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. 2021 Jul 1;11(7):1978.
doi: 10.3390/ani11071978.

Expert Perspectives on the Performance of Explosive Detection Canines: Performance Degrading Factors

Brian D Farr  1   2 , Cynthia M Otto  2 , Julia E Szymczak  3
Affiliations

Expert Perspectives on the Performance of Explosive Detection Canines: Performance Degrading Factors

Brian D Farr et al. Animals (Basel). .

Abstract

The explosive detection canine (EDC) team is currently the best available mobile sensor capability in the fight against explosive threats. While the EDC can perform at a high level, the EDC team faces numerous factors during the search process that may degrade performance. Understanding these factors is key to effective selection, training, assessment, deployment, and operationalizable research. A systematic description of these factors is absent from the literature. This qualitative study leveraged the perspectives of expert EDC handlers, trainers, and leaders (n = 17) to determine the factors that degrade EDC performance. The participants revealed factors specific to utilization, the EDC team, and the physical, climate, operational, and explosive odor environments. Key results were the reality of performance degradation, the impact of the handler, and the importance of preparation. This study's results can help improve EDC selection, training, assessment, and deployment and further research into sustaining EDC performance.

Keywords: canine; deployment; detection; explosive; performance; requirements.

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Conflict of interest statement

The views and information presented are those of the author (B.F.) and do not represent the official position of the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, or the Department of Army, Department of Defense, or U.S. Government. The authors declare no other conflict of interest.

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