Detector Dog Program

Correctional Service Canada’s (CSC) Detector Dog Program (DDP) is one of the methods CSC uses for contraband detection to keep institutions safe. Detector Dog Teams (DDT), consist of a specially trained dog and handler. These teams:

detect and prevent the flow of illegal drugs and contraband items in CSC’s institutions
enhance surveillance in visiting areas and the admissions and discharge area
regularly search cells, yards, and common areas

There are DDT located at federal institutions across Canada and they are responsible for hundreds of contraband seizures every year. Their contributions to public safety are the result of hard work, specialised training, and a strong bond between the dog and handler.

To find out more, listen to our podcast, episode 7: Preventing and detecting contraband.

About the handlers

Institutional detector dog handlers are specially trained correctional officers. They are responsible for handling their dog and conducting institutional searches. CSC detector dogs are certified to work with a specific handler.

Detector dog handlers (DDH) combine their skills with the skills of the detector dog. Together, they assist frontline staff in detecting:

drugs
firearms and
electronic storage devices

Each team can quickly screen incarcerated individuals, visitors and staff in a non-intrusive manner.

The DDH must provide complete care for the detector dog.

Watch these videos:

Brandy, Correctional Officer and Buddy, Detector Dog

Todd, Correctional Officer and Java, Detector Dog

About the dogs

CSC generally uses Labrador Retrievers to detect drugs, firearms, and electronic storage devices. However, other breeds can also be used as detector dogs.

Typically, detector dogs:

are 11 to 16 months old when training begins
live with their handlers
work for approximately 8 years
retire and live with their handlers or in a home arranged by CSC

When a detector dog retires, the handler completes a 5-week replacement course and is assigned a new detector dog.

Find out more by reading the article on Every day is bring your dog to work day.

Training

Most of CSC’s Detector Dog Teams are trained and certified at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) training facility in Rigaud, Quebec. CSC has an agreement with CBSA to train, certify and re-certify the detector dog teams. To maintain and improve the success and skills of each DDT, CBSA requires each team to recertify every year.

In 2023, CSC entered into a partnership with the Connecticut State Police (CSP). Some of our DDT were trained using a different odour profile, which has provided CSC with more detection capability.