During the 480 hour course, the handlers, along with their canine partners, were instructed in the following areas and were taught tracking, evidence recovery, building searches, area searches, and aggression work.

THEORY OF SCENT:
Knowledge of the performance capabilities of a trained detector dog and applying the principles of detector dog training in training his/her dog.

PHARMACOLOGY:
Knowledge of odor thresholds, U.S. Currency contamination, and diffusion and density rates of drugs.

LEGAL ASPECTS:
Knowledge of federal and state laws and Florida Constitutional Amendments applicable to search and seizure, as well as case law supporting probable cause and use of the narcotic detector canine.

RECORD KEEPING/PROFICIENCY TRAINING:
Knowledge of the proper procedures for keeping his/her canine proficient and be familiar with documenting the use of canine with the use of training records.

COURTROOM PROCEDURE:
Knowledge of providing testimony for depositions and courtroom, as well as of questions and terminology which is commonly related to the use of narcotic detector canines.

FIRST AID FOR POISON AND OVERDOSE:
Knowledge of the affect of accidental poisoning and the methods of treatment, including the administrating of the drug antidote.

NARCOTICS AND SMUGGLING:
Knowledge of the general appearance of: Marijuana, Cocaine HCL, Cocaine Base, Heroin, Hashish and Methamphetamine. Knowledge of general trafficking patterns, methods of hidden compartments, ability to identify common smuggling containers. Able to understand how his/her performance relates to other officers in the overallenforcement effort.

FIELD APPLICATION FOR MULTIPLE SCENT INTRODUCTION:
Canines are instructed to detect and alert to Marijuana, Cocaine HCL, Cocaine Base, Heroin, Hashish and Methamphetamine in a variety of locations in conveyances, vessels and building structures. The K-9 alerts are in the form of aggressive (scratching) or passive (sitting).

EXAMINATION:
The handlers must pass a written examination covering all aspects of training of a narcotic detector canine, legal aspects, record keeping, courtroom procedures, narcotic trafficking patterns, hidden compartments and concealment, proper searching techniques and emergency care for his/her canine.

PRACTICAL EXAMINATION:
The canine team will be tested and pass a practical detector dog examination as set forth in the guidelines of the Florida Highway Patrol and the National Forensic Institute and the Standards set forth by the United States Customs Narcotic Detection Dog Manual.

The canine teams in this class have been certified under the standards set forth by the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy and the National Forensic Institute Florida International University.

More about the K-9's and their training:

• Aspects of Training
• Patrol Dog School
• Detector Dog School
• Reward
• Vehicle Search
• Building Search
• Did You Know?
• The Police Dog
• Police Canine Prayer
• Additional Photos
• K-9 Program Continues to Grow

Meet the Newest K-9 Graduates

Contraband Interdiction Program