Frequently Asked Questions

How does a dog find drugs?

After many hours, days and weeks of imprinting a dog with the
scent of drugs the dog will begin to hunt for that odor. When
the dog finds what we call a scent cone, the dog will start to
zero in on the strongest point of the odor. The dog is trained to
sit as close to that odor as possible.  The dog is rewarded with
his or her favorite toy!  For a drug sniffing dog, finding drugs is
all just a game.

What drugs can dogs detect?

Dogs can detect prescription drugs like Xanax and Oxycontin,
and illegal drugs including ecstasy, marijuana, heroin,
methamphetamine, LSD & cocaine.  We will also train on all
new drugs that come to the market.

Why do I need this service?

Anyone that has the suspicion that their child, spouse,
employee or students might be doing drugs needs our service.  
If they have been found with narcotics in the past, you want to
confirm that they are still not using.

Are there other individuals a parent should consider?

Any person that has access to your home, even a spouse or ex-
spouse.

Who else may need this service?

Businesses may wish to have a K9 search conducted for the
safety of their employees and to eliminate liability issues.
Businesses could also save money by their insurance giving
them a discount for being proactive in having random drug
searches. Most institutions may wish to engage Dark Knight
K9 to be certain their property is a drug drug-free zone. Also In
some matrimonial and custodial disputes, when alleged drug
use may impact custody matters, Dark Knight K9 can be a less
invasive alternative to resolving issues, without the
involvement of law enforcement.

Can a private detective hire dark knight?

We are available for hire by private detective agencies with
permission from the home owner to have a search performed.  
One home owner needs to be present during our search.

What can your business do?

Every business needs a drug free workplace program that
includes, education, testing and other ways of deterrence to
maintain a drug free workplace. Dark Knight is the answer.
When your employees know that Dark Knight makes random
visits it will be highly unlikely that employees will bring drugs
to work.

What percentage of random tests should be conducted every
year for an employer or school to maintain an effective
deterrence and detection program?

There is no established percentage of random tests. With
random K9 sweeps, your employees or students will never
know when we will show up or how many times we might show
up for a K9 search. We act as a great deterrent for drugs being
brought into your work place or school.

What occurs during a Dark Knight K9 narcotic sniff search?
-Residential

We will search all rooms, garage, vehicles and any out
buildings that you have on your property. We ask that the
person of interest not be present to avoid any conflict. Also,
that anything that could harm the K9 or that might prove to be
a distraction be removed, i.e.  pets, poisons, chemicals, and
any sharp objects.

- Business

We provide periodic, random visits. The frequency is
determined by you. At each site, a designated coordinator from
your business will escort our canine teams and observe the
inspection activities. We check lockers, offices, cubicles,
sleeping quarters, common areas, company vehicles and other
areas as requested by business administrators.

- School

We provide random, unannounced visits. At each site, a
designated coordinator from the school will escort our canine
team and observe the inspection activities. We normally
inspect lockers, gym areas, common areas, vehicles and
classrooms.

What if a K9 Team finds something?

If the K9 picks up the odor of drugs the K9 is trained to go to
the closest point and sit, notifying the handler of the presence
of the odor of drugs.  In the event the dog identifies a scent, the
K9 team will mark the area and continue on with the search.   
Dark Knight K9 does not locate or dispose of any found drugs
or drug paraphernalia.  We will provide you with resources and
information to deal with your situation privately.  Both our
visit and the outcome are totally confidential.

Do I only need to engage Dark knight only once?

If the dark Knight K9 Unit makes a positive finding once, you
may wish to schedule regular visits until you are sure that
your intervention has successfully deterred your child or
employee from having drugs available. We are more than happy
to schedule regular follow up sweeps.

I trust my kids. Why would I use Dark Knight K9?

Most kids will not admit to drug use.  50% of all students
upon high school graduation have reported having tried drugs.
Early intervention can have a significant impact on the future
of anyone doing or associated with drugs

Isn't this breaching my children's trust?

Parents who have watched their children’s drug use escalate
with life threatening results can only look back and ask
themselves what else they could have done to intervene before
their loved one slipped into heavy drug use. If your child has
denied using drugs, but a search determines that there are
drugs in the home. Whose trust has been broken? If no drugs
are found, you have strengthened your bond and trust.  It is no
different than monitoring your children's Internet activity.

Are there other ramifications to drug use I should consider?

Many state and federal laws are placing accountability on
parents for the actions of their children. Should your child be
involved in an incident, you may be held responsible. Should
a law enforcement agency find your teenager with drugs, there
is a good chance that the law enforcement records will become
permanent. Your child’s future will be impacted. For instance,
a record of marijuana possession can disqualify your child for
student loans, jobs, military service, city, state and federal
service. These long-term consequences are often overlooked.

Is Dark Knight K9 affiliated with law enforcement or other
government agencies?

No. We are not affiliated with law enforcement or other
government agencies and we do not notify them of our
findings.

If drugs and/or paraphernalia are found, what do I do?

We will give you information to help you access professionals
who have you, your child, spouse, employees or students best
interests at heart. The information provides tips on dealing
with the situation and resources on drug prevention and
abuse. If we do confirm the presence of drugs, you should
consider scheduling a follow-up visit with Dark Knight K9 to
make sure your intervention has worked.

Are there Internet sites and stores that cater to selling
paraphernalia and devices to hide illegal drugs?

Yes, way too many! There are hundreds of Internet stores that
sell paraphernalia and concealment devices.  Drugs can be
concealed anywhere and even in plain sight. There are many
neighborhood "head shops" that sell these items as well. We
would suggest a quick trip to a local head shop to take a look
around for yourself.  You will see some items used to hide
drugs that you might never have thought of before.  Some you
might have already seen in your home and not realized what
they were.
50% of all students
upon high school
graduation have
reported having tried
drugs. Early
intervention can have
a significant impact on
the future of anyone  
associated with drugs
Dark Knight K9 2009-2010
all rights reserved