WHEREAS, current issues affect accelerant detection canine programs, namely that

• the proper use of an accelerant detection canine is to assist in the location and selection of samples for laboratory testing;
• a canine alert not confirmed by laboratory analysis should not be considered validated; and
• the use of a canine alert to the possible presence of an ignitable liquid is only one of many indicators used in a preliminary origin and cause investigation, and should not be the sole basis for the investigator’s conclusions; and

WHEREAS, current issues affect explosives detection canines, namely;

• cross contamination of explosives used for training;
• the frequency with which explosives used for training and testing are rotated to ensure the use of high purity samples;
• the selection criteria for explosives used for training and testing; and
• the use of a variety of quantities of explosives for training and testing; and

WHEREAS, the IACP Arson and Explosives Committee has proposed that accelerant and explosives detection canine programs have protocols in place to address these issues; and

WHEREAS, the IACP general membership passed a resolution at its 1993 annual conference in St. Louis, Missouri, to propose that all accelerant and explosives detecting canines should undergo some form of blind testing on an annual basis to ensure their viability, and that this test should be conducted by an independent third party, such as a forensic chemist; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 105th annual conference in Salt Lake City, Utah, proposes that the training and testing of accelerant and explosives detection canines be documented in support of their certification, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that a forensic chemist, qualified by virtue of his or her training, be the party that certifies the canine; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the criteria for certification should, where they exist, be performed according to established protocols as outlined by existing applicable professional organizations.