Accelerant detection dogs are used by fire departments, and other fire investigators to aid them in the detection of substances used to expedite fires and underscore the spreading of the destructive flames. Dogs are used due to their special skill set in detecting odors that humans are unable to; their ability to differentiate sets of different scents, and locating scents even after some time has passed since those smells were deposited. In 1993, evidence gathered with the help of accelerant detection canines, helped convict five people when traces of flammable fluids were located on their clothing by the specially trained dogs. (United States of America vs. Kathryn Schroeder, ET AL, 1993)
Insurance companies such as State Farm promote and encourage the use of accelerant detection canines. Starting in 1993, State Farm has sponsored and financially aided several law enforcement and fire departments with the Arson Dog Program, to help with the apprehension of numerous arson perpetrators yearly. ("Arson Dog Program," n.d.) One of the recipients of the aid offered by State Farm was the city of Ocala in Florida’s fire department, which in December 014, acquired its first fire dog courtesy of a $25, 000 grant from State Farm. (Firehouse Staff, 2015, p. 12) …show more content…
Since their teams gained popularity in the mi-80s, these canines are a boon to the agencies that utilize them as they considerably cut the time it takes to detect and gather evidence that could take up to a few months using the old methods that were time consuming. When one considers that arson fires are the second most common reason for fatalities in home/building fires, the service provided by these well trained dogs and their handlers are sought out by law and fire agencies across the country. (Rogak, 2012, Chapter
Insurance companies such as State Farm promote and encourage the use of accelerant detection canines. Starting in 1993, State Farm has sponsored and financially aided several law enforcement and fire departments with the Arson Dog Program, to help with the apprehension of numerous arson perpetrators yearly. ("Arson Dog Program," n.d.) One of the recipients of the aid offered by State Farm was the city of Ocala in Florida’s fire department, which in December 014, acquired its first fire dog courtesy of a $25, 000 grant from State Farm. (Firehouse Staff, 2015, p. 12) …show more content…
Since their teams gained popularity in the mi-80s, these canines are a boon to the agencies that utilize them as they considerably cut the time it takes to detect and gather evidence that could take up to a few months using the old methods that were time consuming. When one considers that arson fires are the second most common reason for fatalities in home/building fires, the service provided by these well trained dogs and their handlers are sought out by law and fire agencies across the country. (Rogak, 2012, Chapter