Nala, a specially trained electronic storage detection (ESD) K9 with the Seattle Police Department, is making a big impact in the fight against child sexual exploitation. Working alongside her handler, Det. Daljit Gill, Nala uses her incredible sense of smell to locate electronic storage devices such as smartphones, hard drives, and micro SD cards. These devices often contain crucial evidence in cases of child exploitation. Nala is one of only two dogs in the state trained for this specific type of detection work.
ESD K9s like Nala are an essential tool in combating child exploitation. They are trained to detect the chemical compound used in the production of electronics, making them invaluable in searching for hidden devices. Labs, with their natural high energy and food motivation, are ideal for this type of work. During a demonstration, Nala was able to locate electronic storage devices hidden around a room with ease, showcasing her impressive skills. In real-life scenarios, Nala aids human officers in finding devices that may have been overlooked.
Child exploitation is a growing problem, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in online activities. The Seattle Police Department’s ICAC task force, where Nala works, handles a significant number of cases involving child sexual abuse material and solicitation of minors. With a small team of investigators and support staff, the task force relies on Nala’s unique abilities to help uncover important evidence. The importance of K9s like Nala in tackling these crimes cannot be overstated.
Nala follows in the footsteps of a famous K9 named Bear, who also worked with the Seattle Police Department. Both dogs were trained by Todd Jordan, owner of Jordan Detection K9 in Indianapolis, who specializes in training ESD dogs. Bear was involved in high-profile cases, including assisting in the search of Jared Fogle’s home. ESD dogs play a crucial role in locating evidence that may be hidden or overlooked by human investigators. With the rise of internet crimes involving children, the need for more ESD K9s is evident.
Working in the ICAC task force can be emotionally challenging due to the nature of the cases involved. Nala provides a source of comfort and therapy for the team, with her friendly demeanor and people-friendly nature. Despite the difficult subject matter, Nala brings joy and positivity to the workplace. The task force, consisting of dedicated investigators and support staff, relies on Nala’s skills to help solve cases and bring offenders to justice. Nala’s role in the team goes beyond just locating evidence – she is a valued member and companion to her handler.
In conclusion, Nala’s work with the Seattle Police Department is vital in the fight against child sexual exploitation. With her specialized training in electronic storage detection, Nala helps uncover crucial evidence that can lead to the prosecution of offenders. Working alongside her handler, Det. Daljit Gill, Nala’s skills have been instrumental in high-profile cases involving child exploitation. The ICAC task force, where Nala is a key member, continues to receive a high volume of cyber tips and cases related to child exploitation, highlighting the importance of having skilled K9s like Nala on the team.
