The Carter County Sheriff’s Office has officially welcomed a new member to its team: Daisey, a 2.5-year-old black Labrador retriever trained as an Electronic Storage Detection K-9. Daisey’s role is to assist in identifying hidden electronic devices that may serve as evidence in cases related to child predators or missing children. This initiative is supported by the nonprofit organization Defenders for Children, which donated Daisey to the department.
Mike Fraley, Sheriff of Carter County, expressed confidence in Daisey’s potential impact, stating, “I think she’s gonna be a huge asset, not only for Carter County but surrounding areas.” The idea of incorporating a K-9 into their operations came to Fraley during the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association conference in July, where he learned about the growing trend of using specialized detection dogs.
During the conference, Fraley encountered various K-9s, which sparked his interest. Initially skeptical about the costs, he was pleased to discover that Daisey’s training and placement would incur no expenses for the department.
Daisey has already begun to make her mark, participating in her first field operation shortly after arriving in Carter County. Partnered with Investigator Preston White from the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Daisey is poised to enhance investigative efforts significantly.
Her training was conducted under the guidance of Todd Jordan of Jordan Detection K-9 in Indiana, where all dogs in the Defenders for Children program undergo intensive preparation. Handlers complete a rigorous two-week course with their dogs to ensure they are well-equipped for their roles. Following certification, dogs like Daisey maintain their skills through ongoing training sessions at least six days a week, complemented by additional training provided by the organization for five years after placement.
Daisey is trained to detect triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a chemical found on the circuit boards of various electronic devices, including mobile phones, hard drives, and USB drives. “The utilization of Daisey on cases when we’re called out is going to be great,” White noted. He emphasized that as technology evolves, electronic devices become smaller and harder to detect, often leading to missed evidence. Daisey’s specialized abilities will facilitate the identification of critical devices that could aid in prosecuting suspects.
The program initiated by Defenders for Children has proven successful, with the organization having donated 24 K-9s to law enforcement agencies across multiple states. These dogs have collectively located approximately 3,500 hidden electronic devices. According to Toni Clark, executive director of Defenders for Children, the area surrounding Carter County lacked K-9s specifically trained for electronic detection, with the nearest teams located in Maryville and Chattanooga.
“On average, they locate two to three devices per search missed by law enforcement,” Clark explained. She underscored the importance of these K-9s, noting that as devices become smaller and easier to conceal, the risk of overlooking critical evidence increases. “One micro SD card can hold millions of images of children being hurt, as well as videos,” she added.
Daisey’s capabilities extend beyond investigations of child exploitation; she can assist with a wide range of electronic device-related cases. Clark highlighted that “90% of cases involve electronics,” making Daisey a versatile tool in the fight against crime.
Fraley encouraged other law enforcement agencies in need of such resources to reach out, stating, “I would very strongly encourage you, if you have a need for Daisey, to contact us.” He assured that Investigator White would be available to assist with searches, reinforcing the collaborative spirit of this initiative.
As Daisey settles into her new role, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office anticipates significant advancements in their investigative capabilities, enhancing efforts to protect children and safeguard communities.
