SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE k-9 ASSOCIATION

NARCOTIC DETECTION TEST

        This test is designed to determine the proficiency and reliability of dogs in the detection of narcotics.  The basic narcotic odors (and their derivatives) that can be tested in are marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.  The general rules for testing narcotic detection canine will be as follows:

Minimum Requirements to Certify

To conduct a narcotic certification, there will be two (2) narcotic certifying officials from the South Carolina Police K-9 Association present.

All rulings by certifying officials are subject to appeal.

All K-9’s must find marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine to certify, in either the building or vehicle phases.

Drug Quantities Used for Certifications

Each training aid used for certification will weigh no less than ten (10) grams and no more than twenty eight (28) grams.

The drug training aid shall be hidden from view for no less than thirty (30) minuets prior to running the certification.

No pseudo drugs will be used during certification.

Search Area

For certification, the K-9 team will search five (5) rooms or five (5) vehicles as designated by the certifying officials.

If rooms are selected the five (5) rooms shall be and in no specific order: one (1) room will contain one (1) marijuana aid, one (1) room will contain one (1) cocaine aid, one (1) room will contain one (1) heroin aid, one (1) room will contain one (1) methamphetamine aid and the fifth room will be blank. The hides in the rooms shall be hidden no higher than five (5) feet high. 

Or if vehicles are selected the five (5) vehicles shall be and in no specific order: one (1) vehicle will contain one (1) marijuana aid, one (1) vehicle will contain one (1) cocaine aid, one (1) vehicle will contain one (1) heroin aid, one (1) vehicle will contain one (1) methamphetamine aid and the fifth vehicle will be blank. Two of the hides shall be hidden inside the vehicle compartment and two of the hides shall be hidden concealed on the exterior of the vehicle. Vehicles used, shall be of the following type vehicles; cars, vans, pick up trucks and SUV’s or as designated by the certifying officials.

Time Allotted

Three (3) minutes will be allotted for each room and each vehicle. Time will start when the K-9 enters the room or begins sniffing the vehicle.

Once the three (3) minutes expires, the handler will be asked to call the room or vehicle. At that time the certification for that search area is terminated.

Alerts and Rewards

The K-9 handler is responsible for advising the certifying officials prior to beginning the certification which type of alert to expect from the K-9, aggressive or passive.

The K-9 handler must call the alert.

The K-9 will be allowed only one (1) false alert for the entire room phase and only one (1) false alert for the entire vehicle phase.

No narcotic scented rewards will be allowed.

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Last modified: 05/30/07