The Winnipeg Police Service has unveiled a new, highly specialized member of its team: a dog trained to sniff out electronic storage devices. The canine, named Willow, represents a cutting-edge tool in the fight against crime where digital evidence is often concealed.
A Nose for Technology
Willow, an electronic storage detection (ESD) dog, was officially presented at the Winnipeg Police Service headquarters on January 9, 2026. Unlike traditional police dogs that track scents like drugs or explosives, Willow is trained to locate the specific chemical compounds found in devices like USB drives, SD cards, smartphones, and hard drives. These items can be easily hidden in walls, furniture, or other obscure locations, making them difficult for human investigators to find during searches.
The introduction of such a dog in Winnipeg highlights the evolving nature of criminal investigations, where a vast amount of evidence is stored digitally. Harrison Shin of CTV News Winnipeg documented Willow's capabilities during the reveal. This specialized skill set allows police to more effectively gather crucial evidence in cases involving cybercrime, fraud, child exploitation, and other offences where digital footprints are key.
Enhancing Forensic Capabilities
The deployment of an ESD dog like Willow significantly boosts forensic search operations. These animals can scan large areas—such as homes, vehicles, or offices—much faster than a human team, pinpointing hidden devices with remarkable accuracy. This not only saves valuable investigative time but also increases the likelihood of recovering evidence that might otherwise be missed.
Willow's training focuses on the odor of triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO), a chemical used in the manufacturing of many circuit boards and storage media. Even when devices are powered off or sealed in containers, a well-trained ESD dog can detect their presence.
A Strategic Investment in Modern Policing
The addition of Willow to the Winnipeg Police Service is a strategic move to keep pace with technological advancements used in criminal activity. As criminals become more sophisticated in hiding digital evidence, law enforcement must adopt equally advanced methods to counter them.
This initiative places Winnipeg among a growing number of police services across Canada and North America that are integrating ESD dogs into their units. The dog will work alongside the service's technological crime unit, providing a physical search capability that complements digital forensic analysis.
The move underscores a broader commitment to leveraging innovative tools to enhance public safety and ensure thorough investigations in the digital age. Willow is not just a police dog; she is a specialized piece of forensic technology with four legs and a powerful nose, ready to help uncover the hidden evidence that can make or break a case.
