CHARLESTON, S.C. — Two K-9 investigators are on the front lines of fighting internet crimes against children in the Lowcountry. These specially trained dogs, K-9 Cypher with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 Gripple with the Summerville Police Department, are helping authorities uncover critical evidence in cases involving online crimes against minors.
The Role of K-9s in Detecting Electronic Devices
The dogs use their exceptional senses to detect a chemical odor in electronic devices that is invisible to the human nose. This unique ability is helping law enforcement locate hidden devices that may contain crucial evidence in investigations. K-9 Cypher and K-9 Gripple are the only Electronic Storage Detection K-9s in the Lowcountry.
Their handlers, Detective Jason Bowen from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Detective Howie Masoner from the Summerville Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, lead the dogs in what’s known as a “free search”. This involves the dogs sniffing for hidden electronic devices, even in places where no visible signs of the devices are present.
Trusting the K-9s’ Senses
The search can sometimes be challenging for the handlers. Detective Masoner explained, “You have to trust the dog because it’s kind of like looking at a prison cell with a concrete floor and walls. The dogs alert in the cracks where the wall meets the floor, and you don’t see anything. You have to trust the dog.”
When a dog detects the scent of electronic chemical residue, it signals its handler, pointing them toward the location of the hidden device. These devices often provide critical evidence in cases involving internet crimes against minors, helping authorities identify predators and rescue victims.
The Importance of K-9s in Investigations
The work done by these K-9s can be vital in identifying criminals and saving victims. As Detective Bowen explained, “Usually if there’s an adult talking to one child online, it’s usually not just one. There are often more victims.” By locating these hidden devices, the dogs help track down predators and protect additional victims, even if the criminals are already in custody.
The Dogs and Their Donations
K-9 Gripple joined the Summerville Police Department in 2024, and K-9 Cypher began working with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office in 2021. Both dogs were donated to local law enforcement agencies by the nonprofit organization Defenders for Children, based in the Upstate. This nonprofit works to address internet crimes involving children and sex trafficking in high-risk areas.
Toni Clark, Executive Director of Defenders for Children, highlighted the importance of these K-9s, saying, “On average, our dogs will locate two to three devices per search, sometimes more. The criminals hide what they don’t want to be found, and these dogs are key to uncovering it.”
The addition of K-9s Cypher and Gripple to local law enforcement efforts marks a significant step in fighting internet crimes against children. By detecting hidden electronic devices, these specially trained dogs are helping authorities make crucial breakthroughs in cases that can prevent further harm to minors and bring justice to those who prey on them.
