Explosive Detection Dog Handler (Level 4)
INTRODUCTION
The nationally recognised NASDU Level 4 Accredited Learning Programme for an Explosive Detection Dog Handler aims to provide the learner with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required to ensure the provision of a professional level of service as an Explosive Detection Dog Team.
This vocational programme has been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler, together with the training requirements contained within BS 8517 Part 2 (in that) it is an assessment of the learners (handlers) ability to read the indications given by a dog and to meet the required performance criteria for an EDD Team.
In addition to British Standard Compliance this pathway has been developed by NASDU to allow the learner to apply for Home Office assessment and accreditation under the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme for Explosive Detection Dogs in the private sector (NCTAS-P). Achievement of this programme does not imply Home Office accreditation under the NCTAS-P Scheme for either handler or dog but allows for the recognition of prior learning by the Home Office (see also progression)
FOR WHOM SUITABLE
This programme meets the requirements of both the novice handler and those learners who have experience as Security Dog Handlers and wish to become Explosive Detection Dog Handlers. It would also be suitable for members of HM Armed Forces, Police, Prison Service or Customs Officers who wish to take on a Detection Dog Handler role in the private sector.
This programme also meets the requirements of existing L4 EDD (150 Module) learners requiring additional guided learning hours to achieve this new programme (320 Module) and who may wish to seek being assessed under the Home Office NCTAS-P Scheme, through an Affiliate NCTAS-P Company.
AWARDING BODY
HABC - The NASDU Level 4 Accredited Learning Programme for an Explosive Detection Dog Handler is accredited by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance (HABC) who are a recognised and regulated awarding organisation with OFQUAL, SQA and recognised by the SIA.
OTHER ENDORSEMENTS
This NASDU Level 4 Accredited Learning Programme is endorsed by:
The Institute of Munitions Clearance & Search Engineers (IMCSE) and is also acknowledged by both the Civil Aviation Association (CAA) and Department for Transport (DfT) as providing recognition of prior learning.
LEVEL
Level 4 Accredited Learning Programme
COURSE DURATION
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks with a minimum of 5 hours direct contact time per day and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 320 guided learning hours (GLH’s). Recognition of formal prior learning (RPL) is permissible and may be awarded by the Instructor/Trainer (see Prior Learning).
GLH’s are recorded hours of direct daily training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their Instructor/Trainer and not the duration of a course.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The programme is delivered flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 6 Units (4 Core Units plus 2 Pathway Unit) all of which are compulsory (see Content).
Whilst the delivery of this learning programme is flexible, the structure of a typical EDD course could consist of 32 days (possibly split into two 16 day modules) consisting of 8 hours per day plus 2 hours per day home study (i.e., theory reading together with exercising and bonding with the dog).
PRIOR LEARNING (REQUIREMENTS)
All learners should hold an appropriate SIA licence (unless exempt).
The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog; it is strongly recommended that learners (and their dogs) are assessed prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which any additional GLH’s or RPL may be identified.
The dog should be of an acceptable breed as per BS 8517 Part 2 and above 12 months old, possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.
Explosive Detection Dogs must not have been previously schooled in any other scent discipline.
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Learners who within the last 5 years have been formally certificated and have proven Detection Dog Handling experience either in the private security sector or in the public sector as a Police or Prison Officer or as a Member of HM Armed Forces, may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Learners who have previously achieved the original L4 EDD Learning Programme (150 Module), can apply for 150 GLH’s of recognition of prior learning (RPL) against the 320 GLH’s required for this new programme (320 Module).
TEAM ASSESSMENT
Course assessment shall be carried out by the Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer, the mode of assessment shall be by:
• Practical on-going assessment and observation
• Oral question and answer sessions to confirm on-going understanding
• Written multiple choice examination (40 questions)
• Professional discussion together with oral questioning (minimum 10 questions)
End Point Assessment (EPA) regarding the observation of a safe systematic search and the positive indication of target scents together with a Professional Discussion (PD) shall be carried out by a suitably qualified (i.e., NPCC/DAC or equivalent) independent assessor who does not have an interest in the learner achieving and who has not been involved with the learners training.
Odour Discrimination Test (for all identified substances) as per guidance issued by DSTL.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) shall be carried out by NASDU, with external accreditation of the learning provision and External Quality Support (EQS) carried out by HABC.
PROGRESSION
The successful learner may apply for Home Office assessment and accreditation through a NCTAS-P Affiliated Company.
CERTIFICATION
• HABC Endorsed Programme – accreditation of learning programme shall be for the handler (lifetime achievement)
• NASDU Certificate – assessment of competency shall be as a Team i.e., Handler & Dog (12 month expiry)
CONTENT
Unit 1 Roles and Responsibilities of a Detection Dog Handler (Nominal 10 Hours)
• Underpinning Knowledge
• Selection of EDD, including Breeds
Unit 2 Control a Detection Dog under Operational Conditions (Nominal 10 Hours)
• Heelwork, Obedience, Agility
• Emergency Stop & Recall
Unit 3 Operational Control of an Explosive Detection Dog (Nominal 200 Hours)
• Prior Deployment
• Locating – Building Search
• Locating – Vehicle Search
• Locating – Open Terrain Search
• Locating – Route Search
• Indication – Building Search
• Indication – Vehicle Search
• Indication – Open Search
• Indication – Route Search
• Safe Systematic Search
Unit 4 Health, Well-being & Safety of a Detection Dog (Nominal 10 Hours)
• Health & Safety Assessment
• Grooming & Inspection
• Transportation
• Canine First Aid
Unit 5 Management of a Detection Dog (Nominal 10 Hours)
• Operational Management
• Progression of Training
Unit 6 Explosives (Nominal 80 Hours)
• Scent Awareness including Distractors
• Odour Discrimination Test
CONTINUATION TRAINING
All private sector EDD Teams should be British Standard Compliant, for which BS 8517 Part 2 states:
• “On completion of initial training and annually thereafter the handler and dog should be assessed and certificated as a Team”
• “The competence of all Teams should be assessed independently monthly”
Those EDD Teams progressing for additional accreditation under the NCTAS-P scheme should be able to also evidence:
• A minimum of 100 CT hours per annum
• A number of scenario based searches, together with live operational searches (4)
• An Odour ID Test within previous 12 months
Membership
Achieving this qualification does not automatically entitle an Individual to NASDU Membership; application forms for Membership can be obtained from your Trainer/Instructor or Head Office.
Applying for Individual Membership during training attracts a discount.