BLOOMINGTON – The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Indiana State Police have received a new tool in the fight against the possession, distribution, and production of child sex abuse material (CSAM).
Gracie, a one-year-old black lab who was trained at the Jordan Detection K-9 School in Indianapolis, can detect digital devices and digital storage devices. Gracie was purchased by the United States Secret Service and was donated to the task force and the ISP ICAC Unit. Senior Trooper/Detective Robert Whyte trained with and will serve as Gracie’s handler.
Gracie is trained to detect hidden digital devices and digital storage devices like laptops, tablets, flash drives, SD cards, and microSD cards. She has also been trained to detect hidden cameras and tracking devices placed on vehicles.
Gracie and Senior Trooper/Detective Whyte received their certification in room, field, and vehicle searches. Gracie will also be used as a comfort therapy dog for identified child victims as well as personnel, including but not limited to detectives and digital forensics examiners who conduct CSAM investigations.
