After five years of successful service, ATF special agents are eligible to compete for one of the 40 special agent canine handler (SACH) positions throughout the United States. Upon selection, the SACH attends either a 12-week Search Enhanced Evidence K-9 or 10-week Explosives Detection Canine handler course at the ATF National Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia.
Upon certification and graduation from their selected course, the SACH returns to their assignment at one of ATF’s 26 field divisions. SACHs commit to serving a minimum of five years in this position, though many choose to continue this path for the remainder of their careers and partner with multiple canines.
SACHs partner with their detection canines to perform a variety of assignments and self-initiated activities, such as:
- Special event security, including National Special Security Events like presidential inaugurations, major international summits, and major sporting events
- Search warrant assistance, conducting searches and locating evidence that would have otherwise gone undetected
- Critical evidence recovery in violent crime investigations
An additional capability of SACHs and their canine partners is the detection of trace evidence, like transferred explosives residue and gunshot residue. Unique to ATF canines, trace evidence detection is a specialized tool that has assisted criminal investigators in solving high-profile bombing and shooting investigations involving loss of life.
Due to their highly specialized and exceptional abilities, SACH teams also assist in ATF’s National Response Teams, International Response Teams and Special Response Teams.
From securing large events and helping attendees feel safe, to locating hidden firearms used in violent crimes, ATF SACHs and their canines help protect the public every day, nationwide.
