HOW DO DRUG DETECTION DOGS WORK IN PRIVATE PREMISES OR WORKPLACES?

Under the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety Act employers must provide a safe working environment for their employees

You could face litigation in a civil court or be charged in a criminal court if you fail to address drug abuse in the workplace.

When a worker is impaired by the use of drugs, he or she threatens the safety and well-being of everyone at the work site or workplace.


FACT. SUBSTANCE ABUSERS ARE FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY THAN OTHER WORKERS TO CAUSE INJURIES AND THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR 40 PERCENT OF ALL INDUSTRIAL FATALITIES.

 Apartments, resorts, schools and educational institutions need to maintain a drug free environment

Drug dogs are an effective deterrent. They are normally deployed covertly and discreetly, for example after hours in a workplace. The actual method of deployment would depend on the instructions of the client.

IMPORTANT.

The dog handlers are not Police Officers and they do not have any special powers, such as the power to arrest or the ability to detain people. They do not have power or authority to enter premise that are not under the control of the client. For example at a resort they could check the public areas of the resort but not the rooms of guests. They will not contact the police.

Our dogs will search an area on private property which you, as the client, have identified. Our dog handlers may be able to advise you on potential search areas or area that cannot be searched, but the final decision on where and what you want searched is your decision.

When a search is being conducted the handler and the drug dog will be accompanied by either you as the client or a representative appointed by you.

The dog will search the designated area in order to detect odours from drugs. If an odour is indicated by the dog, the handler will advise either you or your representative. At that point the search stops. We will not search further. It must be emphasised that the dog is searching for odour. The dog and the handler are not looking for physical drugs. For example if the dog indicates odour on a work locker we will not open the locker to confirm if anything is inside. What action is taken after this is entirely up to you the client. We may be able to assist with advice on possible actions or procedures you need to take.

Once odour has been detected the search ends. The handler and the dog may then search another area. For example if odour is detected in a locker room the handler may then move and search an office.

DRUG DETECTION DOGS CAN BE USED IN ANY OF THESE AREAS