train narcotic detection canines for law enforcement agencies; (b) Military, Correctional officers who handle, train, Narcotic Detection Canines as their assigned duties. (c) Civilian detection dog handlers who are gainfully employed by a recognized private Security Company who have met the requirements established by the executive board. Membership fee to be established by executive board. Sponsored by a member of Association Board of Directors and who does not otherwise meet membership criteria. Retired Police Officers, who have previously handled / trained detection canines. ALL ASSOCIATE members must also meet any additional and/or supplemental membership requirements deemed necessary and/or appropriate by Association membership committee and/or the Board of Directors. An ASSOCIATE member shall not have the right to vote nor hold any appointed or elected position on the Board of Directors. An ASSOCIATE member cannot evaluate, certify or conduct training during sessions so designated and overseen by the association, unless under the direction of an association Trainer / official. ASSOCIATE members will not be allowed to attend those seminar classes that are confidential in nature and only open to sworn law enforcement officers. An HONORARY membership shall be open to those persons and other entities, who, upon a majority vote of the Board of Directors, are deemed to have outstanding contributions to the goals and purposes of the Association. Section B: ADMISSION Every applicant for membership, other than HONORARY, shall apply for membership on a form approved by the Membership Committee. ALL REGULAR memberships shall be deemed to be accepted upon submission of membership application if all necessary requirements are complete at the time of submission. Each ASSOCIATE membership application shall be reviewed by the Membership Committee and either rejected or sent on to the Board of Directors with a recommendation for acceptance or further review. Section C: VOTING RIGHTS LIFE/CHARTER members shall have one vote for each matter under consideration by the membership, or the Board. When necessary, each REGULAR member shall have one vote for each matter under consideration by membership. No other voting rights are either expressed or implied for any other type of membership category. Voting sessions will be open to voting members only. Section D: TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP Any member may resign by filing with the Secretary, a written declaration of intent to resign. Any membership will lapse if any member’s dues are not paid within thirty days of the first day of the calendar year. Any membership, terminated for non-payment of dues, may be reinstated, with no loss of privileges, provided said dues are paid in full within sixty days from the date they were due. Any membership may be terminated upon recommendation of the Membership Committee and vote of the Board of Directors.
  • Article III: Code of Ethics
    Section A Any person or company whose application for membership is accepted by Association shall, as a condition of membership, agree to abide by, and consent to, these By-Laws and all Policies and Procedures, Rules and Regulations currently enacted, or to be enacted in the future. Section B No member will act in a manner prejudicial to the Association or against the best interests of the Association. No member will knowingly falsify any record or document in connection with the certification or sale of a dog. In any exhibition or training workshop, no member will conduct him / herself otherwise than in accordance with the highest traditions and standards of fair-play and good sportsmanship. Section C: PROCEDURES FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION Grounds for disciplinary action will result from any of the following: Any conduct detrimental to the objectives or interests of the Association, including any violation of the herein referenced By-Laws, Policies, Procedures or Rules and Regulations of Association. Any member may notify the Board of Directors, in the form of a confidential writing, of any conduct, by any member, detrimental to the objectives or interests of the Association. A Hearing Board, consisting of the Board of Directors or their designee/s will investigate any allegations made and take whatever action is deemed appropriate in lieu of the circumstances.
  • Article IV: Dues
    Section A The Board of Directors shall determine, one per year, the annual dues payable to the Association by its members. There will be no pro-rata of dues. Dues will be payable in advance, on the first day of January. New members shall pay their dues upon acceptance of their membership. Life-Charter members shall be exempt from paying dues or any other monetary fee otherwise mandated during their membership in the Association. Regular members shall pay annual membership dues of $50.00, US funds. Associate members who are private trainers / vendors shall pay an annual membership fee of $100.00. Associate members who are Military or Correctional canine handlers shall pay an annual membership fee of $50.00.
  • Article V: Meetings
    Section A An annual training workshop-meeting, for the purpose of conducting corporate business, will be held once a year, the place and time to be determined by the Board of Directors. Section B Regular meetings shall be scheduled from time to time for the purpose of training and conducting corporate business. These meetings will be called by the Board of Directors. The place and time of these meetings will be determined by the Board of Directors. Section C: Agenda Order of Business (a) Roll Call (b) Introduction of new members and guests; (c) Reading of minutes and correspondence (d) Reports of officers and committees (e) Unfinished business (f) Elections (g) New business (h) Dog training All order of business, not otherwise provided for in these by-laws, shall be governed by the procedures set forth in ‘ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER”. Section D Advance notice, stating the place and hour of any meeting of the membership, shall be distributed to each member prior to the date of said meeting. Such notice will state the purpose of the meeting. Section E Two-thirds of the voting members and/or when appropriate, two-thirds of the Board, shall constitute a quorum. For voting purposes, voting members must be present to vote. Votes by proxy and/or by absentee ballot will not be permitted except by LIFE / CHARTER members.
  • Article VI: Duties & Appointment of Officers and Directors
