May 11, 2016
Pooches on patrol at Lambert Learn & Play
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By Odie Smith
Photos courtesy Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Eetie, a member of the National Explosives Detection Canine Program, sniffs passengers at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
Dogs especially trained to detect explosives will begin working at airport By Sara Hardin Look out for dogs on duty at LambertSt. Louis International Airport starting this month as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduces their National Explosives Detection Canine Program to St. Louis. These specially-trained canines are able to detect a variety of different scent signatures that make up explosive components, and their presence in the airport’s security checkpoint means safer travel for all air passengers. “We consider our canines to be the best example of a mobile explosivedetection device that we have,” said Jim Spriggs, Federal Security Director for Missouri. “There are a variety of different items that we know can be used to make improvised explosive devices. These dogs are good enough to pick up scents off of every passenger that walks past them, so while they’re working the floor, they will be screening 100 percent of the passengers that arrive for that checkpoint.” TSA canines have been deployed at about 100 airports in the country, with the primary focus being on integrating them into the largest airports first. By exposing the canines to as many passengers as possible, airports are able to more effectively protect its passengers by identifying and mitigating potential criminal or terrorist threats. “We know that aviation is a high pri-
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Jim Spriggs (left), Federal Security Director for Missouri, addresses the media while Transportation Security InspectorCanine officer Jasmine Bourne stands with Eette.
ority target for criminal and terrorist organizations,” explained Spriggs. “We see these canines as a very effective tool to help not only detect potential explosive materials, but also as a deterrent for those people who may think that they could try to introduce [explosive materials] at an airport like Lambert. People shouldn’t be concerned when they see our canines working in the area. They are trained carefully to work around people. There will be more tails wagging than anything else.” In the midst of the busiest time of the year for travel, Spriggs advises that all potential plane passengers take the nec-
essary precautions before packing their bags. “It’s going to be a busy summer. Air traffic and air travel is up all over the country. I would encourage people to plan well. Take a look at www.tsa.gov and make sure you understand how to pack and what can and cannot be brought through the security checkpoint. I would also encourage people to get here well in advance. It’s a good idea to try to get to the airport two hours in advance so you don’t have any trouble getting through what is necessary before getting on the airplane.”
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