Battelle helps DHS assess, train canine security teams

Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Battelle is helping the Department of Homeland Security to assess the capability gaps of state and local canine security teams and provide additional training, the company announced on Tuesday.

The DHS program is called REDDI, the Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative.

The DHS's Advanced Research Project Agency dispatched its team of trainers, evaluators, and scientist in the spring to help the canine teams with key information on threat materials, and recent attacks.

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division.

Operational scenarios and opportunities for odor training were also provided, Battelle said.

"At Battelle, we have more than 20 years of experience in canine-focused research, development, testing, and evaluation," Kevin Good, a senior research scientist at Battelle, said in a press release. "With our teams of engineers, chemists, biologists, explosives experts and veterinarians, we are perfectly suited to provide the insight and tools necessary to understand and advance the performance of our nation's canine teams."

Battelle said nearly 4,000 state and local canine security teams are being affected by the DHS program.