It's essential NOT to miss a single device because the victims need evidence

The children need the evidence to be found so they can be identified, and rescued, and stop the offenders from hurting more. It is extremely important to find the evidence to stop and prosecute each offender. It is estimated 70% of child sex offenders have 1 to 9 victims of sexual abuse, while 30% have 10 to 40 victims. 30% or more victims repeat the cycle of abuse.

Meet the K9s | Defenders For Children

For First Responders

MEET THE DOGS THAT SAVE LIVES

About Electronic Storage
Detection K9s

Donate Now

THEIR JOBS

ESD K9s Find Hidden Storage Devices Containing Illicit Digital Content

MY JOB is to find hidden electronic evidence containing images and videos that will help identify and rescue children and adults victimized.

ON AVERAGE, I locate a minimum of 2-4 missed devices after law enforcement completes their search. Most of the time, I find the evidence needed to prosecute the criminals and identify the victims.

HOW DO I DO IT- I am scent trained to locate a common chemical that is on all electronic reading devices.

Devices Include:

Micro SD Cards
Hidden Cameras
Tracking Devices
Burner Phones
Computers Of All Sizes
Phones
Hidden Storage Containers Hiding Devices

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HOW DO WE FIND THEM?

Nearly 90% of Cases Involve Digital Content Saved on Storage Devices that Perpetrators Buy and Sell

Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s are highly trained working dogs specially conditioned to detect a chemical compound found in electronic storage devices that helps prevent them from overheating. Because this compound is present in nearly all electronic devices, these remarkable K9s can locate hidden evidence ranging from cell phones, laptops, and hard drives to tiny USB drives and microSD cards that might otherwise go undetected.

A dog's sense of smell is extraordinary, with up to 300 million scent receptors compared to only 5–6 million in humans. This incredible ability allows ESD K9s to quickly and efficiently locate concealed digital evidence that is often critical in child exploitation and trafficking investigations. During search warrants and seizures, ESD K9s significantly reduce the time, manpower, and costs associated with locating hidden devices while increasing the overall success of the search. On average, our ESD K9s locate 2–4 additional electronic devices that would have otherwise been overlooked by investigators.

Behind every successful K9 is a dedicated law enforcement handler who commits to continuous training and countless hours of practice to maintain the highest level of performance. Together, these highly skilled teams help uncover vital evidence, strengthen investigations, protect children, and bring offenders to justice.

Meet our Electronic Detection K9s Donated to Law Enforcement Agencies

Queue

#1

Thank you for your Service!
HAPPILY RETIRED (2025)

Greenville County Sheriff’ s Office
Greenville, SC
K9 Handler: Sergeant, Michael Rainey

Sponsored By

1/1

Oakley

#2

Richland County Sheriff’s Office
Richland, SC
K9 Handler: Investigator, Cassie Rafford
Follow @ k9_oakley_rcsd

Sponsored By

1/0

Sata

#3

Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office
Spartanburg, SC
K9 Handler: Senior Investigator, Brandon LettermanS

Sponsored By

1/0

Cypher

#4

Charleston County Sheriff’s Office
Charleston, SC
K9 Handler: Detective, Jason Bowen
Follow @esdk9cypher

Sponsored By

1/0

Spiller

#5

Clemson University Police Department
Clemson, SC
K9 Handler: Detective, Adelle Davis

Sponsored By

1/1

Darcy

#6

Bryan County Sheriff's Office
Bryan, GA
K9 Handler: Deputy, Hunter Meacham
Follow @k9_darcy_

Sponsored By

1/0

Chip

#7

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED)

(Formerly served with the SC Dept of Probation, Parole & Pardons)
K9 Handler: Agent, Benjy Partain
Follow @K_9Chip

Sponsored By

1/2

Hixie

#8

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Birmingham, AL
K9 Handler: Investigator, Megan Morgan

Sponsored By

1/0

Gripple

#9

Summerville Police Department
Summerville, SC
K9 Handler: Detective, Howie Masoner
Follow @esd_k9_gripple

