Currently only nine certified ESD K9s in North Carolina
KILL DEVIL HILLS – In an era where criminals increasingly use digital devices to hide evidence, law enforcement agencies are turning to an unlikely ally: specially trained dogs with an extraordinary ability to sniff out hidden electronics.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department recently welcomed Sailor, a black Labrador trained to detect concealed electronic storage devices, marking a significant enhancement in the region’s capacity to combat some of today’s most challenging crimes. Law enforcement has trained special dogs to find hidden thumb drives and cell phones that human investigators routinely miss, and it’s foiling predators, terrorists, and other criminals.
Sailor is partnered with Detective Luke Peden and assigned to the Kill Devil Hills Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the North Carolina Eastern Region Human Trafficking Task Force. Her skills make her one of only nine certified Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s currently operating in North Carolina, making her a rare and invaluable resource for the region.
The Science Behind the Skill
Electronic detection K-9s are trained to find trace amounts in the smallest of electronics, such as microSD cards. These dogs can detect electronics of all shapes and sizes because all electronics have a circuit board. Sailor can locate hidden hard drives, cell phones, SD and micro SD cards, hidden cameras, GPS tracking devices, and other digital storage media that might otherwise go undetected during searches.
This capability addresses a critical challenge in modern criminal investigations. Having an ESD detection K9 on the case increases the likelihood of finding evidence that could often be missed. Digital evidence often proves crucial in cases involving internet crimes against children, human trafficking, and other serious offenses where perpetrators go to great lengths to conceal incriminating materials.
Growing Need, Limited Resources
While police K-9s have been used for decades in operations such as drug interdiction, bomb detection and missing person and fugitive searches, electronic detection is the newest frontier for the disciplined canine units. The technology has gained prominence as criminals increasingly rely on digital devices to conduct and conceal their activities.
The specialized training program that prepared Sailor for her role was conducted by Jordan Detection K9 – Electronic Detection K9 in Indianapolis, Indiana, recognized as a leader in ESD K9 training. Since the Jared Fogle case, business owner Todd Jordan has placed over 100 ESD dogs scattered across America, as well as several internationally, and pioneering a low-tech way to solve high-tech crimes involving sex trafficking, child exploitation and terrorism.
Dual Purpose: Detection and Comfort
Beyond her detection capabilities, Sailor serves a secondary but equally important role as a therapy K9. She provides comfort and support when interacting with children, crime victims, witnesses, and community members. This dual function helps build trust and fosters positive connections between law enforcement and the public – particularly important in cases involving vulnerable populations.
The impact of these specialized dogs extends beyond single cases. These devices they find can lead to evidence in an internet crime involving a minor, which often leads to saving more victims and prosecuting more predators by uncovering networks of criminal activity that might otherwise remain hidden.
Community Support Makes It Possible
Sailor’s placement with the department and continued support is made possible through the generosity of Our Rescue, whose donation ensured that Sailor could begin her mission of protecting children and supporting investigations across the region.
The Kill Devil Hills Police Department looks forward to Sailor’s contributions in safeguarding children, supporting victims, and strengthening partnerships not only in the Town of Kill Devil Hills, but across the region. Melissa Mattingly of Duke Dog Photography volunteered her time to capture and provide photos to help the agency introduce Sailor.
