Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Cooke.
Maureen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I spent over 12 years as a police officer for the City of Keller, Texas. Nine of those years I held the position of K9 Narcotics Officer with my K9 partner Rowdy, logging over 1000 career deployments. K9 Rowdy and I worked with multiple agencies in North Texas, receiving commendations from the DEA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and numerous other organizations. I have provided specialized education on Narcotic Investigation and Interdiction to multiple agencies.
After 9/11, I gained an interest in Explosive Detection K9’s from a family member who worked as a bomb dog handler at the Tulsa International Airport. Saving lives by using the nose of a dog to detect explosive devices is nothing less than yet ANOTHER remarkable service provided by man’s best friend.
After K9 Rowdy and I retired from police work, I kept him busy with quarterly contract visits to Lockheed-Martin as part of the drug free workplace initiative. During one of my visits I was asked to find a K9 team to conduct quarterly explosive searches. After calling several agencies I learned that, due to agency policies, they were reactive rather than proactive; meaning that they would only respond if there was a credible threat or incident. Along those same lines, narcotic detection dogs were mainly owned by law enforcement agencies and unavailable for private drug searches.
Recognizing the need for narcotic and explosive detection dog services in the private sector I formed KSDS, LLC. (K9 Security Detection Services) in August 2015.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In addition to the normal license requirements when starting a new business, Texas requires licensing through the Department of Public Service Private Security Board. The licensing process requires passing a two hour manager exam which holds a 40% failure rate, FBI background check, business insurance with K9 coverage, etc. The process is expensive, difficult and slow. Unfortunately, patience is not a quality I possess or embrace.
The most challenging aspect is convincing potential customers to recognize that we provide a service they both need and benefit from having at their location. Company leaders are understandably concerned about profit therefore may be hesitant to invest in prevention. Our challenge is to present our service and educate them on the benefits associated with mitigating risk via K9 Detection.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Private K9 detection teams are very rare and expensive to employ. My company provides K9 narcotic and explosive detection teams to schools, businesses, private residences and public venues and events at current government GSA (General Services Administration) rates. Therefore, our costs are normally 30-50% lower than the industry standard.
On the Narcotic Detection side, our company provides both awareness and peace of mind to parents, business owners, and large corporations. Employee drug use in the workplace results in astronomical costs in health insurance, time off work, theft, accidents involving company vehicles, and the list goes on and on. Here are the facts: 77% of drug users are employed and cost 300% more in employee benefits; they are absent 16 times more often and are one-third less productive; 47% of workplace accidents resulting in serious injury are caused by substance abuse. A Narcotic K9 sweep detects illegal drugs in the workplace while also serving as an effective deterrent.
Often, the request from private residences involve parents concern with their teenagers’ activity. In those cases it’s important that we are discreet, arriving in private vehicles. The parent(s) accompanies the K9 team and if anything is found during a search it’s turned over to the parents to handle privately within their home. K9 teams carry test kits so a substance can be tested to insure its identity. KSDS also provides drug education, awareness, and provides guidance to assist with obtaining help for their loved one.
On the Explosive Detection side, the focus is on safety and security associated with Counter-Terrorism. An Explosive K9 sweep insures the area is clear of danger for everyone; from the executive staff, workers, and visitors, to the general public. In today’s environment this proactive approach can cut liability insurance costs while giving everyone the peace of mind they deserve. To insure we are well informed on current aspects of both local and national terror threats I regularly receive current information on terroristic threats, methods, and behavior identification from my friend and colleague Scott Nichol. Scott was formerly with the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and holds a Master’s Degree in Counter- Terrorism. Scott is the U.S. Director of Operations for SECINDEF (Security, Intelligence and Defense) Israel providing International Consulting in counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence in the U.S.
Due to the variety of services offered between Explosive and Narcotic detection, I have extremely high expectations of my handlers and therefore only employ a small, exemplary group of K9 teams. I’m proud the following companies trust us for their security and protection needs: Lockheed Martin, American Airlines Center, Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District, Allen Event Center, The Irving Music Factory, private citizens, small business owners and numerous corporate private events and venues.
Our core values are reflected in our Mission Statement:
At KSDS LLC, we are dedicated to the safety and security of our customers and the public they serve. We strive to consistently exceed their expectations by providing exemplary service based on dependability, integrity, and respect.
What were you like growing up?
I was a hyperactive, thrill seeking child. My attention span was about 30 seconds, give or take. I loved the outdoors and played sports year round.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ksds-llc.com
- Phone: 817-993-9141
- Email: mcooke@ksds-llc.com
- Facebook: K9 Security Detection Services
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