The Saskatoon Police Service has added a new four-legged member to its Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, aimed at strengthening investigations and supporting victims.
Taffy, a nearly three-year-old golden retriever, recently joined the unit after completing specialized training in electronic storage detection in Indianapolis, Ind., alongside her handler, Det. Sgt. Bryon Sommacal.
Police say Taffy is trained to locate hidden electronic devices such as cellphones, USB drives and hard drives, which can contain critical evidence in internet child exploitation cases.
“Digital evidence plays a significant role in internet child exploitation investigations,” Staff Sgt. Tim Failler, coordinator of the Saskatchewan ICE Unit, said in a statement. “Even the smallest device can hold thousands of images, videos, and messages.”
Taffy is the first dog of her kind in Saskatchewan and one of only a handful of electronic storage detection teams in Canada.
In addition to her investigative role, police say Taffy also serves as a therapy support dog, providing comfort to victims of crime and members of the police service. Since beginning her duties earlier this year, she has already assisted in locating devices during search warrants and supported both a child victim and officers following the loss of a colleague.
The dog was provided at no cost through Our Rescue, a non-profit organization that supports law enforcement agencies in combatting human trafficking and child exploitation.
Police say Taffy’s addition enhances their ability to gather evidence and respond to complex investigations while continuing to support victims and frontline officers.
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