    Section A: Board of Directors composition The Board of Directors will be comprised of the following: President Emeritus President Vice President – USA Vice President – International Secretary-Treasurer Section B: Duties of Directors The governing body of the Association shall be the Board of Directors. No officer, director, or member serving on a committee as such shall receive any salary or compensation for services rendered to the Association. However, Officers, Directors, and / or members may be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses incurred reasonably and necessarily in conducting the affairs of the Association. Section C: Officers PRESIDENT EMERITUS: The President Emeritus provides leadership and guidance to the executive board of directors. In particular, mentors the executive president in proceedings of the Association. Provides a historical perspective in the decision making process. Qualifications: Founding President of Association. Term of Office: Lifetime. Duties: Provides guidance to the President to assure continuity of executive board activities and program development in matters of the association. Provides counsel to the executive board of directors in prioritizing Association needs to reflect the mission, goals and objectives of the association. Participates in executive board of directors meetings and conference calls as a non- voting member. Entitled right: The President Emeritus in recognition for past service to the association shall receive the following benefits. All related expenses to attend association conferences, meetings and association business related meetings shall be reimbursed in full. These expenses will cover but not limited to; travel, lodging, meals and other related expenses. Such expenses shall not exceed established Federal per diem rates. This entitled right is considered final and not subject to change. PRESIDENT: The President shall be the executive officer of the Association and shall supervise the business affairs of the Association. It shall be the duty of the President to call and preside at all regular and special meetings. The President shall see that the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations are respected and obeyed. The President shall, from time to time as is necessary, appoint all committees and may designate their Chairperson. The President shall appoint pro-tempore officers in the event of absences. The President shall perform such other duties as are usual and incidental to the office of the President. The President is a member ex-officio of all committees. PAST PRESIDENT: The role of the Past President is to ensure continuity during governance transitions and organizational change, to help ensure the appropriate succession of Officers and Directors, to support the President in his/her role, and to provide continuity to the organization by providing historical context for issues. Entitled right: The past president in recognition for past service to the association shall receive the following benefits: All related expenses to attend association conferences, providing the past president participates in conference training activities at the direction of the presiding president. The Past President position shall have no voting authority within the executive body and shall be an advisory role only. VICE-PRESIDENTS: The Vice-President (2) shall actively assist and support the President in the performance of all presidential duties, and shall be the President pro-tempore in the absence of the President, during which time the Vice-President shall assume all duties and responsibilities of that office. The Vice-President shall act as liaison between the President and Chairpersons of committees. In the event of a vacancy in the office of the President during elective term, the Vice-President shall succeed to that office. The Vice President with the longest tenure will serve as President pro tem should the need arrive. SECRETARY It shall be the duty of the secretary to accurately record the proceedings at meetings, read the minutes of previous meetings and all communications. The Secretary shall call the roll of Officers and note absentees. The Secretary shall communicate and correspond with all persons and Associations both within and outside the Association relative to Executive level business. TREASURER It shall be the duty of Treasurer to collect all monies due this Association, giving receipt thereof The Treasurer shall keep a suitable set of books of record of same. The Treasurer shall deposit all monies of this Association in a bank designated by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall render statements in detail at each meeting of the Association, showing receipts and disbursements in full to date, and the monies in the Treasury. The Treasurer shall, as is necessary, draw all checks and other obligations. The account books as well as all papers in the care, custody and control of the Treasurer shall be open for inspection and examination by the Board of Directors. Section D: TERMS Appointment to the Board of Directors: Membership on the Board of Directors shall be a permanent appointment. Vacancies which occur in any of the Association’s offices or positions on the Board of Directors, through retirement, resignation, death, or impeachment, shall be filled by appointments made by the Board of Directors. When necessary, any member of the Board of Directors may nominate a Life- Charter or Regular member currently in good standing, for appointment to the Board of Directors. All nominations will be reported to the Secretary, in writing, with acceptance from the nominee, at least sixty days prior to the appointment being made. The nominated candidate receiving the greater number of votes shall be declared elected. PROBATIONARY TIME PERIOD: All newly appointed board of director members shall be subject to a three year probationary period during which time their performance will be subject to review at any time, by permanent board of director members. During this time, newly appointed board of directors may be removed for cause by a unanimous vote of permanent board members. The President Emeritus is exempt from this requirement. Section E A quorum shall be two-thirds of the Board of Directors. The nominated candidate receiving the greater number of votes shall be declared elected. A vote of a quorum of the Board of Directors shall act as vote for the membership in total. Section F Except as otherwise indicated in these By-Laws, No associate member shall ever be eligible for any position on the Board of Directors. Any act of the majority of the Directors shall be the act of the total Board, provided a quorum is present. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors shall be filled, by appointment, by the Board, for the remainder of the term of the vacant office.
  • Article VII: Committees
    Section A Committees may be appointed, from time to time, to further the work of the Association. These committees shall be appointed and supervised by the President or the Board of Directors, and will conduct themselves in accordance with ‘Robert’s Rules of Order’. There shall be the following standing committees: Executive Membership / Fund raising. Training
  • Article VIII: Contracts
    The board may authorize any officer or agent of the Association to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of, or on behalf of the Association.
  • Article IX: Miscellaneous
    Section A The Board shall provide for the issuance of identification cards or badges which identify members of the Association. Section B The Fiscal year of the Association shall begin on the first day of January and shall end with the last day of December of each year. Section C The By-Laws of the Association may only be amended, repealed, or added to, by an affirmative unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. Section D The Association may be dissolved by unanimous approval of the Board of Directors.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST POLICE DETECTION DOG ASSOCIATION

