A Nose for Trouble: How the State Department Uses Bomb Detection Dogs

As part of its facility screening process, Diplomatic Security employs explosive ordinance technicians, commonly known as bomb-sniffing dogs. Entering its second year at the State Department, the Explosive Ordinance Unit is part of the Office of Domestic Operations, Uniformed Protective Officers Division.

The dogs are trained only to detect explosives, not illegal drugs, and are one of the tools security specialists employ to keep Department employees and facilities safe. When a dog has a “hit,” he or she sits to signify a find and awaits the handler’s command to release. The dog receives its favorite toy—a tennis ball—as a reward. In the event of an actual find (not a practice exercise), the handler will alert the appropriate response specialists who will investigate and remove or disarm the device. The dogs are able to recognize over 20,000 explosive compositions.

Each dog is paired with a security officer trained as a dog handler. The teams routinely patrol State Department buildings and check vehicles at loading docks. Teams often supplement the protection foreign dignitaries receive by working hotels and other sites. Team hours vary, but each team works about a 40-hour week.

Dogs are selected on the strength of their hunt desire and are initially trained by a kennel master. Once the dogs are matched with a handler, both undergo a 1-month training session together. Frequent training increases the confidence and communication between the handler and the dog and allows the dog “job satisfaction” as he or she successfully finds active and inert training explosives.

Teams train many hours every month, enabling them to meet quarterly certification standards. The Department’s dogs also participate in interdepartmental training with other agencies in the area. A nationally accredited kennel certifies the dogs yearly.

Each dog lives with his or her handler who is required to keep the dog bathed and groomed. The dogs are fed a special diet for working dogs. To help prevent others from giving the dog commands that might counter the dog’s seek and detect mission, and to increase the personal bond between the handler and the dog, the dogs are trained their commands in a foreign language.

While these dogs are not trained to be aggressive, but to be highly motivated hunters, the same behavior should be observed when approaching them as when approaching any unknown dog. Off duty, these friendly dogs enjoy the same comfort and companionship of family pets.

While maintaining a watchful eye for any strange occurrence and unusual packages is the responsibility of all employees, the lives of thousands of State Department workers depend upon the unique expertise of these highly trained teams.