Metro Law Enforcement K-9s Tested On Ability To Detect Explosive Materials

Metro law enforcement canines put their sniffing skills to the test this week. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives held its annual certification for the dogs and their handlers at the state fairgrounds.

The ATF transformed a building at the state fairgrounds into an obstacle course of different scents. Fifteen tin cans were set up in circles in various areas of the building.  

“That’s what we call out sniffer tins,” an ATF agent said.

Some of the tin cans had everyday smells or what agents called distractors.

“It’s up to us to train those canines to move past those distractions,” Agent Kevin Brown, Oklahoma City ATF Field Office, said.  

The dogs must detect minute traces of explosive materials and alert the handler to pass the National Odor Recognition Test or NORT.

“We’re going to start on number 15,” an ATF agent said.  

Joker, an Oklahoma City Police Department canine, and the other highly trained dogs made high marks on their ability to quickly detect hazardous materials. 

The canines came from federal, state, and local agencies and are the first line of defense in keeping the public safe.

“When it comes to the Memorial Marathon, we’re gonna use canines to sweep the streets before that thing happens,” Brown said. “Super Bowls, Oklahoma City Thunder games, any large scale event we’re constantly using these dogs to detect hazardous items.”

After passing her test, Jasmine, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol bomb squad dog, was rewarded with her favorite toy. Her handler knows Jasmine will be ready when duty calls.

“Canines especially when dealing with hazardous materials are without a doubt the most important things we can have,” Brown said.  

The recertification training held in Oklahoma City is one of a dozen events the ATF holds across the country.