What are Interquest dogs trained to find?
Our dogs are trained to find contraband items that are of common concern in school and workplace settings.
They are trained to detect the following substances and their derivatives:
- DRUGS: Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstacy) and LSD
- BEVERAGE ALCOHOL: Beer, Wine, Whiskey, Everclear, vodka, etc
- PRESCRIPTION and OTC MEDICATIONS: A variety of commonly abused tablets, pills and capsules
- GUNPOWDER BASED ITEMS: Ammunition, Fireworks and Firearms if they are loaded or have been recently
discharged
Do your dogs find vapes?
Our dogs are trained to detect THC, the active ingredient in marijuana; therefore, they can detect vapes, oils and cartridges containing THC – even trace amounts. Our handlers are highly trained to help identify whether a vape is THC or nicotine based. We do not imprint our dogs on nicotine or tobacco, but we often do discover these items in the course of our regular inspections.
What is the difference between Interquest dogs and police dogs?
Interquest Dogs are trained to find contraband above and beyond what a police dog is trained to detect. As marijuana becomes legal in many states, more and more law enforcement dogs are not imprinted on it. Marijuana is still of great concern in schools and many workplaces, even in states where it is legal. In addition, our dogs are never trained in criminal apprehension or bite work for sport as many police dual purposed dogs are. Interquest dogs are safe and calm around large groups of children and “lockdowns” are never necessary for student safety. As part of our ongoing deterrent impact we actually encourage utilizing the visibility aspect of the program for the greatest benefit. Interquest dogs will always be friendly, quiet, clean, well groomed, well-mannered and under the direct control of the handler in the work environment.
Why should I hire a private company when I can call for a law enforcement dog for free?
The main benefit of hiring Interquest is the consistency and availability of our teams. Police officers have many duties above and beyond K9 inspections and often are only able to respond when there is a credible threat. When you contract with Interquest, YOU dictate how often your school or facility receives services. You are able to request as many teams as you would like and be assured that your needs are met with professionalism and discretion. Since we are not affiliated with law enforcement, the results of any inspections are private and confidential. In the event your policy dictates law enforcement intervention upon discovery of contraband items, Interquest staff are fully licensed, certified and trained to assist any agency.
We also work with clients who utilize local LE drug dogs to establish community awareness and utilize our services for the added contraband odors in addition to those visits. We are happy to work together with your local resources to provide a unified front in keeping your student body safe.
What types of facilities can you work?
We provide contraband inspections for school systems including universities, colleges, public and private schools and alternative learning campuses. We can also provide services for businesses and facilities from refineries and offshore rigs, to office buildings, drug rehabs, prisons, mail and package centers, manufacturing plants, stadiums, casinos, theme parks and expo centers. We have the experience and can facilitate inspections for virtually any facility.
What other inspection services do you provide?
In addition to routine inspections we can provide a canine presence for special events such as prom, homecoming, dances and sporting events. We can also inspect belongings of students going on overnight tournaments, senior trips, performances, etc. We are available to provide educational components and demonstrations for staff regarding drug and contraband trends as well as scheduled canine demonstrations and discussion for your student body and/or individual classes.
What happens when the dog finds something?
When contraband is discovered, the handler will collect the evidence, sign custody over to the client and provide a confidential report detailing the find. We maintain each alert in a database exclusive to each client. This systematic recording system allows the client to track the ongoing success of the program by documenting the volume and frequency of items discovered over the course of their agreement.
How do you train the dogs?
We primarily work with labrador and golden retrievers or other hunting-type dog mixed breeds. The dogs are trained exclusively in the same environment in which they are expected to work. In order to be accepted as a candidate, the dog has to demonstrate that it has both the temperament, drive for a toy and focus to search in high distraction settings while also being completely safe around large crowds of people. They are taught to associate the odor of contraband with their toy and to ignore any potential distractions such as food. They respond with a “passive” sit alert when the presence of contraband odor is detected to eliminate potential damage to property. In addition, they are fully obedience trained so that they are under full control while on the worksite.
What does a typical Interquest visit look like?
Upon arrival to your site we meet with the Program Coordinator to discuss the goals for the detection activities. We can schedule either half or full visit inspections for a campus, district or worksite. If the dog has an indication on someone’s property such as a vehicle, backpack, desk or locker, the individual responsible for that item is identified and escorted to the immediate area. With owner permission, we inspect the belongings in presence of both the owner and the Program Coordinator. Our handlers are thoroughly trained to conduct the physical inspections and identify and collect any contraband.
How often should I have a canine inspection?
Prevention and deterrence are the primary benefits of a regular canine presence. We can help you design a program and assist in determining an ideal frequency of inspections based on your budget and goals.
Where are you located?
Our corporate headquarters are in Houston, Texas and we have teams located nationwide. As the largest and oldest Contraband Detection Service Provider, we are able to travel to your location with as many teams as needed to meet your detection and deterrent goals.