EXPLOSIVE CERTIFICATION

Canine Team Certification:

Certification for the named canine team (one canine handler and one canine) shall be valid for up to one year (365 days or 366 days in a leap year). Canine handlers with more than one canine shall be required to independently certify with each canine. It is recommended the canine team shall perform regular documented maintenance training, periodic proficiency assessments, double-blind assessments, and follow other recommended Federal, state, and local guidelines.

The certifying official(s) shall not be routinely involved in the training (maintenance training, periodic proficiency assessments, double-blind assessment, etc.) of the canine team being evaluated.

1. Certification will include both single – and double-blind exercises:

1.1   Single Blind: A single blind exercise is described as “the Certifying Official knows what outcome is expected of the exercise and the K9 handler does not”.

1.2   Double Blind: A double blind exercise is described as “that neither party, Certifying Official nor K9 handler, knows what outcome is expected for the exercise”. (The double blind search area will be decided by the Certifying Official).

1.3   Certification shall be conducted with actual explosive, or explosive precursor chemicals. No Pseudo explosives will be used in the

2. 6 (six) Mandatory explosives used in certification are:

2.1.1 Ammonium nitrate (AN)-based:

2.1.2 Black Powder.

2.1.3 Double Based Smokeless Powder.

2.1.4 Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN)-based.

2.1.5 Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX)–based.

2.1.6 Trinitrotoluene (TNT).

Certification

Certification takes place on the last day of the annual conference. Membership (or renewal) and certification is included in the conference fee. Membership is not required for certification, however, non-members will have a certification fee. Standards and certification officials can be viewed below.

If you need certification outside of the conference date, please contact us.

Training

Register or learn more about the PNWK9 Annual Narcotic/Explosive Conference.

3. 8 (eight) Elective explosives used in the certification may include any of the following:

3.1 Dynamite (nitroglycerin (NG) or ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN)-based);

3.2 Ammonium nitrate (AN) blended with high explosive-based explosives;

3.3 Single based Smokeless Powder.

3.4 Plastic explosives (untagged and tagged).

3.5 Nitrate Based Mixtures.

3.6 Chlorate Based Mixtures.

3.7 Emulsions.

3.8 cast boosters.

