A Study to Verify the Practicality of Introducing an Arson Dog (K-9) Unit in Field Investigations

Abstract

Combustion improvers are often found in acts of arson. Until recently, in fire investigations in Korea, these substances have been identified only by the olfactory sense of the fire inspectors or conventional gas detectors. These methods are neither efficient nor feasible in damaged buildings or large areas. Research on the canine sense of smell has shown that a dog can distinguish the remains of combusted hydrocarbon compounds, even in a large, open area. Field tests confirmed that arson dogs can find combustion improvers at fire sites in about five to 77 s. Therefore, this study verified the practicality of introducing arson dog units in field investigations of fire sites to identify combustion improvers sprayed for committing arson.