Today, Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the addition of a new member to the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit in Boise. The unit welcomed K-9 Badger, a two-year-old English Labrador trained to detect hidden electronic storage devices (ESD), such as SD cards and flash drives that may contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Suspects often hide CSAM on easily concealable devices, aware that possession of such materials is a felony in Idaho, with potential sentences of up to 10 years per count. Electronic storage devices with CSAM are frequently concealed to avoid detection by investigators. K-9s like Badger provide ICAC investigators with a significant advantage when executing search warrants related to CSAM.
Electronic storage devices, including SD cards, cell phones, hidden cameras, laptops, and hard drives, are treated with triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) during manufacturing to dissipate heat. Badger is one of only 195 K-9s globally trained to detect TPPO even in difficult environments, including underwater. In Idaho, Badger joins K-9 Ardis from the Idaho Falls Police Department as the second ESD-detecting dog working within the ICAC Unit.
“The capabilities of Badger and other ESD K-9s are truly remarkable,” stated Attorney General Labrador. “In the fight against those that would exploit and endanger kids, Badger is a potent weapon. I’m looking forward to all that Badger can bring to our ICAC Unit and our state. Another Labrador on the team is always welcome!”
Beyond detecting electronic storage devices, Badger is also dual certified as a therapy dog. He will assist relatives and victims during search warrants and throughout legal proceedings. Additionally, Badger will accompany his handler, ICAC Investigator Lauren Lane, during educational presentations across Idaho.
The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit comprises twenty investigators, forensic analysts, and support staff alongside affiliated partner agencies statewide committed to investigating cases of child sexual exploitation and enticement as well as the possession, distribution, and manufacturing of CSAM.