Federal Protective Service K9 Program

The Federal Protective Service (FPS) Explosive Detector Dog (EDD) Teams provide mobile and effective capabilities for the protection of life and property through the provision of a strong, visible and psychological deterrence against criminal and terrorist threats. EDD Teams are the most effective countermeasure available today for detection of explosives.

The EDD teams, each comprised of a dog and a handler with law enforcement authority, conduct searches for a variety of explosive materials on or near building exteriors, parking lots, office areas, vehicles, materials, packages and persons in and around federal facilities.

Strategic and Preventive Tactics

EDD teams are a critical element of FPS' comprehensive security measures designed to prevent and detect criminal activities with a specific connection to explosive threats. They provide immediate and specialized response to bomb threats and unattended packages or other dangerous items that may present a hazard to a federal facility. 

These detection activities allow the EDD Teams to quickly rule out the presence of dangerous materials and allow the business of the government to continue with minimal or no interruption.

FPS EDD teams are uniquely trained to deploy across the nation and work jointly with other federal, state and local agencies in support of special events such as Republican and Democratic National Conventions, economic summits, presidential inaugurations and Olympic games hosted by the United States. They also serve a crucial role as part of a greater community of first responders in a growing national network of federal emergency response officials responsible for life saving and recovery efforts during and after a national emergency.

FPS has recently initiated a Vapor Wake Detection (VWD) program. VWD canines are specially trained to detect the presence of explosives carried by individuals or moving containers, such as luggage.

History and Training

Since the program first started in Washington, D.C. in 1998, FPS has grown the EDD program from a basic pilot program consisting of 12 teams to a fully operational, nationwide program of more than 70 teams.

EDD responsibilities require the highest levels of expertise and professionalism, as such, the selected handlers and canines are matched early in the training process and are required to complete a mandatory 10-week training course at the Basic FPS Canine Academy located in Anniston, Alabama. After successful completion of the training program, the handlers and their canine partners graduate from the course as a certified Explosive Detector Dog Team and are strategically deployed across the nation based on current threats and risk analysis.

FPS' canine handlers are well trained in explosive detection and identification, canine behavior, building construction and environmental factors affecting explosive odor, veterinary first aid and safety.  

Although FPS uses many different breeds of dogs, Labradors are the preferred breed for our protective program because of their proven performance, easy disposition and good interaction with the public.

In addition to the training they receive at the FPS Canine Academy, the FPS EDD teams are required to maintain proficiency throughout the year and recertify annually. The EDD teams maintain and transfer their proficiency by participating in numerous training exercises throughout the year with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.