Narcotics Search Dogs – Patient information leaflet

Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust employs two narcotics search dogs and two dog handlers who make planned and unannounced visits to wards and departments. They can also search outside areas.

The Trust aims to create a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff. It is hoped that improved narcotics detection rates will lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour and reduce violence and aggression.

The search dogs are fully trained and can locate illegal substances such as:
• Cannabis resin
• Herbal cannabis
• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Crack cocaine
• Amphetamine sulphate
• Ecstasy

When the search dogs find illegal substances they are trained to freeze and stare at the location.

Consent
Your consent should always be sought before a personal search or a search of your possessions is attempted.

In certain circumstances it may be necessary for a search of a detained patient or their possessions to take place without their consent. This will be fully explained with you at the point of search. A search will only take place for informal patients based on consent being given.

You will be escorted to your room and will be body searched by a same sex member of staff. You will then be asked to stand outside of your room until a risk assessment has taken place. You will then be asked to inspect your room.

During a communal search patients will be asked to wait in a communal room until after the search is completed.

If it is thought that a patient has drugs on their person the Trust’s Search Procedure will be followed. A member of staff will inform you of your rights.

Please tell a member of staff if you have an allergy to pet hair.

If you have particular religious needs following the visit of the narcotics search dog then staff will be able to help you meet them.

If drugs are found the dog handlers will take a photograph of the drugs where they were found. The drugs will be seized by the dog handler and stored safely.

The ward manager and Northumbria Police will decide what action to take.

The narcotics search dogs can also visit you in their other role as Pets As Therapy dogs (PAT). You can request a visit through your ward manager and get involved in activities such as walking, grooming and generally enjoying the company of a dog.

One of the Trust dog handlers also owns other dogs who take part in agility; you may have seen this on television. The dog enjoys jumping over and running through brightly coloured obstacle courses. If you and other patients on your ward are interested in this activity, which is normally a group activity, ask your ward manager or activities co-ordinator to contact us.

Please ask your ward manager to get in touch with the narcotics search dog handlers.

John McCarroll and Sidney
Tel: 07929 794 613
John Ashworth, Coco and Jasper
Tel: 07880 513 436

Email: Searchdoghandler@cntw.nhs.uk

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2021 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref, PIC/730/0621 June 2021 V4
www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2024