Using ethically sourced training aids for human remains detection dog training

Abstract

Human remains detection dogs (HRDDs) play vital roles in forensic investigations and search and rescue missions by detecting decomposing human remains. However, there is a lack of standardized training protocols globally. This study evaluates various ethically sourced HRDD training aids, including amputated limbs, blood, and teeth used by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). Expanding on prior research, this study assesses amputated limbs stored outdoors, bone, tissue, blood, and teeth. The volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of these aids are compared to cadavers decomposing at the Research in Experimental and Social Thanatology (REST) facility. The results highlighted that the combined VOC profile from all HRDD training aid types demonstrates a 68% similarity to REST cadavers, emphasizing the potential benefit of exposing HRDDs to a diverse range of training aids. This is because the similarities in VOC profiles of individual training aid types (amputated limbs stored indoors, bone, blood, tissue, amputated limbs stored outdoors, teeth) with REST cadavers were lower than 68%. Teeth (without organic matter) were identified as the least ideal training aid for enabling dogs to detect cadavers based on VOC profiles and HRDD responses. However, training on teeth may be required for operational needs, particularly when HRDDs need to locate teeth during field searches. This study also highlights the effectiveness of using amputated limbs and blood together as they comprise a majority of the 68% VOCs found similar to the REST cadavers and elicit desirable HRDD responses to decomposition odor.