Noblesville Schools announced recently that it has launched a new safety dog pilot in school buildings and at school facilities and events. Trained Labrador Retrievers will monitor for firearms in the joint initiative between the district and the Noblesville Police Department.
The friendly dogs, who have undergone extensive training and certification, are ideal for use around children and the public as they are able to detect the scent of firearms and related products in the air around them, and are not used for direct physical inspection of individuals.
An off-duty safety dog and handler greet visitors to the Noblesville Schools Back to School BASH at Federal Hill Commons on July 26. (Photo provided by Noblesville Schools)
The safety dog pilot is another element of prevention and detection in the district’s overall comprehensive safety plan, and is just one of many safety enhancements made recently thanks to the additional funding from the passage of last year’s referendum.
“We introduced the dogs to our families at this year’s Back to School BASH and have been using them since school started,” said Noblesville Schools Director of Safety and Security Heather Hendrich. “The public can expect to see them at our buildings, athletic facilities and events throughout the year and should remember that firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited on school property.”
Labradors’ sense of smell is significantly more sophisticated than that of humans. They are also known as one of the most intelligent and gentle breeds of dog. Safety dogs of this kind are used by the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the National Football League (NFL), Notre Dame University, Disney, casinos, concert venues and more.
Click here to see a comprehensive list of safety enhancements.