Sponsored By

1/2

Grip

#10

Lake County State’s Attorney's Office
Waukegan, IL
K9 Handler: Special Investigator, Robert Beach
Follow @esdk9_grip

Sponsored By

1/2

Ryder

#11

Muscogee County Sherrif's Office
Columbus, GA
K9 Handler: Investigator, Brittney Kumar

Sponsored By

1/0

Scooby

#12

Greenville County Sheriff's Office
Greenville, SC
K9 Handler: Investigator, Alisha Turner
Follow @ k9_scooby2

Sponsored By

1/1

Jesse

#13

Pinellas Park Police Department
Pinellas Park, FL
K9 Handler: Detective, Brian Schibler
Follow @ pp_esd_k9jesse

#23

Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office
Chatham, VA
K9 Handler: Investigator, Jerrell Alvan Ferguson
Follow @esd_k9bodie

Sponsored By

1/0

Mabel

#24

Washington County Sheriff's Office
Jonesborough, TN

K9 Handler: Investegator, Megan Harkleroad

Sponsored By

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1/1

Buster

#25

Fairburn Police Department

Fairburn, GA

K9 Handler: Investegator, Sean VanLoo

Sponsored By

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1/1

River

#26

Sumner County Sheriff's Office

Nashville, TN
K9 Handler: Deputy, Stephanie Reaber

Sponsored By

1/0

Radar

#27 - APRIL 2026
‍Harrison County Sheriff's Office
Harrison, WV
K9 Handler: Zach Mealey

Sponsored By

1/0

Glitch

#28 - JUNE 2026
‍Utah Department of Corrections
Salt Lake City, UT
K9 Handler: Agent, Joshua Paxman

Sponsored By

1/0

Cypher

#29 - JUNE 2026
‍Utah Department of Corrections
Salt Lake City, NV
K9 Handler: Agent, Jake Downs

Sponsored By

1/0

Dixie

#30 - SEPTEMBER 2026
Kelso Police Department
Kelso, WA
K9 Handler: Officer, David Sytsma

Sponsored By

1/0

Hunter

#31 - SEPTEMBER 2026
South Carolina's Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardons Services
South Carolina
K9 Handler: Craig JaQuaviz

Sponsored By

DFC POSTS-2.jpg

1/1

Rocky

#32 - SEPTEMBER 2026
South Carolina's Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardons Services
South Carolina
K9 Handler: Robin Hennessey

Sponsored By

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1/1

Kimber

#33 - SEPTEMBER 2026
Spalding County Sheriff's Office
Griffin, GA
K9 Handler: Captain, Jessica Gassaway

Sponsored By

1/0

Hank

#34 - SEPTEMBER 2026
Alexandria Police Department
Alexandria / Washington D.C., VA
K9 Handler: Detective, Stephanie Kimmel

Sponsored By

1/0

Gus

#35 - SEPTEMBER 2026
Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Tumwater, WA
K9 Handler: Detective, Hannah Ritter

Sponsored By

1/0

Why ESD K9s are so Important

For First Responders

‍Most victims of internet crimes don’t just face immediate danger but have to face the reality that once their image is placed onto the internet and distributed online, their victimization sometimes never ends. This can lead to long-term psychological problems that have led to everything from poor self-image to relationship difficulties and even suicide. In one investigation alone, K-9 “Bear” was able to locate a device that contained 80,000 images of child pornography. Had this device been missed by investigators, these victims would not have been discovered, and the offender may not have been prosecuted. A small Micro SD card can hold Millions of images of children being abused and trafficked.

We prefer to use rescued retriever dog breeds in our Electronic Detection K-9 training program. By utilizing rescues and other organizations to obtain dogs for their program, we are not only saving innocent victims of child pornography, but we are also saving dogs that would have otherwise been euthanized or continued to stay in poor situations. The dogs are rescued and trained in a loving environment, and once placed with a handler, will be given a purpose and remain with that handler in their "forever home."

