Since its inception in 1984, ATF’s National Canine Program has trained canines and their handlers for explosives, accelerant, and firearms-related evidence recovery. Over the years, the National Canine Division and National Laboratory Center have worked together to develop and refine a scientifically based approach. This collaboration has strengthened canine performance and improved detection capability.
ATF’s program has paved the way for the development of scientifically validated standardized testing and evaluation procedures for law enforcement canines. In addition, the program has helped advance the understanding of canine training materials and how their handling, storage, and contamination can affect performance outcomes.
ATF trains detection canines for the bureau’s special agents as well as for other federal, state, and local law enforcement, fire service, and intelligence agency personnel. Through interagency agreements, outside agencies partner with ATF to more effectively accomplish shared common goals relating to criminal investigations, counterterrorism, and public safety.
In the early 1990's, ATF partnered with the Connecticut State Police and the U.S Department of State, Office of Antiterrorism Assistance, to initiate and launch an international explosives detection canine program. Under this initiative, ATF provides trained canine teams to select foreign countries to assist them in their efforts to combat terrorism. To date, ATF has certified over 300 canines and deployed them to 13 different countries including: Argentina, Australia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Chile, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Malaysia, Poland, and South Africa.
In 1998, ATF’s canine program expanded, offering training to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. In August 2004, the Office of the Attorney General of the United States designated ATF as the principal canine training component for the Department of Justice (DOJ).
As a public service, ATF sponsors educational programs and training for schools, civic groups, and other law enforcement agencies. These programs address explosives and firearms safety, detection methods, and related safety issues. During many of these programs, a canine team will promote community safety issues through prevention and detection demonstrations.
The ATF National Canine Program consists of four subprograms:
- Search Enhanced Evidence K-9s (S.E.E.K.)
- Explosives Detection Canines
- Accelerant Detection Canines
- National Odor Recognition Testing
The S.E.E.K., explosives detection canine, and accelerant detection canine programs are accredited by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation Board.
Contact
Qualifying state and local law enforcement agencies can receive accelerant or explosives detection canine training at no cost. For more information on ATF's accelerant and explosives detection canine program, email ATFCanine@atf.gov.
For further details on how to apply, please see the National Canine Program Application Package.
