There’s an additional line of defense an attraction can use to create a safe environment for guests and employees: an officer with a tail. As an extra measure, more facilities are contracting with canine security teams to enhance their existing safety protocols.
“The majority of people know what the dog is there for, and what it is doing,” says Mitchell Tucker, president of N-Tact Security in Ocala, Florida. “Ideally, it deters them from whatever behavior they were about to do.” A German shepherd’s nose can provide additional protection at the front gate or when on rounds.
“More and more people are starting to understand the canine, and how their abilities bring an added layer of security to their existing safety measures,” says Mark Chmielinski, chief operating officer of 3D K9 Protection based in Miami. From theme parks to cruise ships, and water parks to museums, devices such as metal detectors are useful, and when layered with additional safety elements, can ensure additional protection at all attractions.
“Metal detectors and scanners are all great as long as a person walks through with a weapon on them,” Chmielinski added. “It doesn’t stop them from walking around the circumference of a park or tossing it over a fence to a counterpart.” Unlike a metal detector, a canine is mobile and can make rounds of a property with its handler throughout the day.
The Nose Knows
Canines can be trained to detect firearms, narcotics, explosives, or, in the case of dual-purpose dogs, some combination of the three. The dog is trained to pick up on certain scents; their behavior changes when they smell an item of interest.
“The handler will say to the person, ‘Our dog is showing interest in you. Are you carrying anything?’ The final response is the dog telling the handler that something is ‘right here,’” Chmielinski explains. Properly trained canine handlers are also taught to pay attention to the identified person’s behavior. Together, the dog handler can work with an attraction’s existing security team to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Strategic placement is critical for the canine’s efficiency. There are two ideal scenarios, Tucker explains. “You definitely want someone at the entrance. Ideally, if it’s within budget, there are two canines—one at the entrance and one walking around the park.”
Beyond a front entrance, a dog and handler can do a sweep of the property in the morning before opening, or during the day before a large-scale special evening event or concert.
“My job is to think of the worst-case scenario. That’s the reason we are so good at our jobs. We think of the worst possible scenario and put things in place to prevent it. We never know what happened the night before, so we can do a sweep,” Tucker adds.
Success on a Leash
Chmielinski says his firm puts as much training into ensuring the dog is “stable and solid” as they put into its scent detection training.
“We look for a dog that has the proper drive more than a particular breed. We have to ensure the dog’s brain is wired properly,” he says. Chmielinski adds a dog must be a fit for the company’s standards and the nature of the job. 3D’s dogs are outfitted with cooling vests, collars, and boots to prevent burnt paws when walking on hot asphalt. He added the park operators who have embraced canine security programs go above and beyond for his team. “They provide an air-conditioned guard shack or cooling station for the dog in the summer. They have dropped off cases of water for us. They are a joy to work with.”
Because of the visibility that comes with the role, Chmielinski says many of their dogs have almost become mascots of the security teams at the parks they protect. “We get a lot of ‘thank yous,’” he adds.
Adding Canine Officers
When considering a canine security firm, Tucker advises an attraction conduct research and ask for references.
“Definitely look for one that is licensed and insured. Here in Florida, an agency must have a Class B license. The most important thing is to work with an agency that is experienced. This is a huge factor that’s not looked at as much as it should be,” Tucker says.
Finally, an attraction needs to assess its needs and then hire a canine firm with experienced handlers—especially if working with dual-purpose dogs that are trained to bite should a threat present itself and the dog is given the command to intervene. “You’re adding more risk to your event or venue because they are dogs. A properly trained canine handler knows how to handle their dog.”
