Meet Winnie, the new cellphone-sniffing state police dog
She is one of only seven dogs in the country certified to do it.
The Massachusetts State Police has a new four-legged officer with a pretty special skill.
Winnie can sniff out electronic devices. She is one of only seven dogs in the country certified to do it, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
The 2-year-old Labrador retriever uses her nose to find cellphones, DVDs, USB drives, and SD cards. She is trained to detect certain chemical compounds specific to parts used in the manufacture of the devices. According to police, criminals such as child pornographers and those who use electronic equipment to make threats, try to conceal these items because they hold evidence of their crimes.
Winnie graduated from a five-week training course on March 7 with her handler Trooper Christopher MacDonald.
“We are very proud to welcome Winnie to our ranks,” wrote the state police in a statement.
Winnie demonstrated her skills Thursday at state police headquarters. Police posted the following photos on Twitter:
LIVE on #Periscope: MSP’s first ESD K-9 Winnie demonstrates detecting electronic devices https://t.co/O7TG5pqaJ5
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 19, 2016
Tpr Chris MacDonald introduces K9 Winnie — trained to sniff out electronic devices containing evidence. pic.twitter.com/wNDFozAQtn
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 19, 2016
Winnie alerts to a hidden cell phone! Success! pic.twitter.com/zfKpWiG9OJ
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 19, 2016
Waiting for her reward for finding a hidden cell phone and a thumb drive during her demonstration. pic.twitter.com/2w0q7fskqd
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) May 19, 2016
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com