29 September 1997
Source: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/aces140.html

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[Federal Register: September 29, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 188)]
[Notices]
[Page 50982]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29se97-98]

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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]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-M