ATF’s National Canine Training Center (NCTC) provides a variety of training programs for local, state, and federal agencies. Special agent canine handlers and external partners team up with explosives detection canines and accelerant detection canines to support criminal and fire investigations.
Canine handlers, the investigators who team up with ATF-trained K-9s, arrive at the NCTC with a variety of backgrounds dependent upon their K-9’s specialty. Seasoned ATF special agents as well as law enforcement, fire service, and intelligence agency personnel from local, state, and federal partners make the list of experienced candidates.
Accelerant Detection Canines (ADC)
When arson is suspected, ADC teams help support investigations by traveling to fire scenes and locating critical evidence.
Upon graduation from the Accelerant Detection Canine Program, canine teams are certified to perform ignitable liquid detection during fire investigations.
ADC Quick Facts
Trained and certified to detect six basic ignitable liquid groups
Six weeks of initial training; six-week handler course; routine training and recertification
Fire investigators from state and local fire service agency partners
On-leash search techniques; ignitable liquid odor recognition; detection of ignitable liquids in fire debris; operational tasks, including searching fire scenes involving buildings, passenger and commercial vehicles, articles (clothing, backpacks, luggage, etc.), stationary people, and outdoor open areas
Explosives Detection Canines (EDC)
EDC teams are trained to identify a wide array of commercial, military, and homemade explosives. EDCs are also able to locate firearms, shell casings, and other firearms-related evidence, making them invaluable in violent crime investigations.
Upon graduation from the Explosives Detection Canine Program, canine teams are certified to perform explosives and firearms detection investigations and operations for their respective agencies.
EDC Quick Facts
Trained and certified to detect six basic explosives groups
Six weeks of initial training; 10-week handler course; routine training and recertification
Experienced ATF special agents and other law enforcement, fire service, and intelligence agency personnel from local, state, and federal partners
On-leash search techniques; explosives odor recognition; on-leash search techniques; operational tasks including searching building interiors and exteriors, passenger and commercial vehicles, articles (parcels, backpacks, luggage, etc.), outdoor open areas, and large special event venues
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