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Sniffer 3

Dogs E FFEC TIVE NE SS O F

3 . RE VIE WIN G

D RUG

D E TEC TI O N
PROG R AM S
IN CLU DIN G

ROADS ID E
TE S TIN G AND
PROCE DU RE S FO R
WHAT’ S UP DOG? D E PLOYIN G D RUG
D E TEC TI O N

AC TIVITIE S AT
T HE L O W DO W N O N S NIF F E R DO G S E V E NTS;
by Pete Toppin

Though not always a welcome Australia’s first drug detection
sight, the presence of sniffer dogs dogs were trained for the Sydney
(known officially as drug detection Olympics in 2000, then re-purposed
dogs) at festivals and major events to be used in the general public in
is no longer a surprise for many 2001 . After several court cases
ii
partygoers. For most of us, challenging the use of sniffer dogs
being sniffed by a drug detection in public places , the New South
iii
dog is a normal and expected (if Wales government brought in laws
occasionally nerve-wracking) part allowing the police to run the dogs
of attending any large party. But through licensed premises, public
just how effective are they? Here transport and sporting events
we take a quick look at the history without a warrant . Queensland Sniffer
iv
and controversies surrounding and Victoria followed soon
Australia’s wide-ranging use of after with similar laws . These
v
sniffer dogs and ask whether this expansive new powers were Dogs
expensive and invasive policing ushered in by the then Police
tool actually works to reduce harm Minister Michael Costa with the
at all. aim of “smashing the back of drug
lords.” Immediately, they were
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