Safety Dogs Handlers

School Safety Dogs/Handlers

Noblesville Schools use safety dogs as another layer of prevention and detection in our overall safety plan.  We have three dogs and their accompanying handlers that are utilized across all schools and at specific events in collaboration with our school resource officers.  These friendly dogs are ideal for use around children as they are trained to detect the scent of firearms and related products, as well as narcotics.  Please see the FAQs below for additional information regarding the dogs.  

Why are we doing this?

The use of safety dogs is another element of prevention and detection in our overall comprehensive safety plan. These friendly and non-intrusive dogs can provide sophisticated weapon and drug scent detection while maintaining a warm, welcoming school environment for students.  

Is it effective?

The safety dogs and their handlers have extensive and ongoing training, certification, and testing with impressive results. The dogs are trained to detect the scent of firearms, as well as ammunition and related gun products.  The dogs are also trained to detect the scent of narcotics.

What if my child is allergic to or afraid of dogs?

The safety dogs will unobtrusively screen crowds of moving people and are not used for direct physical inspection of individuals. This will reduce any associated fears and exposure to allergens.

What if my child is identified by the dog?

If the dog was to detect a weapon scent, it would alert the handler and directly follow the scent to a specific individual or location. Our SROs would be notified to perform any searches.

Because the dogs’ detection ability is so sensitive, they may pick up previous weapon discharge from hunting or a firing range, for example. If the dog makes a detection, and the SRO does a search and finds there is no threat, the student would be excused.  

Where will the dogs be?

The dogs will be utilized across all schools and at certain extracurricular events in collaboration with our school resource officers.  Unfortunately, we can’t share their specific schedule as this would compromise our safety plans.

Can my child pet the dog?

Dogs can’t be touched while working, but will be available for students to pet, if they wish, at other times. The dogs will have vests on to visually indicate when they are working. We will teach students how to interact with the dogs and appreciate parents reinforcing this message.   

Are the dogs aggressive?  

Border Collies and German Shorthaired Pointers were chosen for their sense of smell, intelligence, motivation, performance and demeanor, making them friendly and safe for use around children. They are not used for direct physical inspection of individuals.

How are we paying for this?

Funding for this program was identified in the safety portion of the 2018 referendum. The extensive training, care and use of the dogs and their handlers is not insignificant. 

How are the dogs treated?

The dogs receive regular training, care and housing from their handlers.