Interviewed by Steve Watson

SW. ASCT has been in existence since 1994. You came along pretty soon thereafter to help the liability reduction and protocol of agencies. What changes have you witnessed over the past fourteen years?

MW. From a K9 standpoint, tons, regarding training development and research stuff.  Fourteen years ago trainers around the nation were still talking about scent rafts as the main source for scent. Trainers were balking at knowledge. It still happens today too but luckily not so much in all areas of K9.  So, the changes in k9 are massive.  But the changes in ASCT have been few really.  I mean there’s a ton more people and things that need to be done but otherwise it’s the same organization as in 1994.

SW. The certification board must always vote for unanimous changes in the protocol. What about by-laws?

MW. Well it is simple but often misunderstood. The by-laws were adopted and assumed by ABLEC (association for the betterment of law enforcement canines) and they cover mission statements, certification process in general, fair practice standards, things like that. The by-laws can never be changed.  On the other hand the standards can be tweaked to fit the national protocol needs.  For example, several years ago it didn’t matter at all if a canine certification protocol took the aggressive alert on a car door into consideration.  The certifications didn’t regard the personal property damage. Around the nation, courts didn’t question the certification procedure and guidelines for aggressive indication dogs.  Now, it’s different.  In 2009 we have to consider that.  Thus, the certification board has to tweak the certification standards so that we can assure that the aggressive indication K9 is lean during the alert and not just scraping paint.  We have to tighten a bit on what’s accepted and how it’s processed.  That’s just an example.

SW. But to make that change the four member certification board needs to vote unanimously?

MW. Exactly, one vote no and nothing passes.

SW. Attorney Haden is issuing some changes in recertification protocol. What can you tell us about that?

MW. Well, at the January meeting in Philly, we discussed that fact that the current system of file, recert file, instructor file, and accounting file were crossing paths more than we’d like.  In other words, the handler is certified and the file shows it but if the handler hasn’t met recert record evaluations or his agency hasn’t paid for the certification then the paperwork is blocked until all is settled. Unfortunately, that can involve three or four people.  As a result, there are gaps here and there.

SW. What will the changes be?

MW.  I’m not exactly sure yet but I know it’s coming very soon and will start immediately upon notification. My understanding is that it’s a simplified form.

SW. Will the board approve these changes?

MW.  We already did.  At the meetings we agreed to employ Haden to make the changes. What he does will be mandatory immediately. It’s his decision. We allowed him that fully because he’s the expert in the matter and has proven exceptionally competent in these areas.

SW. What effect will this have on the average handler looking for training of a certification?

MW. It doesn’t affect the handler at all.  It affects the trainers and Instructors who certify the handler.  The changes will regard the protocol for how the files and sent and processed for certification.

SW. Is ASCT tightening down on trainers and instructors?

MW.  We are indeed.  The competency of those who train and teach others is a must.  It’s crucial.  The dedication, professionalism, and knowledge are a massive part of the handler’s education when dealing with trainers. We pride ourselves upon having the smartest trainers in the nation and we demand that they carry themselves that way.

SW.  That leaves the handlers to benefit.

MW. …And the trainers who are following the teaching of Instructors. It just makes sense.

SW.  Can you explain a little about how the operation of the organization works?

MW. There are four board members.  The bylaws are clear – the board members are put in place by requirement. It calls for at least one attorney and the remainder (up to four) must be Senior Master Instructors. It also calls for any SMI to automatically participate on the board – it’s a requirement for the SMI certification.

SW.  How many SMI Instructors does ASCT currently have?

MW.  Two. Ronald Ashie and Chris Aycock.

SW. Are any of the other instructors near the SMI certification?

MW. Not at the moment.  SMI requirements are a massive undertaking, especially the thesis that has to be written and defended. 

SW. So how does the board operate?

MW. Each board member has a job.  For example, I oversee the certification validation, slander complaints, records for standards, Etc.  Haden oversees the liability structure and is the organizational auditor.

SW. What does the audit consist of?

MW.  He evaluates everything…every file…every report…everything…to assure that the organization is operating under the guides of by-laws and federal organization mandates.

SW. What do Ashie and Aycock do?

MW. Ashie is a very busy man with his own training. For the certification board, he mandates testing standards and evaluates the programs and handlers to make sure they are within standards. Chris Aycock…he’s our leader…simply put.  He’s the brain of the organization. We joke because Chris always says that Haden is the real head of the organization because he is the auditor and his decision is usually accurate and final. But in reality, if we approach Haden with anything his response is usually…what does Chris say about this…and whatever Chris said is where Haden goes.

SW. How does the check and balance work?

MW. Well, it’s very simple.  There are ten organizational objectives each year.  The certification board, as a whole, sets them in January. The objectives are the responsibility of the President (Aycock). The following year, we review the objectives carefully and assure that the objectives were met.  If eight out of ten were met – all is good (laughs).  If seven or less are completed the by-laws require that the President be removed.

SW. He’s fired.

MW.  More like tearfully asked to step away.  The President isn’t paid.  He volunteers his time to the organization for the sake of the organization. But he would then still be on the certification board just not president.

SW. Has Aycock failed to produce the eight out of ten?

MW. Chris Aycock completes ten out of ten each year. Chris complains about not getting them done. (Laughs) But he always completes.  

SW. What are some typical objectives?

MW.  They change a little from year to year but the main ones are that the budget balances from the accountant, the organizational attrition rate is of average, the research process is revolving in that there are research reports completing and new research setting up.  Things like that.

SW. Does ASCT try to grow in numbers each year?

MW. No. We don’t care about the numbers. In fact where we are now is perfect in my opinion.  New certifications replace attrition and that’s a good balance. 

SW.  Where do you see ASCT in five years?

MW.  I see the organization making further progress in research.  There are many things on the table that are revolutionary…seriously.  We have some really talented leadership in this organization and I expect super results from a developmental standpoint.