Detection is becoming increasingly popular. Both in the security and police services and in the private security sector. And also in dog sports. And that is a positive evolution and we should encourage it.
We have known for some time that dogs have an extremely strong sense of smell and can make a difference in various branches of public and security services. And Latvian customs knows this too.
From April 16 to 19, 2024, the State Revenue Service of Latvia organized a two-day European Championship for dog handlers and detection dogs at customs. These championships are part of the project “Preventing and combating economic crime at the border crossing “Terehova””. At the same time, the Latvian Customs Training Center was also opened in Rezekne.
And if that wasn't enough, Latvian customs also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their service on May 5.
We had to know more about that!
Via a zoom call I had the opportunity to ask my questions to Evita Teice-Mamaja, Head of Public Relations Divison of State Revenue Service of the Republic of Latvia, Sandra Romanovska, Senior Customs expert, and dog instructor Valdis BIKOVSKIS at the Latvian customs. Valdis has already had a rich career: 20 years at the Border Police and 10 years at the customs dog brigade. Valdis also appears to be passionate about dog sports such as Biathlon and ringsport.
So they were the perfect people to answer my questions.
THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
For this edition, Latvia has spared no effort to make it a successful and fascinating event for the detection dogs, the participants and the spectators.
Evita, Sandra and Valdis answered almost in unison that it took a lot of time, energy but also money to organize this event. No decision has yet been made about the next edition, but they fear that Latvia will not be able to make the same efforts again next year. Even if they would like to do so with great enthusiasm.
In fact, they think this interview is the ideal opportunity to encourage other countries to continue this championship story. Hereby an invitation to other European customs authorities.
Valdis explained that organizing this event also takes away time that their department normally spends on daily operations. Because the daily operation of the service must of course remain guaranteed.
The Latvian organization was very satisfied with the turnout. 15 teams from 12 countries such as Moldova, Sweden, Ireland, Austria, Serbia, Czech Republic, Belgium, Estonia, Romania, Slovakia, Lithuania and of course host country Latvia itself with two teams participated in the championship. Each team consists of two dog handlers and one team leader. It is hoped that in the future there will be even more participants from more countries in Europe. In other words, people want it to be even more European. That is a nice ambition.
The enthusiasm of the trio was remarkable. It was clear that they strongly believe in sniffer dogs and have a lot of confidence in the operation of the customs dog brigade.
Evita insisted on using this interview on behalf of the State Revenue Service to expressly thank the customs dog brigade for their efforts, expertise and professionalism. People are very satisfied with their operation and they would have liked to say so.
Since when do these championships exist?
Valdis : The initiative comes from our country. We organized such a competition for the first time in 2017, but only for tobacco sniffer dogs. The following year it was for 2 disciplines: tobacco and cash money. Lithuania, Estonia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, the Czech Republic, Finland and of course Latvia took part in those first competitions.
Corona played tricks on us for a few years and then there was the war in Ukraine.
We would like to see the event grow and we would like to see more countries outside the Baltics participate in the future.
But the question is whether we can also organize this event next year.
This event demands a lot from our budget and staff. Our other tasks also still have to be completed.
We are very supported by our superiors: Anita Ezis, Head of the K-9 of the Latvian Customs, which made this European Championship possible. In 2015, Anita Ezis received the Cross of Recognition from the Latvian Government.
We actually hope that our initiative will be followed and that another European country will host the next edition.
Were these championships purely for customs purposes or were the public also welcome?
Evita: This event was as open as possible and that was very conscious. The public was even invited. Like schools. Such an event puts customs in the spotlight, especially our K9 unit. It gives us the opportunity to show citizens what our services are doing. It can also encourage young people to choose a job in customs.
Valdis: During detection competitions, the public is sometimes excluded because the stuff that needs to be searched for is always hidden in the same place. But we have also consciously chosen not to do that. Other teams were therefore allowed to attend the exercises of their opponents. Because this event is also a learning moment. We can learn from each other. And we think that is extremely important. The competition may be the perfect excuse to get detection teams from various countries together and learn from each other. So it is also a form of networking.
We ensured that each participant was given a different room, luggage or car to complete their exercise.
How was the competition actually organised? What should we imagine about that? Were there separate exercises for the different disciplines? How many exercises were there?
Valdis : This edition was for detection dogs for drugs and cash. There were two parts. On the one hand, of course, the detection work and on the other hand the obedience exercises.
Each handler performed 3 detection exercises.
The participants and their detection dogs had to search for substances in a cart (two carts for each participant with 1 to 2 concealments, to be completed within 10 minutes) in a room (a separate classroom room for each participant, also 1 or 2 concealments, within 10 minutes) and luggage (9 pieces of luggage, 1 or 2 concealments, within 3 minutes).
The participant with the highest points for detection work per team was selected to perform the obedience exercises.
Where were the rules of the competition?
