As part of my role at Corrections, I convinced my manager to let me oversee our relationship with the dog section. The team had some external promotion through Dog Squad and Puppy School, but there was limited visibility within the Department. This was a dream come true for me, as I have a passion for animals and deeply appreciate the essential work the dog section does to maintain safety at Corrections sites, both in prison and in the community.
I have learned so much about how the handlers and dogs work together to sniff out illicit substances and the extensive training required to get these dogs operational.
Detector Dog Cards
The relationship began with the creation of detector dog cards. Inspired by a similar idea from another agency, our team thought it was a fantastic concept that we could replicate and customise to make it our own. I designed these cards in collaboration with the dog section, ensuring they were light-hearted and engaging, as they were often distributed at community events and schools.
Creating these cards was a fun and creative process. I wrote the content to highlight each handler and dog's quirky personalities, ensuring each card was unique despite following a consistent layout. This project allowed me to showcase my creativity and storytelling skills, as well as my ability to manage a project from concept to completion.
The cards have been a tremendous hit. They have become almost collectible items, with people frequently asking about them. Even within the dog teams, who work in different regions, the cards have gained popularity. The project was so successful that I pushed for the cards to be uploaded to our external website, further extending their reach and impact.
This project not only highlighted the incredible work of our detector dog teams but also strengthened community engagement and internal appreciation for the dog section's efforts. It was a rewarding experience to lead this project and see the positive reception it received.
Photography
As part of overseeing the promotion for the dog section, one of my favourite responsibilities is photographing the dogs and their handlers. Dogs are an easy way to engage staff, and these photo sessions provide the handlers with a well-deserved break from their often stressful work environment.
I photograph a wide range of activities for the dog team, including general promotions, Christmas cards, training sessions, graduations, profile and site shoots, and even retirements. Each session offers a unique opportunity to capture the bond between the handlers and their dogs, showcasing their dedication and the vital work they do.
Getting called out to a dog job is always a highlight of my day. These photography sessions not only enhance the visibility of the dog section’s work but also contribute to a positive and engaging work culture within the Department.
Oscar looking sharp in a "Pink Shirt Day" campaign for work.
Pictured: Jay and Bo. Photographed as part of their six-month training alongside "Dog Squad Puppy School."
These photos were also used in an internal campaign I produced (photos, content, design) based on our first Corrections litter and how their training was pawgressing.
Drug detector dog, Preston photographed for Corrections internal Christmas cards in 2018.
Dogs with jobs photos. Mixture of training and graduations.
Pup-date internal campaign
I created an internal promotional campaign for the dog team to celebrate the birth of the first Corrections-bred litter. This was a significant milestone for the dog section, and I wanted to ensure it received the attention it deserved. The campaign, titled "Pup-date," was presented in four stages, providing a detailed insight into the training and development of these pups.
The campaign covered the pups' training progress at three, six, nine, and twelve months. Each stage highlighted the extensive time and effort our handlers invest in training the dogs to reach operational level. The updates included information on the bond between handler and hound, the challenges faced, and the progress made. The "Pup-date" campaign was well-received by staff, who appreciated the opportunity to follow the pups' journey and learn more about the dog section's work. It brought a positive and uplifting element to the internal communications, helping to boost morale and engagement within the Department.
This project allowed me to blend my design and writing skills, creating content that was both visually appealing and engaging. It was rewarding to see the positive impact it had on staff, providing them with a reason to smile and something enjoyable to look forward to.
Examples of pup-dates on internal site and the headers created for the campaign.