BOISE, Idaho – Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador introduced the newest member of the Crimes Against Children Unit: K-9 Badger, a two-year-old English Labrador.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Badger is specifically trained to detect hidden electronic storage devices (ESD), such as SD cards and flash drives, which may contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Suspects often hide CSAM on easily concealable devices, knowing that possession of such materials is a felony in Idaho, with a potential sentence of 10 years per count. These devices are intentionally concealed to evade detection by investigators, but K-9s like Badger give ICAC investigators a powerful tool when executing CSAM-related search warrants.
Badger is one of only 195 K-9s worldwide trained to detect TPPO, even in challenging environments, including underwater. He joins K-9 Ardis, with the Pocatello Police Department, as the second ICAC Unit ESD K-9 in Idaho.
In addition to detecting ESDs, Badger is also dual-certified as a therapy dog, assisting relatives and victims during search warrants and throughout the legal process. He will also accompany his handler, ICAC Investigator Lauren Lane, during educational presentations across Idaho.
“The capabilities of Badger and other ESD K-9s are truly remarkable,” said Attorney General Labrador. “In the fight against those who exploit and endanger children, Badger is a powerful weapon. I’m excited to see all that Badger will bring to our ICAC Unit and our state. Another Labrador on the team is always welcome!”