4. Explosives Restricted Use:

4.1 Peroxide-based explosives e.g., Hexamethylene Triperoxidediamine (HMTD), Triacetone triperoxide (TATP) will not be used in certification due to its volatility.

5. Target Odor Weights:

5.1 Minimum weight of target odor(s) used for certification shall be 30 gms (1 oz) Maximum weight of target odor(s) being tested shall be determined by the evaluator and based on mission requirements and associated threat.

6. Certification Protocols.

6.1 It is the responsibility of each handler to advise the certifying official present as to the type of alert/indication the canine exhibits.

6.2 The canine hander must verbally state “alert” to the certifying official and identify the location of the alert or the alert / indication will not be scored.

6.3 The canine may not be able to make a final response due to the components and parameters of the certification.

6.4 Reasonable consideration by the certifier shall be given in these instances (e.g., target is inaccessible for the canine to make a final response).

6.5 The desired outcome of the search is the identification of the number and placement of the target odor(s) by the canine team.

6.6 No detonators will be placed with the target odor or used in the certification.

6.7 Aggression towards a placed target odor (intrusive contact, bite or scratch) shall trigger an immediate disqualification.

6.8 Only explosives that have been properly maintained, stored, and are in good condition shall be used.

7. EXPLOSIVE ODOR RECOGNITION TEST (ORT)

7.1 The canine handler shall be advised of the parameters of the ORT.

7.2 18 one-gallon paint cans numbered 1-18, placed in a 30 ft (9 m) radius circle spaced minimum 3 ft (1m) The number for each can will be located on the base supporting the one gallon can and clearly visible to the handler.

7.3 The sample containers shall be placed in a location that minimizes environmental influences that may affect the odor.

7.4 Each test sample (target odor or distractor) shall be placed in a clean container, with perforations.

7.5  All perforated sample containers will be placed in a larger external container (gallon size can).  

7.6   All containers will be absent of external markings and all perforations will be small enough to eliminate the presence of visual cues.

7.7   Each 3 1/8 “ x 2” container will have a lid with 20 -1/8 “ size holes in a circular pattern.  Containers will be placed within the 1 gallon paint cans.

7.8      Within the 18 quart cans, there will be the following:

7.8.1     6 cans contain explosives from 6 explosive.

7.8.2    10 cans contain distractor odors (see distractor odor list).

7.8.3     2 cans are blank.

7.9 The certifier will randomly select the arrangement of the sample containers for the target odors, distractors and blanks, using a random number generator (RNG).

7.10 The ORT phase will have a thirty (30) minute MINIMUM set time for all explosives placed for this exercise.

7.11 Handler is allowed two (2) complete revolutions of the circle.   A canine team will not be allowed to back-track or reverse direction partway through a chosen direction.

7.12    If handlers decide their canine did not satisfactorily search specific sample container(s), or they observe a change of behavior (COB) involving a specific sample container, they may return to that or those container(s) without it being considered a “second pass,” if done contemporaneously.

7.13   When a canine indicates on a can, the handler will advise the certifier of the can number before canine is rewarded. The certifier will provide handlers with real-time feedback (e.g., “yes” or “no”), and canines should only be rewarded for correct responses AFTER confirmation by the certifier.

7.14    If the canine team exceeds two false alerts, the team will be allowed one additional attempt to pass the ORT after every other participant has completed the test.

8. Failure of the Odor Recognition Test (ORT) assessment:

8.1 The canine team fails to locate all the required target odors within two passes.

8.2 The canine team exceeds the maximum amount of false or non-productive responses.

8.3 Biting, scratching, or aggressively disturbing a placed target

8.4 The certifier can fail the canine handler team if it is determined that the canine is no longer actively searching.

8.5 For successful ORT / certification, the canine team shall achieve an overall 100% positive alert rate on target odors and not exceed 2

non-productive (“false positive”) responses to non-explosive samples.

