New Sask. police dog detects devices in child exploitation cases

A new police dog in Saskatchewan is helping investigators uncover hidden electronic devices in child exploitation cases. Stacey Hein reports.

A new police dog in Saskatchewan is helping investigators uncover hidden electronic devices in child exploitation cases.

Taffy, an electronic storage detection (ESD) K9 with the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation Unit, is trained to sniff out items criminals try to hide.

The nearly three-year-old golden retriever can detect the scent of chemical compounds found in devices like cellphones, USB sticks, SD cards and hard drives.

“The introduction of Taffy as a resource for investigators greatly increases our ability to locate these devices and hold offenders accountable,” Staff Sgt. Tim Failler told reporters Friday.

Using her nose, Taffy can help officers find devices that may contain evidence of child exploitation.

“Digital evidence plays a significant role in internet child exploitation investigations, and even the smallest device can hold thousands of images, videos and messages,” Failler said.

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After undergoing specialized training in Indiana, Taffy joined her handler, Det. Sgt. Bryon Sommacal, last November. She received her badge Friday morning and is already proving to be a big help.

“In one of the searches, I can say, Taffy was able to locate a phone that we didn’t know was there, so that was very helpful,” Failler said.

She is the first dog trained for this type of work in Saskatchewan and one of only eight in Canada.

She is also a trained therapy dog for officers and victims.

“The type of work that we do is difficult work, especially when dealing with child exploitation files,” Failler said. “So having her around the office has been nice for investigators.”

He said Taffy has also been there when a child abuse investigator interviewed a child.

“You can see her demeanor is so calm, and she’s just so nice to be around. It helps people be more comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.”

Taffy was provided to police through the non-profit Our Rescue, which helps cover training and annual recertification costs.