SPD K-9 team earns explosive-detection certification

A second K-9 team of the Sarasota Police Department has earned certification in explosive material detection.

Recently completing a certification course with the United States Police Canine Association to sniff out explosives is Kodak and his human partner SPD Officer Ryan Block. 

Kodak and Block successfully completed a 300-hour training course and evaluation that tested the team’s ability to detect a range of explosives while distinguishing them from everyday scents such as soap, Sharpies and food in a variety of environments. The process evaluated the dog’s obedience, search techniques and operational readiness.

The dogs can trace explosive material compounds, assist with preventive sweeps for major public events and investigate unattended items or vehicles. The dogs can search large areas for potential materials in a fraction of the time it would take a human.