Setting up a sniffer dog section for narcotic detection

Abstract

The Customs and Police departments both utilise sniffer dogs to curb illicit narcotics from being imported into the country. Dogs of the respective entities are deployed at the Malta International Airport as well as the Seaport. This brings forth two parallel entities making use of the similar resources with a common goal, working in the same areas. This study explores whether it would be more efficient and economically more feasible if the narcotics sniffer dogs were to be united to form a National Narcotics Sniffer Dog Agency. The main objective of this research is to examine the current system in our island, and give recommendations for a more effective, efficient and economic system. The study is also aimed to indicate the benefits of maximization of resources, and to reveal instances where these resources could have either been underused or other instances where the two respective entities targeted the same objective. Such occurrences result in conflicting occurrences as well as the non efficient use of valuable resources. The study proposes an alternative setting to the present setup with the amalgamation of the two units understudy. The analysis also looks into the aspect of the use of dogs in public relations where the proposed dog-knowledgeable management would be in a position to steer the newly formed Agency into a management of one corporate strategic direction. Study data was collected by means of interviews, questionnaires and information from primary data. A qualitative analysis technique was used to gain insight from knowledge matter experts, while a quantitative approach was utilised to compile the handlers' way of thinking when confronted with the proposal. The study reveals that all entities involved would increase resources, Entities who believe that their current setup is already fulfilling the operational and strategic needs proved to be against the proposed changes. At the same time, the Entity who considers that its present setup is in need of a re-organisation favours the proposal. Similar to any other study, the research paper and the methodologies used to compile and investigate the data have their own limitations. The author recognises the main limitation to be the resistance to change and bias from part of the interviewees, which could negatively impinge on the research final product.