Valdis : There was nothing typically Latvian. These are simply the general rules that are used everywhere for detective work. The participants therefore do not have to adapt or train specifically for competition conditions. Of course, there are competition regulations that were sent to the participants in advance.In broad terms, each team consists of one team leader and two handlers. One handler works with a drug detection dog, while the other works with a currency detection dog.
Each handler is presented with three exercises: one on a terrain, one involving a vehicle, and one involving luggage.
For each dog, there are 100 points available, resulting in a total of 200 points per team for each exercise.
Which breeds participated? The typical working dogs we usually see?
Valdis: Yes, that was no different at our match. The ratio was the following:
- 1 English co*cker Spaniel
- 1 English Springer Spaniel
- 10 Malinois shepherds
- 4 Labrador Retrievers
- 2 Flat-Coated Retrievers
- 5 German Shepherds
- 1 German Wirehaired Pointer
- 1 Golden Retriever
We can imagine that each country has its own style or method. Doesn't that cause problems?
Valdis : No, not really. Actually we only noticed two differences. There is a difference especially in the indication. Some countries opt for an active indication, i.e. with barking. Other countries insist on a passive referral. So a silent indication and swear off the barking. Another difference is that some countries consciously choose to train little or no obedience.
Were the detective exercises completed with the 'real' material?
Valdis : Yes, that's right. With the actual products from our own lab. With material that can be found on site.
What quantities had to be sought?
Valdis : For drugs it was between 2 and 20 grams. Depending on the exercise. For cash this was between 10 banknotes and 1000.
Which exercises turned out to be a stumbling block? And which exercises turned out to be the most difficult?
Valdis : That was actually different for everyone. Perhaps the most mistakes were made when searching for luggage. And for some teams, the obedience exercises were a stumbling block. Because some detection teams deliberately do not train for this. Because they do not want to have too much control over their dog and prefer to see him work independently. It is feared that if one were to train obedience, there would be too much control over the dog, which would make it more dependent on its handler and therefore work less independently. For example, with the English Springer Spaniels we noticed some problems during the obedience exercises.
But don't expect too much from those obedience exercises. We do not expect the same control as with a ring competition or walking as in the IGP.
These are basic exercises that we believe a detection dog should be able to do, such as staying down and following on a leash. We are of course very aware that it is primarily a detection competition.
What are the conditions for participation?
Evita: We spontaneously sent out invitations ourselves. Of course to all European countries and many more, such as Ukraine, Moldova, etc.
The countries must then decide for themselves whether they will participate and who they will send as representatives.
We received responses from dog handlers who would have liked to participate but did not know this event existed or who knew about it too late. However, those countries were invited, but it is up to those countries themselves to decide and inform their leaders of this event.
Were there also training moments or workshops?
Valdis : It's a competition, a championship and everyone wants to win. But besides that, it is indeed a lot more. Participants use every free moment to discuss dogs, training, operation, breeding, breeds and methods. Advice and experiences are exchanged, tips and tricks are shared...
By the way, the Moldovan team informed us that shortly after their participation in the European Championship, they made a big haul of cash, thanks to tips they received at the competition. Honestly ? That gave me great pleasure. That's why we do it.
What have you learned from this edition?
Valdis : We will sometimes have to think about the points and the punishment and about the judging.
Who were the judges and why were these people chosen?
Valdis : We invited 4 jury members. We consciously chose two jury members from the same sector each time.
The main referee was Anita Ezis ( Head of Dog Handlers’ Unit of National Customs Board of the State Revenu )
And there was also a committee of Referees.
From the public sector:
- Jan Pleska ( Head of Canine Service of the Czech Customs Administration )
- Martin Siht ( K9 group Commander of Estonian Military Police )
- Arturas Zaleskas ( International category referee for sport and working dogs, Lithuanian customs representative
And from the private sector:
- Stuart Phillips ( Executive director of the Company B.W.Y. Canine Ltd, service dog training instructor, international consultant in the field of dog handling ) https://bwycanine.co.uk/
- Wesley Visscher ( owner of the company ‘Scent Imprinting for dogs’ ,operational field instructor , international consultant in the field of dog handling ) (https://www.scentimprint.com/)
The participants could earn a maximum of half the points from the uniformed judges and half from the private sector judges.
By the way, I am in favor of cooperation between public services and the private sector. There is plenty of work for everyone and through collaboration we can only make and strengthen each other. I have only positive experiences with it.
Are there any noticeable differences in operation?
Valdis : It is not that a country has a specific different way of working. It's actually extremely individual. Each team has its own style. And then we mainly see two different ways. On the one hand, there are teams that guide their dogs enormously during the search. And on the other hand, you have teams where the dog works completely independently and the handler constantly reads the dog.
Are there any anecdotes to tell?
