Information about the narcotics search dogs and handlers, employed by the Trust, who make visits to wards, departments and outside areas to locate illegal substances.
Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust employs two narcotics search dog teams who make planned and unannounced visits to wards and departments. They can also search outside areas.
The Trust wants everyone to feel safe — patients, visitors and from getting onto our sites. This should also mean less anti-social behaviour, and fewer incidents of violence or aggression.
The search dogs are fully trained and can locate illegal substances such as:
- Cannabis resin
- Herbal cannabis
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Amphetamine sulphate
- Ecstasy
When a substance is found the dogs are trained to freeze and indicate at the location.
If substances are found the dog handlers will take a photograph of them where they were found. They will be seized by the dog handler/ward staff and stored safely.
The ward manager and Northumbria Police will decide what action to take.
Consent should always be sought before a personal search, or a search of a personal possessions is attempted.
In certain circumstances it may be necessary for a search of a detained patient and/or their possessions to take place without their consent. This will be fully explained at the point of search.
Please tell a member of staff if you have any dog related allergies. If you have any religious needs regarding the search dog team, please explain to staff who will be able to help meet them.
All searches by dog teams will be recorded with a body worn camera.
You will be escorted to your room where the search process will be explained. You will be invited to watch from outside of the room whilst the risk assessment and search is conducted. You will then be invited to inspect your room following the search.
During this type of search patients will be asked to wait in a specified area until after the search is completed.
If it is thought that a patient has narcotics on their person the Trust search procedure will be followed. Ward staff will explain the process, they will conduct the search and inform you of your rights.
Our search dogs can also visit as Pets as Therapy (PAT) dogs. During these visits, they can help people’s wellbeing through activities such as walking, grooming, play and companionship.
Visits can be with groups or with individuals.
Please note: these visits depend on availability, as search duties will always come first.
Email: Searchdoghandler
We can’t answer the phone during searches, so please leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.
This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please telephone the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288
Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/730/0925 September 2025 V6
Website: www.
Telephone: 0191 246 7288
Review date 2027