Scenting hard drives and USB sticks, the new mission of police dogs

The National Dog Training Centre of the Gendarmerie in Gramat, in southwestern France, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in style. The Centre trains between 300 and 350 dog handlers every year, and its dogs are capable of tracking missing persons, as well as detecting drugs, explosives and electronic equipment.

Training 300 to 350 handlers annually is also a significant contribution to public safety across France and potentially beyond. These dogs and their handlers often operate in high-stakes situations, and their effectiveness can mean the difference between life and death — especially in disaster zones, counterterrorism efforts, or criminal investigations.