NCJ Number
184832
Journal
Corrections Technology and Management Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2000 Pages: 28-30
Date Published
2000
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the training, maintenance, and work of the security dogs at the new Idaho State Correctional Institution (medium-security).
Abstract
Instead of the stone walls of the old institution, the new facility has a galvanized steel runway between two perimeter fences. The interior fence is 12 feet high, and the exterior fence is 17 feet high topped with barbed wire. There are 55 sentry dogs that rotate on two 12-hour shifts in the runway, along with strategically stationed guard towers. The dogs are obtained from the Idaho Humane Society, other shelters, veterinarians, and retired police dogs. Correctional officers train the dogs, and inmates help maintain the dog kennels. The dogs are trained in sentry duty, attack on command, and detection procedures (detection of contraband, tobacco, and narcotics). When on duty, some of the dogs are trained to bark if a stranger enters the designated runway; others will attack on command. The inmates do not know which dogs are which. German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and the Belgian Malanois are the main breeds used. Labradors are used for investigative services. Since sentry dogs have been used, there has not been an escape or a serious escape attempt.