NCJ Number
218690
Date Published
July 2004
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the use of human-scent as an effective tool in establishing a connection to a crime.
Abstract
Used with discretion, the information gained from human-scent discriminating dogs can be a valuable tool for law enforcement. The ability of these dogs to establish a connection between people and crime scene evidence has been demonstrated through scientific study, practical experience, and confirmed criminal case results. Human-scent evidence, defined as a biological component of decomposing dead skin cells, is not new. It has been used by Europeans using scent-discriminating canines in criminal investigations, for more than 100 years. However, using scent-discriminating canines in criminal investigations should be limited to establishing a scent relationship between people and crime scene evidence. Since human scent is easily transferred from one person or object to another, it should not be used as primary evidence. Yet, when used in corroboration with other evidence, it has become a proven tool that can establish a connection to the crime. This paper begins with a discussion on the complexity of human odor. It than presents the four commonly used methods in collecting human-scent for canine use and include: (1) letting the canine smell the article of evidence or scent source directly; (2) swiping the surface of the object with a sterile gauze pad and transferring human scent from the source to the pad; (3) placing the source object and a sterile gauze pad in a plastic resealable bag and then offering the pad at a later time to the canine as a scent source; and (4) a portable forensic vacuum configured for 5 X 9-inch sterile gauze pads. The paper continues with scent durability, scent relationships, dog team proficiency, qualification and certification, proficiency testing, breeds, criminal investigations, and documentation. Figures, references