Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Electronic Detection K9 Visits DCC

Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Introduces New K9

Back in March of 2025 the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office introduced a new member of their team to the public.

Bear is a Black Lab with a special set of skills. He's an Electronic Detection K9. 

When we first met Bear, we learned that he was certified to detect the odor of "the chemical component Triphenylphosphine Oxide (TPPO) which is used in the manufacturing of electronics to prevent overheating."

His skills are used to find hidden electronics like smart phones, GPS devices, micro-SD cards, thumb drives and more.

K9 Bear Visits Dutchess Community College

Since last year, Bear has been busy training and working alongside the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office.

Recently Bear made a stop at Dutchess Community College to demonstrate "how technology and innovation intersect in real world criminal investigations."  Dutchess Community College shares about Bear:

 His skills connect to the course’s discussion on how technology shapes modern society.

Students watched in awe during the demonstration "as Bear demonstrated his ability to sniff out hidden electronics."

Bear and Sergeant Cohen also demonstrated "how tech-savvy tools are changing the way law enforcement operates."

The Importance of Therapy Dogs

K9 Bear not only trained and certified as an Electronic Detection K9, but he also serves as a comfort and wellness dog.

Comfort and Wellness K9's are specifically trained to "improve mental health, reduce stress, and offer emotional support in high-trauma environments."

READ MORE: New Dutchess County K9 Brings Vital Tool to Sheriff's Office

K9's like Bear will help in hospitals, at disaster and crime scenes and can also be found in your local fire or police department supporting law enforcement officers and first responders.