KCPD hosts federal canine explosives detection exercise at Arrowhead Stadium

The Kansas City Missouri Police Department partnered with a federal agency to provide science-based explosives detection education to canine officers throughout the region this week.

The Regional Explosive Detection Dog Initiative (REDDI) is part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate. Their trainers worked with canine teams from Kansas and Missouri, culminating with an event at Arrowhead Stadium. 

“KCPD was willing to host us and partner with us to take advantage of the latest research and best technicians out there in canine explosive detection,” REDDI Program Director Don Roberts said. “It also provides participants, through demonstration and knowledge sharing, a venue to validate what they are doing right, and identify potential focus areas to strengthen the capabilities of their teams. At the same time, by observing trends, the program will gain additional insights on how to best meet the needs of the whole of the detection canine community.”

Roberts said methods of explosives concealment are constantly changing, and REDDI’s research always is advancing knowledge in the field.

In addition to KCPD, law enforcement canine teams from Blue Springs on the Missouri side and Topeka, Shawnee, Shawnee County and Overland Park on the Kansas side participated in this initiative.