Operational Detection: Closing the Gap Between Training Success and Street Reality

Detection dogs often perform well in structured training environments but struggle during real deployments where conditions are complex, unpredictable, and imperfect.

Thursday
,
Aug 27, 2026
8:00 am
-
10:00 am
Instructor(s):
Stu Phillips
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Stu Phillips presenting Operational Detection: Closing the Gap Between Training Success and Street Reality at HITS.
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Class overview

Detection dogs often perform well in structured training environments but struggle during real deployments where conditions are complex, unpredictable, and imperfect. This presentation examines why that gap exists and how trainers, handlers, supervisors, and program managers can address it.

Drawing on live operational deployments, international training audits, and incident debriefs, the session explores how training design, handler influence, and expectation can unintentionally create dogs that perform for training rather than detect honestly in the field. Particular focus is placed on the importance of canine independence, accurate interpretation of Change of Behaviour (COB), and the risks of over-reliance on formal final responses.

The presentation also addresses the role of negative and blind searches in building operational credibility, handler confidence, and defensible decision-making. Attendees will gain practical insight into how reward history, patterning, and supervision practices influence real-world performance, often without being recognised.

Rather than presenting drills or equipment-based solutions, this session provides a framework for evaluating detection capability in realistic conditions and aligning training outcomes with operational demands. The content is directly applicable to detection handlers, trainers, supervisors, and managers seeking reliable performance beyond the training environment.

This session explains:

  • Detection dogs often perform well in structured training environments but struggle during real deployments where conditions are complex
  • why that gap exists and how trainers, handlers, supervisors, and program managers can address it.
  • Drawing on live operational deployments, international training audits, and incident debriefs, the session explores how training design, handler
  • The presentation also addresses the role of negative and blind searches in building operational credibility, handler confidence, and defensible
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

Stu Phillips

Stu Phillips is a detection dog operator and instructor focused on operational detection performance.

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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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