Maghaberry Prison

Dog Section

In July 2001 the Northern Ireland Prison Service Dog Section celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since its formation some 180 dog handlers and their dogs have worked in the section. At its peak in the early eighties, the number of active service dogs numbered 120 - 74 of that number were based at the Maze compound and cellular prison. Today the number of dogs deployed is around 44.

Dog sections at Maghaberry and Magilligan form an integral part in maintaining security supplying dog teams for patrol and search and, assisting in the control of major incidents. Passive drug dog teams at each establishment play a vital role in preventing the smuggling of drugs into prisons.

There are three types of dog team deployed throughout the Service - patrol, search and passive drug dog.

The patrol dog team has a wide range of responsibilities within a prison. Their main role is to secure the perimeter and deter intruders. Other duties include observation of prisoner accommodation and the reporting of anything untoward to the prison's control room. Only last year in Maghaberry, the quick response of a dog handler saved the life of a prisoner who had set light to his cell. Patrol dog teams are also called upon to monitor movement of prisoners throughout the working day, search for people hidden in buildings within the prison and generally be the 'eyes and ears' of the control room.

Search dogs

The active search dog teams are used to assist the search team throughout the prison. This includes searching cells and communal areas, as well as, vehicles, parcels and areas used by prison staff. There are two types of active search dog operational at present - drug search and explosive search. The drug search dogs can detect a wide range of substances including cannabis and steroids. Explosive dogs can detect most commercial explosives and have successfully detected ammunition.

Passive dogs

Passive drug dog teams were first deployed at Maghaberry on 20 November 2001 and are used in the visits area. All visitors receive a rub down search before a visit and if they are found to be in possession of illegal items the PSNI are called. After the rubdown search the visitors are tested by a passive drugs dog. If the dog indicates the contamination of a visitor that visitor is offered the opportunity to take a closed visit.

The Northern Ireland Prison Service has a responsibility and duty to prevent smuggling of drugs into prisons. Apart from the health problems caused by drugs they also lead to intimidation and bullying in prisons and an unsafe environment for both staff and prisoners. More widely, the pressure that might be applied to a prisoner's family and friends to traffick in drugs or pay for their habit can cause additional misery and hardship.

Breeds of dogs and where they come from

The main breed of dog used in the Service has been the German Shepherd. Their appearance and versatility the two key qualities in making them a successful patrol dog. Over time dual purpose search dogs (ie patrol and search) have been introduced and most recently labradors joined the section as passive drug dogs.

The greatest percentage of dogs currently at work in the Service have been donated by the public to the Dog Training Unit at the Prison Service College or have come to the College from USPCA shelters. Generally the dogs have become too big for the house or too boisterous for the owners to deal with. Often they don't wish to have the dog destroyed and so approach the USPCA or College to see if we would be interested in it. If it is a German Shepherd dog aged between 9 months and 2 years old with an inquisitive outgoing confident nature then the answer generally is yes. Labradors we take in the same age range as the German Shepherds but we accept bitches as well as dogs. Some dogs are also purchased from specialist breeders.

Training

The dogs are initially assessed at the College and begin an initial 8 week training programme during which they are matched with their handler. Generally a handler works with one dog at a time and the dog lives and works with its handler and very often retires to them. The average working life of dog is about 7-8 years.

All our training is done as 'play and reward' and it is truly amazing to watch a dog that has been handed in because it was clumsy and difficult to control pass out at the end of an 8 week course. The same dog jumps hurdles, searches buildings and open areas for hidden people and, can subdue a fleeing fugitive.

The search dog's training is also done through 'play and reward'.

To ensure the continued effectiveness of our dog teams we test and validate their performance on a regular basis. These tests maintain our high standards and have the added benefit of proving to the handlers that all their hard work is beneficial.

Champion dogs

Dog teams from Northern Ireland have successfully represented the Service at various championships and trials. Teams have won UK Canine Biathlon titles and have lifted the British Police and Services Canine Association 'Service Dog of the Year' Award on several occasions. There are also opportunities to demonstrate the skills and abilities of the teams at various open events in prison establishments and as part of Prison! Me! No Way! presentations.
At a glance

• Approximately 180 dog handlers have worked in the Service.
• The Service's 44 dogs munch their way through 9 tonnes of dog food a year.
• The monthly vet bill is about £1000.
• Handlers and their dogs at Maze compound walked a staggering half a million miles on patrol.

If you have a dog that you think we might be interested contact the Dog Training Unit on 028 9186 3059.

SO WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE A JAIL DOG?
Great!! I'm well fed, have my own kennel and get transported round in nice warm motor cars (mostly). I'm always up to date with my inoculations and if I'm sick I'm taken straight to the vet. I have lots of exercise and a handler who looks after me. Some days at work it's not so great when the rain is beating sideways but at least I'm not stuck in a kennel all day or on a lump of rope at the bottom of the garden.