Valdis : Yes, they are always there at such events. For example, I had to pick up the delegation from Ireland with our van with kennels. They traveled from Dublin by plane to Riga. But they had bad news when we picked them up at the airport. They were there without dogs. It turned out that something had gone wrong during the transport of their dogs. The Irish team arrived on Sunday and the match started on Tuesday. Fortunately, their dogs arrived just in time. Almost immediately the dogs were taken out of their crates and given their exercises. And they did that very well, by the way. After all, that is how it is in reality. We sometimes have to work in not the best conditions. But the dogs do their job anyway.
What were the reactions of the participants?
Evita : We are very happy that everything went well and that the participants were satisfied. During the competition there was sometimes a discussion about the points as there is in any sport or competition. But even those people were not displeased at all. The opposite is true.
We had a WhatsApp group with all the participants of the event so that communication was easy. After the event we received a lot of positive and enthusiastic responses.
Such events bring people closer together. There was time for the competition, time to learn from each other, but also time to get to know each other.
As an organization there is always some stress involved, but such positive reactions make up for everything.
We are all very satisfied with how it went and we certainly want more. But we don't yet know whether that is realistic.
Where did the participants stay with their dogs?
Sandra: The participants were all accommodated together in the same hotel. A hotel we have worked with before and who are very cooperative and especially dog friendly. There is plenty of room in the immediate vicinity for participants to walk their dogs. The accommodation and food were all provided by us, the organisation. This was included in our budget. But you understand that this is not obvious and may not be possible every year. We are very grateful that we were able to organize this unique event. It was a wonderful experience and very educational.
RESULTS
DRUGS SEARCH : individual
- First place: Jan van den Berk with his dog Swa (Belgium)
- Second place: Ian Kavanagh with his dog James (Ireland)
- Third place: J?nis Kozlovskis with his dog Rago (SRS National Customs Board)
CASH SEARCH : individual
- First place: Andrejs Ogorelovs with his dog Bono ((SRS National Customs Board)
- Second place: Filip Gavor with his dog Force Graf (Czech Republic)
- Third place: Sarah fa*gan with her dog Maggie (Ireland)
TEAM COMPETITION:
- First place: Belgium
- Second place: Czech Republic
- Third place: SRS National Customs Board from Latvia)
NEW K9 TRAINING CENTER
Why was a new trainingcenter created?
Valdis: We did not have a trainingcenter before. This center is located in the North part of Latvia (EU border with Russia, 40 km from border). The main points for this center are off course to train customs detection dogs.
What facilities does your new training center consist of?
Valdis: We are extremely happy with our new center. The new center has 6 kennels. As I said, those dogs never stay at the center but go home with their handler. But during the theoretical parts of the courses or training, the dogs can rest in a kennel and do not have to be in the car.
We have classes to provide theory lessons. There are different spaces inside for training. And we have a training field outside with equipment.
20 YEARS OF DOG BRIGRADE
Your service is also celebrating its twentieth anniversarythis year?
Evita: Yes, that's right. The K9 unit of our customs is indeed celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Dogs have been used in Latvian customs for 20 years.
Valdis : But our K9 center is brand new. It was officially opened the last day of the European Championships. We are extremely happy with it. They are beautiful facilities with various rooms for teaching and training and with kennels for the dogs. The dogs don't stay there. They live with the conductors themselves. Because of these new facilities, our service feels very supported bydirector general Baiba Šmite-Roke from the State Revenue Service and Raimonds Zukuls, head of the Latvian customs.
How many sniffer dogs does Latvian customs have?
Valdis :We currently have 44 dogs divided over 37 handlers. The dogs stay at home with the handlers. That is one of the conditions for becoming a dog handler at customs.
We have such a large number of dogs because we are the first border between the EU and Russia.
After approximately 4 months of training, the teams can get started. Every year, these teams follow a 3-week refresher course. Once the dog reaches the age of 8, it only receives three days of additional training because the handler is already busy training a young dog.
Which sniffer dog disciplines do you use?
Valdis: The dogs are trained for 3 different types of products: drugs, tobacco and cash.
We use most classic breeds such as German Shepherds, Malinois, Labradors and English Springer Spaniels. But we are increasingly using other hunting dogs. Malinois are multifunctional and can be used for many different purposes. Hunting dogs do not have that characteristic, but they are very good for tracking. We purchase most dogs abroad between 6 and 8 months of age. We have a very small dog sports community in Latvia. The group of people from the show world, on the other hand, is much larger.
Who certifies the customs dogs?
Valdis: We do that ourselves. But the instructor who guided the team is obviously not allowed to do this himself. The instructors administer the exam to a team they have not supervised.
Where did you learn the job?
Valdis: We are four instructors for the 44 detection dogs. Each of us has our own background. I personally learned a lot from Germany and the Czech Republic. I have also traveled to Belgium to learn more there. My colleagues and I took courses abroad, such as in the United Kingdom, and training through Frontex, a European organization that is committed to cooperation between the European Member States and the common European external border. We regularly attend further training every year. We work a lot with Scandinavia, but also with private companies.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to this unique competition. We sincerely hope for a continuation. Thank you for the interview.
