On the Scent: K9 Detectives Patrol CLT
Travelers passing through Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) are probably familiar with the Canine Crew, the popular volunteer therapy dogs and owners stationed throughout the terminal and concourses. However, you may have also seen some other dogs at the Airport that you can’t touch – not because they aren’t friendly, but because they are hard at work, trained for a single purpose.
Ten K9s are assigned to CLT — two Narcotic Detection Canines owned by the City of Charlotte and eight Explosive Detection Canines funded and owned by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officers, including three full-time detectives, serve as the handlers. The dogs wear outer vests marked “do not pet” and are accompanied by officers in tactical gear.
A Nose for Safety
The K9s patrol all CLT Airport property, including baggage, air freight areas and local mail. The Narcotics Detection Canines search for contraband substances and cash suspected of being linked to illegal activity. (International travelers must declare any currency over $10,000.)
However, TSA does not screen for cash or narcotics. TSA-trained canines only detect explosives. If Transportation Security Officers find a suspected large sum of cash or drugs, they must report the discovery to local law enforcement for further investigation.
“It’s a different side of crime that people probably don’t see every day because it’s out of sight, out of mind,” according to CMPD Captain Matthew Horner. “The reason that fentanyl or heroin or methamphetamines are getting into communities is through transit, and the only way we can attack the drug trade from that angle, unfortunately, is by trying to get those seizures.”
The Narcotics Interdiction Team is part of a Federal Task Force that works closely with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Service calls requiring explosives detection typically involve unattended bags. “The TSA’s explosive detection K9s are a great tool for us. They can come up and check a bag, know it’s safe for the officers to handle, and then get that lost item back to the owner,” added Horner.
Mastery Through Practice
The dogs and handlers must complete extensive training before being considered ready for Airport duty. While CMPD trains its K9s locally at an off-site facility, the explosive detection canines and handlers train at the TSA Canine Training Center in San Antonio, TX. The dogs work with their handlers across a wide range of agencies in the transportation system, including here at CLT. (K9s Pictured: Inox & Alvin)
“These adorable working dogs have a keen sense of smell and are particularly trained to use their skill in detecting explosive compounds and helping their handlers ensure the safety and security of the transportation system,” said Greg Hawko, TSA Federal Security Director for CLT. “We test the canines regularly to ensure they maintain their excitement in detecting explosives, so we are very confident in their abilities.”
While TSA protects sensitive security information and does not provide statistics on efficiency or details about how the canines are deployed, “What I can say is they are very good at their jobs, and it should be comforting for travelers to know we have them and depend on them regularly,” added Hawko.
The K9s even have their own Cutest Canine Contest featuring dogs nominated from Airports around the country, and a yearly calendar (available on the TSA website).
So, the next time you notice one of these hard-working pooches, remember they’re more than just watchful eyes—they are a critical part of our security team, working diligently to protect passengers, customers and Airport employees while serving as a strong, visible deterrent.