INTERNATIONAL FORENSIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE (IFRI)
Starting in 1998, IFRI/NFSTC Detector Dog Team Certification program working with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Contraband Interdiction Program and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and other partners established the first Statewide K-9 trainer and detection team certification program with independent scientific validation. The program is intended to provide recommended scientific standards of practice for trainers and organizations and to make available an additional layer of credentials for detection teams.
IFRI – International Forensics Research Institute. In 1999 Tony Guzman was certified through IFRI as the First Civilian Trainer for detection. IFRI was the first academic Forensic Center approved by the State of Florida in 1997 to serve law enforcement efforts in the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. The main functions of this institute are to conduct original research in forensic science, transfer technologies from other scientific disciplines for use in forensic applications, provide scientific expertise to the law enforcement and legal community and provide needed continuing education and advanced training to practicing scientists. FIU has one of the oldest undergraduate forensic science programs in the State of Florida with the Criminalistics Chemistry program beginning in 1974, an undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Science beginning in 1997, the first State approved M.S. in Forensic Science starting in 1998, a report option M.S. in Forensic Science for practitioners and planning for a Ph.D. in Forensic Science to begin soon. The partnerships between the institute, law enforcement agencies, government laboratories and corporations result in a unique center for research and training. Dozens of institute affiliated faculty conduct research and provide forensic expertise and are complemented by over 100 scientists in the local laboratories at the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the Broward Sheriff's Office, the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southeast Laboratory. FIU and these local forensic science laboratories have regular interactions with scientists from around the world.
IFRI – International Forensics Research Institute. In 1999 Tony Guzman was certified through IFRI as the First Civilian Trainer for detection. IFRI was the first academic Forensic Center approved by the State of Florida in 1997 to serve law enforcement efforts in the application of scientific principles to the administration of justice. The main functions of this institute are to conduct original research in forensic science, transfer technologies from other scientific disciplines for use in forensic applications, provide scientific expertise to the law enforcement and legal community and provide needed continuing education and advanced training to practicing scientists. FIU has one of the oldest undergraduate forensic science programs in the State of Florida with the Criminalistics Chemistry program beginning in 1974, an undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Science beginning in 1997, the first State approved M.S. in Forensic Science starting in 1998, a report option M.S. in Forensic Science for practitioners and planning for a Ph.D. in Forensic Science to begin soon. The partnerships between the institute, law enforcement agencies, government laboratories and corporations result in a unique center for research and training. Dozens of institute affiliated faculty conduct research and provide forensic expertise and are complemented by over 100 scientists in the local laboratories at the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, the Broward Sheriff's Office, the Broward County Medical Examiner's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southeast Laboratory. FIU and these local forensic science laboratories have regular interactions with scientists from around the world.
NATIONAL NARCOTIC DETECTOR DOG ASSOCIATION
The National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) is a professional, nonprofit organization dedicated to the utilization and proficiency of scent detector dogs for the benefit of Law Enforcement and Private Industry.
The purpose of the NNDDA is to provide training pertaining to the laws of search and seizure, utilizing scent detector dogs and a method of certification for court purposes.
D.O.T. PROFICIENCY STANDARD
Garrison & Sloan, Inc., canine detection services, had its explosive detection canines certified and placed in compliance with the Department of the Treasury, Odor Recognition Proficiency Standard for Explosive Detection Canines. This certification was attained during June 2005 with the assistance of the U.S. Army RDECOM-ARDEC under the standards set forth by the Department of the Treasury, Odor Recognition Proficiency Standard for Explosive Detection Canines. These standards were set in place with the following contributing agencies as follows: Department of Defense Military Working Dog Group; the Federal Aviation Administration (TSA), the U.S. Capital Police; and, the U.S. Secret Service.
USPCA TEST REQUIREMENTS - LAW ENFORCEMENT ONLY
All aids used in testing shall be kept in separate containers to avoid cross contamination. All aids will be placed so they cannot be retrieved by the canine. All handlers will be tested in their approved standard duty uniform. Plain-clothes officers can be tested in civilian clothes if that is the accepted on duty apparel. Numbered vests may be provided for ease of identification and required when provided. Handlers will not carry with them during the test any aids that are contaminated with any substance. Only sterile rewards and/or toys are to be used. The Association can opt to supply the rewards and/or toys. No electric devices, whistles, ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed. Spike or pinch collars can be used during any detection certifications.
All certifications will permit the handler the flexibility of working the dog on or off lead, or a combination of both.
Contestants will advise the steward at the time of occurrence or immediately after the test or phase
All aids used in testing shall be kept in separate containers to avoid cross contamination. All aids will be placed so they cannot be retrieved by the canine. All handlers will be tested in their approved standard duty uniform. Plain-clothes officers can be tested in civilian clothes if that is the accepted on duty apparel. Numbered vests may be provided for ease of identification and required when provided. Handlers will not carry with them during the test any aids that are contaminated with any substance. Only sterile rewards and/or toys are to be used. The Association can opt to supply the rewards and/or toys. No electric devices, whistles, ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed. Spike or pinch collars can be used during any detection certifications. All certifications will permit the handler the flexibility of working the dog on or off lead, or a combination of both. Contestants will advise the steward at the time of occurrence or immediately after the test or phase that a protest may be entered or lodged, the steward will note it and score sheets will be marked possible protest may be filed. All formal protests will be lodged in writing to the Association (Chief Judge) identified by the team’s number only (no name) before they will be considered, No dog will be left unattended at anytime in such a manner as to create a danger or hazard to another dog, handler or to itself.
Each handler will be responsible for any damage done by his or her dog. There will be no training or practice in the area of the trials or other locations where it may disturb the normal tranquility of fellow teams or citizens not involved with or participating in the seminar or trials.
The certification is for the team—handler and dog. If the dog has multiple handlers, each handler has to certify as a team with the dog. In this event new hides will be made when certifying additional handlers.
All certifications will permit the handler the flexibility of working the dog on or off lead, or a combination of both.
Contestants will advise the steward at the time of occurrence or immediately after the test or phase
All aids used in testing shall be kept in separate containers to avoid cross contamination. All aids will be placed so they cannot be retrieved by the canine. All handlers will be tested in their approved standard duty uniform. Plain-clothes officers can be tested in civilian clothes if that is the accepted on duty apparel. Numbered vests may be provided for ease of identification and required when provided. Handlers will not carry with them during the test any aids that are contaminated with any substance. Only sterile rewards and/or toys are to be used. The Association can opt to supply the rewards and/or toys. No electric devices, whistles, ultrasonic devices or related aides not specifically stated herein will be allowed. Spike or pinch collars can be used during any detection certifications. All certifications will permit the handler the flexibility of working the dog on or off lead, or a combination of both. Contestants will advise the steward at the time of occurrence or immediately after the test or phase that a protest may be entered or lodged, the steward will note it and score sheets will be marked possible protest may be filed. All formal protests will be lodged in writing to the Association (Chief Judge) identified by the team’s number only (no name) before they will be considered, No dog will be left unattended at anytime in such a manner as to create a danger or hazard to another dog, handler or to itself.
Each handler will be responsible for any damage done by his or her dog. There will be no training or practice in the area of the trials or other locations where it may disturb the normal tranquility of fellow teams or citizens not involved with or participating in the seminar or trials.
The certification is for the team—handler and dog. If the dog has multiple handlers, each handler has to certify as a team with the dog. In this event new hides will be made when certifying additional handlers.
