Investigations

Introduction

Investigations with police dogs represent an indispensable component of modern criminology. Specially trained tracking dogs support investigators in solving crimes, collecting evidence, and searching for traces. Their extraordinary sense of smell makes them valuable partners in crime fighting.

Fundamentals of Investigative Work with Dogs

The Role of Tracking Dogs in Investigations

Police dogs take on various critical tasks in investigative procedures. They can track traces, locate evidence, and systematically search crime scenes. Their abilities complement technical investigation methods and often enable decisive breakthroughs in complex cases.

Legal Foundations

The use of police dogs in investigative procedures is subject to strict legal requirements. The powers derive from the Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO) and must be in accordance with fundamental rights. Every deployment must be documented and legally secured.

Mantrailing in Investigation Procedures

Basic Principles of Mantrailing

Mantrailing refers to the ability of dogs to follow an individual scent trail of a specific person. Every person leaves a unique scent trail that dogs can track over great distances and even after hours or days.

Areas of Application

• Manhunt for Suspects: Pursuit of fugitives
• Missing Person Search: Locating missing persons
• Crime Scene Reconstruction: Retracing escape routes
• Witness Interviewing: Support in trace collection

Success Factors

The success rate in mantrailing depends on several factors:

1. Scent Material: Quality and freshness of the scent sample
2. Weather Conditions: Temperature, humidity, wind
3. Terrain Characteristics: Ground surface, vegetation, development
4. Time Factor: The fresher the trail, the higher the success rate
5. Team Training: Experience of dog and handler

Evidence Search and Trace Collection

Systematic Crime Scene Work

Police dogs are used in the systematic search of crime scenes. They can locate evidence that is invisible to the human eye or difficult to detect technically.

Typical Evidence

• Drugs: Cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines
• Explosives: TNT, C4, black powder, detonators
• Blood Traces: Even after cleaning attempts
• Weapons: Firearms, ammunition, knives
• Electronic Devices: USB sticks, SIM cards, storage media

Documentation and Evidence Collection

Every find must be professionally documented:

• Photo Documentation: Multiple shots from different angles
• Sketches: Site plan with find locations
• Protocols: Detailed description of the find
• Chain of Custody: Complete documentation of the evidence chain

Area Search in Investigation Procedures

Terrain Search for Evidence

In area searches, dogs systematically comb through larger terrain sections. This method is used when:

• Evidence has been hidden in the terrain
• Weapons or clothing have been disposed of
• Corpses or body parts are being searched for
• Hiding places of suspects need to be located

Search Strategies

Success Factors in Area Search

• Terrain Knowledge: Topography, vegetation, accessibility
• Weather Conditions: Optimal conditions for scent perception
• Team Size: Sufficient personnel for large-scale searches
• Technical Support: Drones, thermal imaging cameras, GPS

Specialized Investigation Methods

Money Detection in Financial Investigations

Money detection dogs can locate banknotes, regardless of currency or condition. They are used in:

• Money Laundering Investigations: Finding cash
• Drug Investigations: Proof of drug money
• Tax Investigations: Uncovering black money
• Corruption Investigations: Finding bribe money

Electronics Detection

Modern investigations increasingly require the search for electronic evidence. Specially trained dogs can:

• Find USB sticks and memory cards
• Locate hidden cameras and listening devices
• Locate SIM cards and cell phones
• Find electronic evidence even in inaccessible areas

Cadaver Detection

Cadaver detection dogs are specially trained to find human corpses and body parts. They can:

• Detect fresh and old corpses
• Find corpses under water
• Locate body parts even after a long time
• Distinguish between human and animal remains

Cooperation with Other Investigation Methods

Integration into Investigation Teams

Police dogs do not work in isolation, but as part of an interdisciplinary investigation team. The cooperation includes:

• Criminalistics: Complementing technical trace collection
• Forensics: Support in evidence collection
• Manhunt: Support in person searches
• Surveillance: Support in surveillance operations

Technical Support

Modern investigations combine the abilities of dogs with technical aids:

• Drones: Overview of large terrain
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Night vision and person search
• GPS Tracking: Documentation of search routes
• Databases: Comparison of traces and patterns

Challenges in Investigative Work

Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions can impair the work of tracking dogs:

• Heat: Scents evaporate faster
• Cold: Scents can be preserved, but may also be harder to perceive
• Rain: Traces can be washed away
• Wind: Scents are blown away, direction may be difficult to determine

Time Factor

Time plays a decisive role:

• Fresh Traces: Highest success rate in the first hours
• Old Traces: Success rate decreases over time
• Contamination: Traces can be overlaid by other persons or animals

Legal Challenges

Investigations with dogs must be legally secured:

• Admissibility of Evidence: Finds must be admissible in court
• Documentation: Complete recording required
• Witness Statements: Handlers must be able to testify as witnesses
• Reviewability: Procedures must be traceable

Training for Investigation Dogs

Basic Training

Investigation dogs undergo intensive basic training:

1. Scent Differentiation: Distinguishing different scents
2. Alert Behavior: Clear signals when finds are made
3. Endurance: Long search times without fatigue
4. Concentration: Focus even with distractions

Specialized Training

Depending on the area of application, specialization occurs:

• Mantrailing: Following individual scent trails
• Evidence Search: Locating specific substances
• Area Search: Systematic terrain search
• Cadaver Detection: Finding human remains

Continuing Education

Continuous training is essential:

• Regular Training: At least 2-3 times per week
• Deployment Simulations: Realistic practice scenarios
• Examinations: Annual performance reviews
• Exchange: Experience sharing with other teams

Success Stories and Case Studies

Known Investigation Successes

Case Study: Missing Person Search

In a complex missing person case, a mantrailing team was able to find a missing person in a remote forest area after 48 hours. The dog followed a scent trail over 12 kilometers through difficult terrain.

Case Study: Drug Investigation

In a large-scale drug investigation, specialist dogs located hidden drugs worth over 2 million euros. The dogs found the drugs in camouflaged hiding places that technical search devices had overlooked.

Checklist: Preparation for Investigation Deployments

• Scent material prepared and secured
• Weather conditions checked
• Terrain analyzed and search strategy established
• Team assembled and tasks distributed
• Technical equipment checked (GPS, radio, camera)
• Legal foundations clarified
• Documentation material prepared
• Emergency plan created
• Communication with other emergency forces coordinated
• Dog physically fit and ready for deployment

Future Perspectives

Technological Developments

The future of investigative work with dogs will be shaped by new technologies:

• AI Support: Analysis of search patterns and success rates
• Genetic Trace Search: Combination with DNA analyses
• Drone Support: Overview of large terrain
• Database Networking: Comparison of traces across national borders

Training Development

Training is continuously developed:

• Scientific Findings: Integration of new research results
• Standardization: Uniform training standards
• International Exchange: Best practice sharing
• Specialization: Increasing specialization in specific areas of application