Battelle works with Department of Homeland Security to bolster canine teams in US

Battelle has teamed up with the US Department of Homeland Security to bolster its network of explosives detection canine teams.

Researchers of Battelle are working with state and local law enforcement personnel across the country to identify gaps in the current capability and accordingly improve essential education, testing, and training capabilities to nearly 4,000 canine teams.

Called Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative (REDDI), the Department of Homeland Security’s Advanced Research Project Agency dispatched its team of trainers, evaluators, and researchers early this spring. The department also continued with additional sessions in Miami in June, and Long Beach, California  in July.

These initiatives are intended to equip canine teams with key information on threat materials and recent attacks and provide them with exposure to relevant operational scenarios, and offer an opportunity for odour training.

The DHS’s Explosive Detection Canine Program is working with experts from Battelle, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division.

Battelle Senior Research Scientist Kevin Good said: “At Battelle, we have more than 20 years of experience in canine-focused research, development, testing, and evaluation.

“With our teams of engineers, chemists, biologists, explosives experts and veterinarians, we are perfectly suited to provide the insight and tools necessary to understand and advance the performance of our nation’s canine teams.”

Based in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers.