ICTS (UK) Ltd on Wednesday, April 16 officially launched their new canine search division ICTS – GIS based in Oxfordshire, near Abingdon.
Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable, Nick Gargan, did the official opening.
For the past 25 years ICTS (UK) Ltd have worked in the security sector, mainly serving the airline industry in the UK, operating in 26 countries and are now offering their canine services to existing and potential clients .
The division is based at the Milton Park Business Park in Didcot, Oxford. A kennel complex and aviation cargo screening facilities for the RASCargO programme has been built in the grounds of the centre which includes 20 kennels. More cargo screening suites are at Heathrow and Manchester in compliance with the Department for Transport (Dft) operating standards.
The RASCargO technique uses specially trained search dogs to remotely detect explosives and was developed by the Dft working with defence
scientists at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The service provides the ability to screen over-sized and dense cargo that cannot readily be check by traditional methods. Air samples are collected from freight using special filters which are then presented to the dogs in a safe and controlled environment.
All ICTS – GIS traditional explosive handlers and dogs are trained at Home Office accredited police dog training schools and are required to attain the same ACPO standards as Police Officers. Eight satellite teams work from around the country receive fully documented continuation training and attend refresher courses to ensure high standards are constantly maintained. Four of the team are ACPO accredited trainers with years of operational experience.
The explosive search dogs deploy to many of the UK’s iconic sporting locations in addition to daily operations in the transport environment. For example having established a three-year rolling contract with National Express, regular deployments with dogs and handlers have been carried out at their main transport hubs around the country on a daily basis.
What they say
John Franklin-Webb from ICTS GIS adds: "We believe in the next few years there will be a greater liaison and co-operation between the government agencies and the private security sector as vigilance increases leading up to the 2012 Olympic Games. However for any organisation to succeed and be accepted they must ensure that they like ourselves meet the exacting criteria laid down by the authorities."
And Oxfordshire based ICTS–GI, who are working to combat drug misuse in schools, licensed premises, shopping centres and the workplace launched a new Combined Operation Research & Training Centre.
Guests included representatives from (HMPS) Her Majesty’s Prison Service, (TVP) Thames Valley Police, (BT) British Telecom, (MPS) Metropolitan Police Service, Essex Police, private, grammar and state schools; many are clients.
Counter drug campaigner and authoress of ‘Mum Can you Lend Me Twenty Quid’ Elizabeth Burton-Philips was invited to attend the event. Elizabeth’s twin sons became heroin addicts after prolific cannabis use leading on to heroin. Nicholas eventually committed suicide. Twin son Simon recovered from his addiction.
Elizabeth applauds the use of drug dog search teams: "If only my sons’ school or one of the licensed premises they frequented had used this highly effective method of deterrent, early intervention could have halted their downward spiral before it was too late. Those parents, schools and licensees choosing to turn a blind eye are tantamount to promoting misuse. ICTS- GIS are doing a sterling job ensuring drug misuse remains with a minority and at the top of the agenda."
