Forensics

Meet Charlie: Electronic-detection K9 is a key weapon in fight against child predators

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Marlon Miller and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan introduced the newest member of the District Attorney’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Pennsylvania Task Force.  

Charlie, a 2-year-old Labrador retriever, is the first and only electronic-detection forensic K9 in Pennsylvania. She was introduced to the community Wednesday during a suburban Philadelphia demonstration.

“We are excited to introduce Charlie the first and only ICAC electronic-detection K9 in the state of Pennsylvania," said Miller. "Charlie has the ability to detect objects that would be impossible to find. We are excited to have her on the team and look forward to her contributions in helping bring predators to justice."

As an electronic-detection K9, Charlie has been trained to track the distinct chemical smell of small electronics that humans are not able to detect. Her unique abilities allow her to pinpoint the exact location of electronic devices and locations where electronics were located previously. Charlie is in the courthouse daily and enlists her skills by joining ICAC detectives during their investigations and the execution of warrants.