IG’s Drug Detection Handlers/Dogs take First Place in competition again

IG’s Drug Detection Handlers/Dogs take First Place in competition again

During the first week of November 2008, the Inspector General’s Drug Detection Canine Unit attended the Southern Hill’s Kennel annual seminar and recertification program. During the course of the week the canine / handler teams were challenged with many different training scenarios.

Region I Canine Inspector Chris Mears and Harley took first place in vehicle and building searches.

At the end of the week, during the certification process, the eight Inspector General’s handler / canine teams competed with 60 other teams from Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, West Virginia, and Georgia.

For the second year in a row Florida teams finished the competition with the top two prizes, and placed in the top five in all the competition categories. These dogs are trained to detect drugs, weapons, and other contraband and are used in prisons and on prison grounds, including parking lots, throughout the state.

Region 2 Inspector Brett Handley and Fido won Top Dog award.