Trained dog will help find sex abuse material

BOISE -- Attorney General Raúl Labrador recently announced the addition of K-9 Badger, a 2-year-old English Labrador, to his Internet Crimes Against Children Unit. Badger is specially trained to locate hidden electronic storage devices (ESDs), such as SD cards and flash drives, that may contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Possession of CSAM is a serious felony in Idaho, carrying potential sentences of up to 10 years per count. Offenders frequently conceal CSAM on easily hidable devices, taking measures to avoid detection by law enforcement. These concealed devices not only include SD cards but also other items like air tags, cellphones, and hidden cameras.

K-9 Badger is part of an elite group, being one of only 195 K-9s globally trained to detect a specific chemical, triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), which is used during the manufacturing of various electronic devices. This training enables him to perform effectively in challenging environments, even underwater.

With Badger joining the team, he becomes the second K-9 specialized in detecting ESDs within Idaho's ICAC Unit, alongside K-9 Ardis from the Pocatello Police Department. This expansion in resources demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to combating child exploitation.

The Attorney General's office emphasizes the importance of these K-9s in uncovering hidden evidence and enhancing the capabilities of investigators in the fight against child sexual abuse.