Firearm and Explosive Detection Dogs: Review of the Firearms Amendment (Public Safety) Act 2002 April 2006

The Firearms Amendment (Public Safety) Act 2002 commenced on 15 July 2002. Among other things, it inserted Part 6A into the Firearms Act 1996 (the Firearms Act). Part 6A authorises police to use firearm and explosive detection dogs (FED dogs) in public places and in the normal course of police work. In addition to firearms and explosives, FED dogs are capable of detecting a variety of related items, such as ammunition and gunshot residue. My office was required by s72E of the Firearms Act to keep under scrutiny the exercise of these powers for two years. In order to conduct this review, the Police Commissioner was required to provide us with information about the exercise of these powers.In scrutinising the exercise of powers conferred on police to use FED dogs, we have closely reviewed how effective FED dogs are as a resource to NSW Police. Our findings and recommendations focus on better integration of FED dogs with other police operational units, and arrangements to increase the effectiveness of FED dogs and their handlers.This report was completed and provided to the Attorney General on 20 April 2006, and was tabled in Parliament on 25 October 2006.