Why are dogs used to detect accelerants?
Vehicle searches: Dogs are used in vehicle searches because an arsonist may carry the liquid into his car, where the dog can sniff them out. Their training allows them to distinguish these accelerants from normal car fluid scents.
How are canines used in fire scene investigations?
Canine teams have proven to be the most effective tool that fire investigators can use to locate accelerants. Once at the scene, the canine will begin its search after being given a command such as “seek,” and it will sniff for the odor of an accelerant.
How many different accelerants can an arson dog detect?
These “arson dogs” are trained to sniff out minute traces of accelerants like gasoline and lighter fluid that may have been used to start a fire. Judge can identify 61 different fire accelerants.
What are some interesting facts about arson dogs?
Facts about accelerant detection canines
- Transforms from a loving pet to an arson detection tool as soon as the handler puts on the food/reward pouch.
- Has a sense of smell that is 100,000 times more acute than a human’s.
- Knows how to work a crowd.
- Is unbiased.
Where are detection canines used?
A police dog is essentially a detection dog that is used as a resource for police in specific scenarios such as conducting drug raids, finding missing criminals, and locating stashed currency. Frequently, detection dogs are thought to be used for law enforcement purposes.
How can accelerants be detected?
Physical indicators used to detect the presence of accelerants are localised burn patterns to floors and surfaces and overhead damage inconsistent with the naturally available fuel. Reports from fire fighters or eyewitnesses of a rapid fire or of suspicious odours can also indicate the presence of an accelerant.
Why do police use dogs for investigation?
Police dogs are trained to bite dangerous suspects and hold them hostage. In many situations, they are the first ones to put their lives on the line and go in against an armed suspect to protect their human partners.
How many detection dogs are there?
There are currently an estimated 15,000 working dogs in the United States, including dogs working in government, military, law enforcement, and private facilities.
What 2 things are used to detect accelerants?
Two types of hydrocarbon chemical tests have been used for accelerant detection. Draegar tubes are routinely used for detecting hydrocarbons in the atmosphere and hydrocarbon field test kits are used for soil and water analysis and both have been used at fire scenes.
How does an accelerant detection canine ( ADC ) work?
Accelerant detection canines (ADC) are motivated, accelerant detection tools. An ADC: Transforms from a loving pet to an arson detection tool as soon as the handler puts on the food/reward pouch. Has a sense of smell that is 100,000 times more acute than a human’s.
How does a dog detect an accelerant in a fire?
Has a sense of smell that is 100,000 times more acute than a human’s. Knows how to work a crowd. At a fire scene, the dog is encouraged to mingle with spectators and give them a good sniff. If the arsonist is in the crowd watching, the ADC will alert to the smell of the accelerant on his or her clothes, shoes or body.
How long does it take to test an accelerant?
Is fast, covering an entire scene in less than 30 minutes. It can take humans days to do what a dog does in minutes. Is accurate. At best, humans can make educated guesses about possible accelerant use and will need to collect an average of 20 samples to send off to a lab for testing.