Narcotics Detection Training

All canine/handler teams are taught basic obedience and obstacle/confidence course work. CTI requires all units to demonstrate basic proficiency in the area of obedience and canine control. The dog/handler teams are taught to heel (walk at the left side of handler), sit, down, recall, down stay and to focus on their handler while experiencing high levels of stress and distraction.

Narcotics Detection training includes discussion of the theories of substance detection and the abilities of our canines in this regard, the mechanics of scent migration and the influencing factors and correct deployments and search patterns

Each canine is taught scent identification and association of four separate base substances and their derivatives (i.e. Cannabis and Hash are trained as a single substance as are Cocaine and Crack Cocaine). The handlers are trained in search and deployment techniques applicable to various physical sites and environmental settings such as; industrial, warehouse, manufacturing, institutional, personal homes, public business, retailers, outdoor areas (urban and rural) and exterior vehicle searches. Most dogs are taught an active form of indication (bark and scratch), as this method is very effective and highly motivational for the canine.

Handlers are instructed to minimize any possible damage by using a quick reward technique coupled with their training and practice at reading the (pre indication) body language of their dog.