Investigators working in child pornography cases often state that having to see the material and victims day in and day out takes a toll on their mental health and well-being. Known as secondary Trauma. Investigators who currently have K-9 partners report that their stress levels and well-being have greatly improved due to the companionship of the K-9. While the K-9 is a great tool in locating devices in cases, the dogs are also used in the office to help investigators decompress and get their minds off of the images and predators they deal with day in and day out. The K-9s have also been useful in comforting child victims during interviews, as well as de-escalating the scene during a search warrant involving child victims.

When asking investigators of internet crimes against children if they believe they get all of the evidence at a search warrant, overwhelmingly, they replied that they never feel as if they were able to locate it all. This fact weighs heavily on officers and investigators involved in these types of crimes. The use of the K-9 has added confidence and peace of mind to the investigators that they are locating all of the devices and are able to leave a scene knowing that victims haven’t been left behind. The K-9s save investigators time, as search warrants can often take many hours or even days to complete. Utilizing the K-9s helps eliminate some of the time investigators have to spend in less-than-desirable conditions in some of these warrants.

Name and Sponsor an Electronic Detection K9 and Help in
the Fight to Save Children

LAW ENFORCEMENT LEARN MORE

Make an Investment That Saves Children, Not Just Today—but for Years to Come

Contact Us

Defenders For Children offers a special opportunity for donors. With a donation of $24,000, you can name our Electronic Detection K9s. The K9 can be dedicated to an individual, named after a beloved dog, a company, or you can simply have fun with the naming process. You have the option to remain anonymous in the naming or participate in the press conference introducing the K9 to the community. We will also keep you updated on the K9's progress over the years.

The cost to sponsor an electronic detection K9 is $24,000, and this can be accomplished through a one-time donation or contributions over a period of time. The K9 is trained to locate hidden electronic evidence and assist during law enforcement agency searches. The initial Handler Training course runs for two or more weeks. Defenders for Children will also take your K9 handler shopping at PetSmart for essential items to care for your donated K9. Defenders for Children will use this opportunity to educate and raise awareness about child abuse in the communities while fundraising for the placement of Electronic Detection K9s. We will also strive to connect the local community with law enforcement in a positive manner.

We will make every effort to place a K9 with your preferred law enforcement agency, county, or state. Some agencies and states may be more challenging due to reductions in law enforcement funding and the upper command’s priorities concerning women and children. We donate K9s to the Children's Crime Unit and Internet Crimes Against Children. While we will do our best to fulfill requests for K9 placements, we cannot guarantee that every request will be accommodated.

For First Responders

MEET THE DOGS THAT SAVE LIVES

About Electronic Storage Detection K9s

THEIR JOBS

ESD K9s Find Hidden Storage Devices Containing Illicit Digital Content

Micro SD Cards

Hidden Cameras

Tracking Devices

Burner Phones

Computers Of All Sizes

Phones

Hidden Storage Containers Hiding Devices

Nearly 90% of Cases Involve Digital Content Saved on Storage Devices that Perpetrators Buy and Sell

Meet our Electronic Detection K9s Donated to Law Enforcement Agencies

Queue

Oakley

Sata

Cypher

Spiller

Darcy

Chip

Hixie

Gripple

Grip

Ryder

Scooby

Jesse

Sherlock

Riley

Harley

Dee

Billy

Duchess

Ellie

Briggs

Daisey

Bodie

Mabel

Buster

River

Radar

Glitch

Cypher

Dixie

Hunter

Rocky

Kimber

Hank

Gus

Why ESD K9s are so Important

K9s help save innocent victims of internet crimes

It's essential NOT to miss a single device because the victims need evidence

We also rescue the dogs

K9s provide mental health benefits to investigators and victims

K9s add additional benefits to Law Enforcement

Name and Sponsor an Electronic Detection K9 and Help in the Fight to Save Children

Make an Investment That Saves Children, Not Just Today—but for Years to Come

Can I name the dog?

How long does the process take?

How much does it cost?

Can I choose the breed of the dog?

What happens after the K9 is donated?

Can I select the law enforcement agency to donate to?

CLICK HERE: First Responders K9 Donations Inquiries

About Electronic Storage
Detection K9s

Name and Sponsor an Electronic Detection K9 and Help in
the Fight to Save Children