NCJ Number
195316
Date Published
2000
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the existing literature on the scent detection ability of canines and their use in law enforcement.
Abstract
The goal of this article is to review the current literature on using canine scent as forensic evidence in the hopes that it will spur future research on this topic. The author explains that relatively little research has been conducted concerning how canines use their olfactory skills. Similarly, scientific testing of law enforcement canines is scant. Thus, the author gathers together the current research on this topic in an effort to provide a cohesive base of knowledge for future research in this field. The literature review begins with a discussion of the origins of scent as well as an examination of the scent detection abilities of canines. Literature is then provided about the ways in which canines search buildings versus open areas and their corresponding levels of success in these searches. An overview is provided of the ways in which canines are taught to track a person and to detect explosives, narcotics, and accelerants, as well as cadavers. In conclusion, the author suggests that future research should seek to identify and control for scent contamination possibilities in order to more accurately study a canines’ use of scent for law enforcement purposes. References