9. DISTRACTOR ODORS USED FOR ODOR RECOGNITION TEST.

The following distractors can be used but are not limited to:

9.1 Rubber Bands

9.2 Electrical Tape

9.3 Glue

9.4 Crayons

9.5 Vitamin C

9.6 Cheerios

9.7 Batteries

9.8 Aspirin

9.9 Nitrate Gloves

9.10 Microfiber pads

9.11 Liquid Soap

9.12 Duct Tape

9.13 Nylons

9.14 Packing Tape

9.15 Shoe Polish

9.16 Dog Food (commercially produced kibble)

10. Operational Searches:

10.1   One of the three operational searches will be a “Double Blind”.   The double-blind exercise will be decided by the certifying official. During the double-blind exercise, the certifier will not be present, only the canine team.

10.2    The canine handler shall be advised of the parameters of the certification but shall not know the number or placement of the target odors(s).

10.3    Each single blind search area will have zero (0) to two (2) training aids utilized during certification. These will be placed at the discretion of the Certifying

10.4    If the target odor is moved to a new location, the previously used area cannot be used for operational searches.

10.5    Prior to the first canine handler team entering the search area; a separate, nonparticipating canine handler team should be used to search area (this step randomizes canine odor if multiple canines are to be assessed in the same area and ensures target odor is accessible).

11. PARCEL/BAGGAGE SEARCH

11.1    There will be a 5-minute time limit for the search.

11.2   Room (minimum size 30 x 60 ft / 9m x 18m) will contain 10 baggage/parcel(s) minimum size 44cm x 31cm x7.2cm.

11.3 Examples of baggage/parcels include hard and soft-shell suitcases, clothing bags, briefcases, golf bags, duffle bags, cardboard boxes, envelopes, and other mail material.

11.4 Target odor shall be randomly placed within the baggage/parcel

11.5 Concealment should be sufficient to avoid visual cues indicating the location of the target odor to the canine and/or handler.

11.6 Baggage/Parcel package will be placed on the floor in any pattern, 3 ft (1m) from each other. (Certifier will determine placement pattern)

12. ROOM SEARCH

12.1    There will be a 10-minute time limit for the search.

12.2   Room search (Each room will be a minimum of 200 sq ft / 192 m). Larger rooms may be sectioned off to meet the 200 sq ft / 192     .

12.3   The certification shall include a minimum of three (3) rooms.

12.4   Rooms must be furnished (i.e.: kitchens, workshops, offices, hotel rooms, school rooms containing furnishings and/or equipment).

12.5   The explosive aids shall be placed anywhere from ground level to a 6 ft height.

12.6   The certification shall include a blank room.

12.7    The handler shall not change the search environment (open any closed doors, cabinet drawers etc.) during the search.

12.8    The handler can use allotted time to search any of the rooms at their discretion.

13. VEHICLE SEARCH

13.1   There will be a 10-minute time limit for the search.

13.2   5 vehicles in search, vehicles may be of any type or model (e.g., Passenger vehicle, pickup trucks, buses, vans).

13.3   The explosive aid can be placed on the outside of the vehicle or placed inside where odor is available to the canine from the outside.

13.4   Canine or canine handler are not permitted to enter vehicle or open doors, only exterior of vehicles are to be searched.

13.5   Only one target odor shall be placed on any vehicle.

13.6   No two vehicles containing target odors shall be placed next to each other.

13.7   The parking area shall be consistent with the number of vehicles to be searched or larger, with ample room between each vehicle to allow the canine handler team to move around each vehicle. A minimum of one standard size parking space (8 ft / 2.4 m) shall separate each vehicle.

14. SCORING

14.1   ODOR RECOGNITION TEST (ORT)

14.2  During the Odor Recognition Test (ORT), the team must correctly identify the six (6) explosive odors (100%) with no more than two (2) non-productive (“false positives”) responses to nonexplosive

14.3   If the team has MORE than two (2) false positives, the team will be allowed one additional attempt to pass the ORT. The second attempt should take place after every other participant has completed the ORT.

 14.4   TEAMS WILL NOT MOVE TO OPERATIONAL TESTING IF THEY HAVE FAILED THE ODOR RECOGNITION TEST (ORT). 

15     OPERATIONAL TESTING (ROOMS, PARCELS, VEHICLE)

15.1  K9 Teams will be permitted only one (1) miss on all explosive odors in the three phases of the operational test (baggage/parcel, rooms and vehicles).     (baggage/parcel, rooms, and vehicles).

