Conducting Double Blind Exercises for K9 Team Certifications and the ORT process

This presentation will cover the topic of Conducting Double Blind exercises for K9 Team certifications and the ORT process. It is supported by a research paper recently published in January 2026.

Tuesday
,
Aug 25, 2026
1:30 pm
-
3:30 pm
Instructor(s):
Fred Helfers
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Fred Helfers presenting Conducting Double Blind Exercises for K9 Team Certifications and the ORT process at HITS.
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Class overview

This presentation will cover the topic of  Conducting Double Blind exercises for K9 Team certifications and the ORT process.  It is supported by a research paper recently published in January 2026. Through the utilization of powerpoint presentations incorporating videos depicting different modalities of double blind testing with detection dog teams, Fred Helfers will share his expertise and knowledge of building and conducting double blind certification exercises during the past 15 years. Attendees will be presented with material that will demonstrate that double blind evaluations for detection canine teams can eliminate bias, provides realistic training and presents objective evaluations. All of which will lead to the detection team to increase its proficiency in operational settings. This presentation is for all detection dog handlers and trainers conducting Narcotics, Explosives or  Accelerant detection and all other modalities of canine detection training. The presentation will conclude with all participants having access to a 12 page set of protocols for double blind exercises authored by Fred Helfers, that provides a roadmap for such exercises.

This session explains:

  • cover the topic of Conducting Double Blind exercises for K9 Team certifications and the ORT process.
  • It is supported by a research paper recently published in January 2026.
  • Through the utilization of powerpoint presentations incorporating videos depicting different modalities of double blind testing with detection dog
  • Attendees will be presented with material that will demonstrate that double blind evaluations for detection canine teams can eliminate bias, provides
Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.Light beige paper texture background with subtle fibers and creases.
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About the instructor

Fred Helfers

Detective Fred Helfers (retired) has trained detection canine teams for over 40 years and authored double-blind certification protocols for police drug detection teams.

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What past attendees say

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Go to HITS. It's a great class. Great conference. This is the third one that I've been to. I try and go every time. They change up the classes. It's offered for detection and apprehension or patrol canines. All the classes are great. You should definitely check it out. I'm going to try and come back next year.

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Greg Edlund
Broward Sheriff Office

Hi, this is Brian Laas. I'm from Arvada, Colorado. This is about my second or third time with HITS, and I've enjoyed it greatly. I like the vast amount of instructors' backgrounds, so even though I've come once or twice before, I'm always gaining a lot of knowledge. This is a great seminar for both the new and the old handlers. I think you can't go wrong coming here. It's a good time and well-spent money for your department.

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Brian Laas
Arvada Police Department

Hi, my name is Neil with U.S. Park Police. This is the first time I ever attend HITS and it's great training. A lot of different courses that definitely benefit my career. I've been a handler for 14 years now. I'm still learning and I recommend people to come down here and learn something.

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Neil
US Park Police

Been to hits a couple times, keeps getting better every time. This year it's been amazing, a lot of people, a lot of great classes, great camaraderie between all the agencies here. It's a good time, I highly recommend it.

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Unknown Attendee

Hi, Mark with BCBK9 here at HITS 2017, lets you know what a success it was. Tons of handlers, tons of great classes. We're really glad that we drove all the way out from Missouri and we're looking forward to 2018 being in DC and we hope to see you all there.

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Mark
BCB K9

Yeah, this is my first time it hits. It was a great time. Actually, I've been to a lot of conferences before. This is definitely the best.

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Attendee
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Secure your seat at HITS 2026

Legal defensibility is not theoretical. It is tested in court.

This class helps handlers and agencies prepare before that moment arrives.

Register for HITS 2026
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Explore other HITS classes

The Drug Canine Legal Update is one part of a broader HITS program designed to strengthen deployment judgment, detection reliability, and operational decision-making in the field. Additional sessions expand that learning across tracking, behavior, detection science, and tactical leadership.

View full class schedule
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