The Indiana State Police Special Operations Command (EOD) has added a new K-9 partner to its capabilities with the graduation of one-year old Labrador, K-9 Hank.
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Senior Trooper Jason Allford and K-9 Hank just completed a 10-week training program that culminated in an Explosives Detection Canine (EDC) certification. The team training prepares them for building searches, vehicle searches, explosive detection, luggage searches, and open area searches. More than 300 hours of training takes place in a variety of conditions and environments prior to the handler and K-9 being certified.
The new team will assist EOD by responding to bomb threats, unattended articles, participating in high profile special events, and dignitary protective sweeps.
EDC teams play a critical role in protecting people and infrastructure from explosive threats. The Indiana State Police EDC teams attend special events like the State Fair, Indy 500, and they routinely check state-owned properties.
Senior Trooper Allford has been a member of the EOD team for 13 years. His previous K-9 partner, Chief, retired in March 2022, and lives with the Allford family.