15.2   Canine team are permitted a total of two (2) false positives during operational testing phase of certification.

15.3   If the explosives are intentionally disturbed or retrieved by the canine, the team will be disqualified from certification.

15.4   The canine team should be able to locate all target odor(s) within 3 ft (1 m) from the source without disturbing the target odor(s), regardless of the height of the source, barring extenuating environmental conditions deemed relevant by the certifying official(s).

15.5   The certifying official may fail the canine team due to canine handler errors and breaches of safety, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

15.6   Not maintaining positive control of the canine, which may lead to safety issues:

15.7   Allowing canine outside of the search area.

15.8   Not following the directions of the certifying official.

15.9   Deliberate compromise of an evaluation will not be tolerated.   Any communication concerning specifics of the evaluation will constitute a compromise and will lead to termination of the canine team.

15.10   If a canine team fails the certification, the Certifying official(s) shall identify the performance deficiency to the canine handler (i.e.,:odor recognition, false alerts, search patterning) so that the trainer can determine the minimum amount of time for the deficiency to be remediated before another certification attempt.

15. OPERATIONAL TESTING (ROOMS, PARCELS, VEHICLE)

15.1  K9 Teams will be permitted only one (1) miss on all explosive odors in the three phases of the operational test (baggage/parcel, rooms and vehicles).     (baggage/parcel, rooms, and vehicles).

15.2   Canine team are permitted a total of two (2) false positives during operational testing phase of certification.

15.3   If the explosives are intentionally disturbed or retrieved by the canine, the team will be disqualified from certification.

15.4   The canine team should be able to locate all target odor(s) within 3 ft (1 m) from the source without disturbing the target odor(s), regardless of the height of the source, barring extenuating environmental conditions deemed relevant by the certifying official(s).

15.5   The certifying official may fail the canine team due to canine handler errors and breaches of safety, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

15.6   Not maintaining positive control of the canine, which may lead to safety issues:

15.7   Allowing canine outside of the search area.

15.8   Not following the directions of the certifying official.

15.9   Deliberate compromise of an evaluation will not be tolerated.   Any communication concerning specifics of the evaluation will constitute a compromise and will lead to termination of the canine team.

15.10   If a canine team fails the certification, the Certifying official(s) shall identify the performance deficiency to the canine handler (i.e.,:odor recognition, false alerts, search patterning) so that the trainer can determine the minimum amount of time for the deficiency to be remediated before another certification attempt.

16. Certification Records:

16.1   Each canine team who successfully passes certification shall, receive a Letter of Certification from the Association, within 7 days of certification.  The Association will retain a copy of the Letter of Certification for each dog team.

16.2   All records are the sole property of the Association and are non-transferable unless otherwise specified.

17. Complaints:

17.1   It is the responsibility of each handler to have any questions clarified about the certification prior to the deployment of the dog on the search.

17.2   Any complaints about the certification process or conduct by the certifying official or Association member shall be set in writing and forwarded to the Association board of directors within ten days of the Certification.

17.3   Certifying officials are not required to explain their evaluation and will not enter into a discussion with any persons disputing an evaluation.

18. Rules of Conduct.

18.1   Every handler will be responsible for any damage inflicted by the detection team canine, to training area, persons or other property.

18.2  The wearing of or use of  Electric, Prong collars are not permitted in the certification.

18.3 Handlers who have completed certification shall refrain from any contact with handlers who are awaiting certification.

18.4   It is the responsibility of the Association certifying official to conduct the certification in a fair and impartial manner.

18.5   Only actual explosive substances will be used during the Certification.

18.6   An Association certifying official will explain the certification rules to all handlers prior to the certification.  A copy of the rules will be given to any handler upon request.

18.7   There will be no training, play or practice with canines in or around any certifying areas.

18.8 All handlers should attempt to have their dogs refrain from urinating in the certifying areas.

18.9 If in the opinion of the certifying official, a handler uses extreme or abusive treatment of a canine, displays loss of temper or poor sportsmanship, the certifying official will immediately disqualify that detection team. There will be no appeal process.

Acknowledgements.

United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) for allowing use of their ORT specifications.

