BUNNELL, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Monday introduced its newest four-legged member of the team.
Birdie, a black Labrador retriever, will serve as the agency’s first K-9 to work in the Electronic Storage Detections Unit.
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She will work alongside Detective Cpl. Mark Moy and was purchased using a federal grant, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office said as an ESD K-9 team, Birdie and Moy have undergone extensive specialized training. Birdie’s training enables her to assist detectives on search warrants by seeking out electronic devices believed to contain evidence of a crime. This includes flash drives, hard drives and cell phones.
ESD K-9s are trained to detect specific odors used in the production of electronics, making them invaluable in uncovering hidden evidence, deputies said.
“We’re excited to welcome K-9 Birdie, who will be an incredible asset for our Digital Forensics Unit. Electronic Storage Detection K-9s have become valuable tools used by law enforcement to find the evidence criminals may be hiding,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement.
Birdie’s presence is expected to enhance the capabilities of the Digital Forensics Unit, providing a new layer of support in the fight against crime, a release said. Her ability to detect electronic evidence will be crucial in cases involving exploitation and human trafficking.
“Often these criminals may be exploiting children or involved in human trafficking. These dirtbags will soon learn they cannot hide electronic evidence of their crimes from Birdie or FCSO,” Staly said in a statement.
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