Police Dogs Trained to Detect Electronic Devices Aid in Criminal Investigations

Durham Constabulary has introduced three specially trained police dogs, whose role is to detect technical devices. These digital evidence detection dogs assist in apprehending sex offenders and other criminals by locating items such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The work of these three dogs has enabled officers to make multiple arrests through the discovery of crucial evidence. According to the force, Demi, Baxter, and Louis have already demonstrated themselves to be “phenomenal” assets. The unit, known as the “digi dog” team, comprises two three-year-old cocker spaniels, Baxter and Louis, both of whom were adopted from a dog shelter by the force, alongside Demi, a three-and-a-half-year-old red labrador. Their training regimen prepares them to detect electronic devices with the same proficiency they would apply to locating drugs, cash, or weapons. The dogs commenced their training, a process that can extend up to 10 weeks, in October, and have participated in various operations during their inaugural year. PC Paul Cooper, a dog trainer for the force, stated: “Everyday they’re out working with the frontline officers, with a lot of specialist departments within the force as well, keeping that risk to the public down to a minimum by locating devices.” He added, “We’ve had some significant finds already where they’ve really benefitted the prosecution case and led to convictions, which has ultimately led to a prison term.” Cooper described his responsibility of training the dogs and their handlers to deliver this service as rewarding. Insp Aaron Leathley, who is part of the force’s dog support unit, commented that the dogs’ work is “invaluable” and has already yielded “great results.” He further explained: “Digi dogs provide us a phenomenal asset in terms of locating bits of digital media,” and observed, “We live in a world now where the increase in mobile phones and digital devices has gone through the roof so there’s always generally an angle from any investigation point that we look at through a digital lens.”