OSAC Explosive Detection Dog standards. Utilized procedures for baggage / parcel searches and room searches.

  • Luggage/Parcel search 10 bags

    • Examples of baggage/parcels include hard and soft-shell suitcases, clothing bags, briefcases, golf bags, duffle bags, cardboard boxes, envelopes, and other mail material.

    • Room search (Each room will be a minimum of 200 sq ft / 192 m). Larger rooms may be sectioned off to meet the 200 sq ft / 192

Oregon

John-e-300x186.jpg

John Eckhart  |  Eckhart K9

John Eckhart is an explosives detection dog trainer and handler working events for the NFL, NBA and various entertainment venues across the Pacific Northwest. John Eckhart retired from the Portland Police Bureau as Assistant Chief of Police. John is a currently a Certifying Official for the Pacific Northwest Police Canine Association and a Security Representative for the National Basketball Association where, in addition to general security duties, he assists with detection dog oversight for select NBA events worldwide. Additionally, John is a K-9 Trial Judge for National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) judging detection dog trails across the Pacific Northwest. John currently owns an explosives detection dog company and has retired law enforcement and military handlers working events throughout the Pacific Northwest. Additionally John trains detection dog teams for law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Washington.

John began his police canine career in 1986 as a Police Service Dog Handler in Portland, Oregon. John has worked and trained Patrol Dogs, Cross Trained Dogs and Single Purpose Detection Dogs for over 30 years. He started Portland’s Detection Dog Program in 1991 and handled the first Detection Dog for the Portland Police Bureau. John is a two-term past president of the Oregon Police Canine Association (OPCA) where he started the Detection Dog component of that association. John authored the State of Oregon Police Anim

British Columbia

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Gord McGuinness | Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Gord McGuinness is currently a member of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Service in British Columbia, Canada. This new assignment follows a 34-year career with the Vancouver Police Department. Prior to his retirement from the VPD, Gord spent 18 of 34 years as a canine handler and worked five police service dogs during his time in the VPD Canine Unit.

For more than a decade Gord held the position of Head Trainer in the Canine Unit where he was responsible for implementing the first single purpose, narcotic and explosive detection dog teams in the history of the Vancouver Police Department. His responsibilities also included the acquisition and training of 21 general duty and 4 detection dog teams. Throughout his time in the Canine Unit, Gord worked his own general duty and explosive detection dog.

In addition to his policing career, Gord operates a private consulting business in which he trains patrol, narcotic and explosive detection dogs for the private security industry. He has worked closely with Fred Helfers, over the past 19 years and is a co-founder of the Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association.

NARCOTIC SITE  INSTRUCTORS

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EDDY MACVEIGH

Eddy MacVeigh has over 20 years experience managing, working, and training canine units for the private security industry in Explosive Detection, Narcotic Detection, and Personal Protection. 

 

Over his career Eddy was instrumental in building one of Western Canada’s largest private  canine units from one team to over forty teams today. During this time Eddy also actively handled his own Protection,  Narcotic, and Explosive Detection canines. 

 

Eddys experience lies in deployment of canine units in the marine and aviation industry, playing a key part in implementing detection dog programs in some of Canada’s largest port, aviation and cargo terminals. 

 

Based out of Langley, British Columbia, Eddy currently provides contract training, consulting and kennelling services to law enforcement and private security across Canada. 

 

Eddy has been a member of Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association since 2012 and maintains memberships with the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI) and American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS). 

CHRISTINA BUNN
JOSH MADSEN

EXPLOSIVE SITE INSTRUCTORS

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JOHN ECKHART |  Eckhart K9

John Eckhart is an explosives detection dog trainer and handler working events for the NFL, NBA and various entertainment venues across the Pacific Northwest. John Eckhart retired from the Portland Police Bureau as Assistant Chief of Police. John is a currently a Certifying Official for the Pacific Northwest Police Canine Association and a Security Representative for the National Basketball Association where, in addition to general security duties, he assists with detection dog oversight for select NBA events worldwide. Additionally, John is a K-9 Trial Judge for National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) judging detection dog trails across the Pacific Northwest. John currently owns an explosives detection dog company and has retired law enforcement and military handlers working events throughout the Pacific Northwest. Additionally John trains detection dog teams for law enforcement agencies in Oregon and Washington.

