HABC LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE FOR A PASSIVE DRUG DETECTION DOG HANDLER

Introduction:
The HABC Level 3 Certificate for a Passive Drug 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 a Passive Drug Detection Dog Team.

This qualification has been developed by NASDU to meet the National Occupational Standards (NOS’s) for a Security Detection Dog Handler and the training requirements contained within BS 8517-2:2010, (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 Whom Suitable:
This programme meets the requirements of those learners who have experience as General Purpose Security Dog Handlers, Door Supervisors or Security Officers and wish to become Passive Drug 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 Passive Drug Detection Dog Handler role in the private security industry.


Awarding Body:
HABC Authorised by the regulatory authority OFQUAL
Recognised Awarding Body by the SIA


Level:
Level 3 - Certificate


Course Duration:
Training would be delivered over a number of weeks and would be of sufficient duration to ensure competency, having a minimum of 100 guided learning hours (GLH’s).

GLH’s are recorded hours of direct training, structured learning and assessment given to an individual learner by their tutor and not the duration of a course.


Programme Structure:
The programme is flexible with a mixture of theory and practical tuition and is made up of 5 units all of which are compulsory (see content).


Prior Learning:
All learners should hold an appropriate S.I.A. licence (unless exempt) and should be trained and competent in a Door Supervisor role.

The learner should be competent in the handling of a dog. The dog should possess the suitable drives required for its role and have had basic obedience training.

Learners who have proven drug detection dog handling experience as a Police or Prison Officer or a Member of HM Armed Forces within the last 5 years may apply for accreditation of prior learning (APL). A minimum of 15 GLH’s shall be required for final assessment and examination and to confirm understanding of the private security industry dog sector.

It is strongly recommended that learners and their dog are assessed prior to commencement of training by a NASDU Approved Instructor/Trainer for which additional GLH’s may be identified.


Assessment:
Course assessment shall be of the team and carried out by an Approved NASDU Instructor/Trainer; internal moderation shall be carried out by NASDU. External moderation shall be carried out by HABC.

The mode of assessment shall be by ongoing practical assessment, by question and answer sessions by a written examination and final practical examination.

Final assessment/examination regarding the indication of target scents shall be carried out by a suitably qualified examiner (i.e. ACPO) that does not have an interest in the learner passing the qualification.


Certification:
Certificate(s) shall be for the handler and also as a Team i.e. handler and dog.


Progression:
The successful learner can proceed onto a variety of dog detection work including Pro-active Drug Detection, Explosive Detection or into Dog Training.


Content:
Unit 1 (20 GLH)
Roles and Responsibilities of a Passive Drug Detection Dog Handler:
Underpinning Knowledge

Unit 2 (10 GLH)
Control/Welfare:
Selection
Control
Recall

Unit 3 (50 GLH)
Operational Control:
Prior Assessment
Scanning for Narcotics
Indication of Narcotics
Arrest

Unit 4 (10 GLH)
Health and Safety:
Health & Safety Assessment
Grooming
Load & Unload
Emergency First Aid

Unit 5 (10 GLH)
Management:
Operational Management
Storage, Use and Transportation
Progression of Training


Course Fees, Location & Dates:
Please contact NASDU Head Office for a list of Approved Instructors/Trainers authorised to deliver this specific qualification.