[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 188 (Monday, September 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 50982]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25647]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
[Notice No. 97-101]


The Department of the Treasury's Odor Recognition Proficiency 
Standard for Explosives Detection Canines (97R-2543P)

AGENCY: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of 
the Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The Department of the Treasury has established an odor 
recognition proficiency standard for explosives detection canines. This 
standard includes a minimum odor recognition proficiency test which may 
be used by agencies employing explosives detection canines. Further 
testing and validation of this standard will continue for a one year 
period beginning on October 1, 1997 and ending on September 30, 1998. A 
copy of this standard is available to all interested persons.

ADDRESSES: To receive a copy of the Department of the Treasury's Odor 
Recognition Proficiency Standard, send a written request, on official 
law enforcement or government letterhead, to: Chief, Canine Operations 
Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts 
Avenue, N.W., Room 6200, Washington, DC 20226.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rhonda Bokorney, Chief, Canine Operations Unit, Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms, 650 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 
20226 (202-927-7930).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On September 30, 1998, the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act 
of 1997, Pub. L. 104-208, authorized the Secretary of the Treasury to 
establish a standard for explosives detection canines. Section 653(a) 
of the Act provides the following: Sec. 653. (a) Authorization.--The 
Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to establish scientific 
certification standards for explosives detection canines, and shall 
provide, on a reimbursable basis, for the certification of explosives 
detection canines employed by Federal agencies, or other agencies 
providing explosives detection services at airports in the United 
States.
    The Secretary of the Treasury requested the Bureau of Alcohol, 
Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to develop the standard. The standard 
establishes a minimum Odor Recognition Proficiency Test which may be 
used by law enforcement agencies employing explosives detection 
canines. ATF solicited recommendations from other Federal law 
enforcement agencies employing explosives detection canines. These 
recommendations were incorporated into the standard.
    Additionally, ATF has agreed to test this standard for validation 
for a one year period. This standard is available for consideration and 
use by law enforcement agencies. A copy of this standard is available 
to all interested persons.

Authority and Issuance

    Authority: Sec. 653, Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009.
Raymond W. Kelly,
Under Secretary.
[FR Doc. 97-25647 Filed 9-26-97; 8:45 am]
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