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Sgt. David Wood |

Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Retired

Police Dog Service Provincial Program Manager/Supervisor

Pacific Region  (British Columbia & Yukon Territory)

Joined the RCMP in October 1977 where I eventually got selected for the Police Dog service in 1988.  Over my thirty years as a police dog handler, I have worked four German Shepherds utility trained dogs, three cross trained for narcotic detection, one cross trained for explosive detection and one explosive detection training lab.   In 2005, I was promoted to the Police Dog Program Manager/Supervisor and was responsible for the Police Dog Program in the Pacific Region providing functional supervision, training and staff development to eighty dog handlers, both patrol and jetway/pipeline drug specialty teams.  I was also responsible for training, validations, and operational competency of the two civilian search and rescue dog associations. Canadian Avalanche Rescue Association (CARDA) and British Columbia Search Dog Association.  (BCSDA)

I was a designated instructor on National Tactical Emergency Response Courses related to police dog tactics such as, Police Dog Handler Officer Safety Course, Armed Ship Boarding Course, Basic Emergency Response Team “Bush Tracking and Rural Patrol Tactics”, as well as Tactical Team (Crowd Management) Police Dog tactics, as it related to formations and deployments. 

I coordinated many major events related to police dog explosive detection prevention and response such as 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver BC, as well as major investigations in Western Canada where multiple explosive detection dog teams were required.

From 2010 to my retirement in 2012, I conducted explosive and narcotic validations of security dog teams in the Province of BC under the authority of the Justice Institute of British Columbia.

Currently, I continue to provide training to explosive, narcotic and search & rescue dog teams in the Pacific Northwest.  I have been associated with the Pacific Northwest K9 Detection Association since 2008 as an instruction and training facilitor.

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Brad Smith
 

Officer Brad Smith started his law enforcement career in 1999 as a sheriff’s deputy with the Stillwater County Sheriff’s Office in Montana. In 2003, Smith went through basic dual-purpose handler school at Crazy Mountain Kennels in Big Timber, MT with K9 Cyrus (German Shepherd). In 2005, Smith lateralled to the Duvall Police Department, WA where he started their K9 Program while still partnered with K9 Cyrus. They began attending and certifying annually through PNWK9 in 2006. K9 Cyrus passed away in 2009. Smith lateralled to the Marysville Police Department, WA in 2009 where he was partnered with narcotic detection K9 Katy (Black Labrador Retriever) in 2011. Smith and K9 Katy spent several years on the PRO-ACT Team before retiring K9 Katy in 2016. Smith was then partnered with dual-purpose K9 Steele (Belgian Malinois) in 2016. Smith imprinted/trained K9 Steele and K9 Copper of the Marysville Police Department in narcotic detection. Smith is currently the department narcotic detection dog trainer and assigned to the K9 Unit. Smith became a certifying official for the Criminal Justice Training Commission and PNWK9 in 2018.

Washington

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Gunner Fulmer | Walla Walla Police Department – Retired

I started my career in Law Enforcement for the city of Walla Walla in 2008, after serving 13 years as a Paramedic/Firefighter for the same city. I was awarded my first canine partner in 2009, K9 Rev. I worked K9 Rev as a narcotics canine on patrol, serving 6 different cities, FBI, DEA and Washington State Penitentiary. In 2015, I retired K9 Rev and received K9 Pick. In 2015, I was assigned to a special teams unit, assisting departments in and around Walla Walla, FBI, DEA, Washington State Penitentiary and other task forces in our region.

In 2018 I was promoted to patrol sergeant but continued to work my dog until the beginning of 2020. K9 Pick was retired in February of 2020. In February of 2020, I was promoted to administrative sergeant within my department. I retired from the department in December of 2022. I now serve as an elected Walla Walla County Commissioner for District 3.

I have been part of PNWK9 since 2009, I helped establish the regional training group in South Eastern Washington and North Eastern Oregon. I have helped instruct handlers since 2015 and have been certifying canine teams since 2018. I have testified in several large federal narcotic cases as an expert witness to canine behavior, training, and certifying handlers. I was asked to serve as president of PNWK9 in 2022. I look forward to many more years of providing great training, instruction, and guidance to our canine teams in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia.

Washington

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