By Lt. John Haning
Law enforcement has a long history of using dogs to help fulfill their missions. The concept of using dogs for policing began in Europe. In 1899, Belgium was credited with having the first organized police dog program, which was created in the city of Ghent. These first dogs were used to patrol the streets and assist the police in crime prevention.
Today, in the United States, police K-9 units are an integral part of law enforcement agencies. Modern K-9 training techniques have advanced significantly since 1899, and their roles have expanded to include various specialized tasks. Some of these modern K-9 units are now equipped with technology such as GPS trackers, and some are even trained to work with cameras mounted on them, providing real-time data to their handlers and other police units while in the field.
Rosco: The new K-9 on the block
As the role of police dogs continues to evolve, I would like to introduce you to the new best friend for the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigator: K9 Rosco, the latest member of the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) in Oklahoma.
Rosco is an electronic scent detection K9, provided to RCSO by OURRESCUE.ORG. He is specially trained to use his keen sense of smell to detect electronic devices hidden from investigators searching for them. Rosco can find hidden mobile phones, USB drives, laptops, hard drives and any other devices that can store data. He is trained to recognize the unique chemical compound triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) found in these devices’ circuit boards. This TPPO odor is emitted by all electronic devices that store data.
Rosco’s role in tackling cybercrime
From 2021 to 2023, there has been a 300% increase in cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The work to track down child predators has been made more difficult with technology constantly changing — devices are becoming smaller, capable of storing more data and increasingly easier to hide. This makes the search for these devices in a house, office building, or even a car more challenging. That’s where Rosco’s skills come into play. Any device found — or missed — could be the key piece of evidence that saves a child or helps prosecute a predator.
An international hero: Rosco’s work in Ecuador
In July 2024, OURRESCUE.ORG was asked by the Ecuadorian National Police (ENP), Unidad Nacional Contra La Trata de Personas (UNAT) and the human trafficking Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) of Ecuador to assist with a search warrant for a high-profile suspect, 63-year-old Pablo Anibal, on charges of child production and distribution of sexual assault material (CSAM). A tip from NCMEC indicated that his victims ranged in age from 8 to 12.
During the search, two micro SD cards and one cellphone were overlooked by the initial investigators. These devices, hidden from plain sight, will potentially play an important role in the investigation and in identifying other victims. While at the residence, Rosco was also able to calm a 15-year-old special needs victim who was in the middle of a crisis.
Providing comfort: Rosco’s unique secondary role
Rosco’s secondary role in protecting children is his ability to detect stress in both kids and adults. When law enforcement conducts search warrants, the process can be intrusive for adults, but for children or victims, it can be terrifying. Rosco can sense their pain and suffering and is drawn to them. He will lay next to them and place his head on their lap, offering comfort. By calming the children and victims, Rosco makes the search warrant process less stressful for them. He can also accompany victims to forensic interviews if they feel more comfortable telling their story with their newfound K9 friend present. Rosco remains available to support victims throughout the legal process. Children are even given Rosco baseball-style cards and stickers with his picture on them. He truly is law enforcement’s new best friend when it comes to fighting crimes against children.
About the author
John H. Haning is a highly experienced law enforcement professional with a diverse career spanning over two decades. His extensive background in both domestic and international settings has equipped him with a unique set of skills and a broad perspective on criminal justice and community safety. Rosco and John are task force officers for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations ICAC, District 12 District Attorney Investigator, Cherokee Marshal Service and Muscogee Creek Nation.