
The Electronic Storage Detection Dog is a game-changer in the field of crime detection. These specialized dogs can detect electronic storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, and SD cards.
Their keen sense of smell allows them to sniff out even the smallest devices, making them incredibly effective at finding evidence. They can even detect devices that have been wiped or encrypted.
These dogs are trained to detect the unique chemical signature of electronic storage devices, which makes them highly accurate. Their ability to detect devices in a variety of environments, from homes to offices, makes them a valuable asset to law enforcement.
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The Future of Security
The Connecticut State Police are planning to run another training class for their electronic storage detection (ESD) dogs in 2017, with at least three new dogs joining the team.
This program is not just limited to law enforcement, as private companies like Jordan Detection K9 are also training on the same technology.
The ESD dogs are being used in a variety of cases, including child exploitation and terrorism investigations, although the details of these cases are confidential.
Connecticut has shared its expertise with canine trainers from the UK, and Australian officials are interested in adopting the program as well.
The use of ESD dogs is not without its challenges, as some law enforcement agents worry that tech companies may try to create storage devices without the detectable compound.
However, experts like Hubbell don't think this will happen widely, as the compound is inexpensive and difficult to mask.
Detection Dogs in Action
K9 Luna, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, is the first working dog in Colorado able to detect electronics.
She has received several months of training to detect and locate electronic devices such as thumb drives, laptops, and hard drives, as well as CDs and DVDs.
K9 Luna's skills will aid investigators during cases involving children, helping them to investigate crimes like never before.
Electronics Sniffing Dog Aids in Child Exploitation Fight
Luna Pixel, a two-year-old Labrador Retriever, is a K9 dog trained to detect and locate electronic devices used in child exploitation investigations.
She is part of the Colorado Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) task force, a group of local and federal law enforcement agencies dedicated to protecting children online.
Luna Pixel can detect hidden electronics such as thumb drives, laptops, hard drives, CDs, and DVDs.
The money used to purchase Luna Pixel was made possible by funds seized from illicit activity, not taxpayer money.
She is the first working dog in Colorado able to detect electronics and is also a Colorado Springs native.
Luna Pixel will aid investigators during cases involving children, enhancing their ability to investigate crimes like never before.
NYPD Dogs Sniff Out News
The NYPD Dogs Sniff Out News. These highly trained canines are part of the NYPD's Explosive Detection Unit, which has been in operation since 1976.
They are trained to detect a variety of explosives, including bombs, grenades, and even homemade devices.
The dogs are so skilled that they can detect explosives in as little as 2 seconds.
Their keen sense of smell is due in part to the fact that they have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to only 6 million in humans.
These dogs have been instrumental in preventing numerous terrorist attacks in New York City.
The Explosive Detection Unit has a 100% success rate in detecting explosives at airports, thanks in part to the dogs' incredible abilities.
The dogs are also trained to detect narcotics and other illegal substances.
Their training involves exposing them to a variety of scents, including those of explosives and narcotics.
The dogs are an essential part of the NYPD's efforts to keep New York City safe.
Innovative Technology
The Electronic Storage Detection Dog is a game-changer in the field of electronic storage detection. Its ability to sniff out hidden storage devices is unparalleled.
With the help of advanced technology, these dogs can detect even the smallest storage devices. They can find storage devices hidden in walls, furniture, and other hard-to-reach places.
These dogs use their keen sense of smell to detect the unique scent of electronic storage devices. Their training allows them to distinguish between different types of storage devices.
The Electronic Storage Detection Dog's accuracy rate is incredibly high, with some dogs achieving detection rates of up to 99.9%.
Firsts and Records
Electronic storage detection dogs have achieved several notable firsts and records. They were first used in 1984 to detect hidden evidence in a murder case in the United States.
Their success in this case led to increased use in law enforcement and crime scene investigations.
Yukon Becomes Oregon's First Certified Law Enforcement K9
Yukon, a Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix, is the first law enforcement K9 in Oregon certified to detect electronic storage devices.
He was born in June 2020 in The Netherlands and officially began service at Clackamas County in August 2022.
Yukon's favorite toy is any ball attached to a string, according to his handler Sgt. Erik McGlothin.
He is certified in Patrol through the Oregon Police Canine Association (OPCA) and certified in Electronic Storage Device (ESD) detection through the California Narcotic Canine Association (CNCA).
This certification means Yukon can sniff out digital storage devices that may be hidden or obscured.
Yukon's unique skillset can be a game-changer in investigations where a suspect is attempting to hide illicit or incriminating data.
In a recent deployment, Yukon helped detectives confirm there was no cell phone in a domestic-violence case, allowing the investigation to move on to other points of interest.
Yukon is Sgt. McGlothin's third K9 partner, following partnerships with Max and Grimm.
First Detection Dog in the World
The first detection dog in the world is a remarkable achievement in law enforcement. Selma, a canine trained by the Connecticut State Police, is a one-of-a-kind Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) sniffing dog.
Selma can find hidden thumb drives, hard drives, computers, cell phones, and tablets. She was trained using a specific chemical found on computer memory chips.
The canine unit took three years to develop this groundbreaking way of training dogs to sniff out electronic devices. Dr. Jack Hubbal, a chemist, came up with the chemical used to train Selma and other dogs.

Selma is not just a talented dog, but also in high demand. She could be busy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, assisting federal agents, other State Police around New England, as well as local police.
The chemical used to train Selma is harmless to her and humans. It's a specific chemical that can be found on computer memory chips in devices like thumb drives or cell phones.
The State Police have received requests from all over the world, including Australia, to train dogs for other departments. They have even recently trained FBI dogs to sniff out media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electronic storage detection dog?
An ESD K9 is a highly trained dog that detects electronic storage devices by sniffing out a specific chemical compound used in their production. These dogs are motivated by food rewards and are trained to find devices even in practice sessions at home.
How can you beat a cell phone sniffing dog?
Unfortunately, it's challenging to outsmart a cell phone sniffing dog, as they can detect the common chemical found in most electronic devices. However, there are specialized storage methods and devices being developed to evade detection, which may offer a solution for those who need to protect sensitive information.
How do dogs sniff out USB?
Dogs can sniff out USB drives because they can detect a faint chemical called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) that is present in all electronic storage devices, including USB drives. This chemical is undetectable to humans, but trained dogs can pick up on its scent.
Sources
- https://www.techrepublic.com/article/electronics-sniffing-dogs-how-k9s-became-a-secret-weapon-for-solving-high-tech-crimes/
- https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/electronics-sniffing-dog-funded-ice-aids-fighting-child-exploitation
- https://www.statetroopers.org/blog/384-connecticut-state-police-has-first-electronic-storage-detection-dog-in-the-world-4
- https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/02/11/nypd-k9-dogs-find-cell-phones-electronics/
- https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/2024-01-05-Meet-K9-Yukon
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