In Brief

Security's Best Friend

Details about the TSA's valuable four-legged agents

By CSO Contributor

October 01, 2005 — CSO —

The TSA training program: The Transportation Security Administration began breeding its own working dogs in 1999. Dogs receive several months of training. After they are certified, dogs work in an environment that simulates an airport. When bomb-sniffing dogs detect an odor, they are trained to sit at the spot where the scent is strongest. They are rewarded with treats, toys, and physical and verbal praise.

A canine unit: One handler and one dog, specially trained to detect explosives and find narcotics in vehicles, warehouses, cruise ships, luggage, cargo and airport terminals.

The dogs: Usually sporting breeds like Labrador retrievers. Puppies spend their first year with foster families before reporting for duty. Anthony Jerone, founder of the New York City Transit Authority Canine Unit, notes that although bomb detection training usually begins between 10 and 12 months of age, dogs can begin their training as early as four months old.

The detection capabilities: Trained to smell bombs
(in the form of nitrates, powders and chemicals), narcotics or even to detect instances of arson.

The cost: An annual contract for the dog and its handler costs between $10,000 and $20,000.

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