Dogs and Handlers

Sniffer dogs have been used to detect drugs at the Isle of Man Prison since 1996.

Dogs are believed to have about 300 times the smelling ability of humans and their presence is an effective deterrent against drugs getting into the prison.

Both 'passive' and 'active' drugs dogs are used at the Isle of Man Prison in Jurby. A passive drugs dog helps to search people, both prisoners and visitors, plus staff at the prison. To indicate the scent of an illegal substance the passive dog will sit at the person’s feet.

Active drugs dogs carry out searches at frequent but irregular intervals of the prison perimeter walls, exercise yard and the exterior gardens plus cells and vehicles. Drugs dogs remain at the prison for the duration of their handler's shift but do not work constantly during that time.

Stan Gorry was appointed the prison's first dog handler in 1996 with his dog Sam. Today he has chocolate Labrador Charlie (passive), black Lab Blue (passive) and springer spaniel Alfie (active) working at the prison.

Dog handler Simon Murray, appointed in May 2007 with his dogs black Labrador Dylan and springer spaniel Dusty, will double the number of drug searches that are routinely undertaken at the jail. Simon has 20 years’ experience as a prison officer and recently spent six weeks at Kirkham Prison, near Blackpool, completing Dylan’s training to become a passive drugs dog. Dusty is undergoing pre-training and will undergo structured training in the UK before becoming a qualified active drugs dog.