Police Dog Handler Training | Mobile Simultaneous Interpreting

Training objectives

The main goal of this training was to increase the number of operational police and border-guard dogs capable of detecting illegal goods at border crossings. Handlers and their dogs were trained to work effectively inside large crowds of people, locating specific restricted items and also recognising the distinctive scent that people give off when under stress or nervous.

Training environment

The entire practical part of the training took place outdoors on a large open field roughly the size of a football pitch. After a short theoretical introduction, the handlers worked with large groups of volunteers acting as “travellers”. The lead trainer did not speak English, while all the dog handlers communicated in English. This language barrier made continuous, high-quality simultaneous interpreting essential.

Challenges we faced

Several practical difficulties had to be solved on the spot:

• The training area was very large. We needed radio equipment with sufficient range so that every handler could clearly hear the trainer no matter where they were on the field. 
• People and dogs were constantly moving. The equipment had to remain stable and deliver clear audio despite continuous motion. Digital transmission proved reliable in these conditions. 
• The day was split into two intensive three-hour sessions. We therefore worked with two interpreters who alternated, ensuring the quality of interpretation never dropped.

Successful outcome

Despite the demanding conditions the training ran smoothly:

• Every dog handler had uninterrupted access to the trainer’s instructions throughout both sessions thanks to the stable digital signal. 
• Even with participants walking across the full size of the field and dogs moving freely, there were no drop-outs or communication problems.

This assignment confirmed that properly selected mobile simultaneous-interpreting systems can support highly specialised outdoor training - even when the working environment is large, noisy and constantly changing.

See also:Town-hall meeting with a large number of participants and Q&A

If you are organising similar field training for security, border or police units and need reliable mobile interpreting, feel free to contact us. We will help you choose the right equipment and interpreter team.