K9 teams were tasked with providing explosive detection capabilities for various areas. (Courtesy photo from NGA)

NGA’s Police K9 unit assisted with security at the National Football League’s 2024 Hall of fame enshrinement week, Aug. 1-4, in Canton, Ohio at the request of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). Along with supporting NGA, the unit often partners with other organizations to validate protective measures at similar events.

“Our purpose was to supply the [Pro Football] Hall of Fame, a national special security event, with explosive detection K9 capabilities,” said K9 Police Sgt. Stephen Carter. “This was our second time participating in this particular event."

The K9 unit provided expert security services and support throughout Hall of Fame week. They supported the Hall of Fame Game, featuring the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears, which kicked off the 105th NFL season on Aug. 1. The game began with naming the seven 2024 Hall of Fame inductees and concluded with the Chicago Bears taking the win.

K9 teams enjoyed the sites, while ensuring the safety of attendants. (Courtesy Photo from NGA)

Two K9 teams then reported for duty Aug. 2 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Walk, fashion show and Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner, where the Hall of Fame class of 2024 received their gold jackets — one of the most iconic moments of enshrinement week. 

“Both K9 teams were a part of the K9 sweeps of the museum, where they swept the hall displaying the Superbowl rings and trophy,” said Sgt. Carter. “K9 Walter [Police Sgt. Carter’s canine partner] was conducting searches at the team entrance and was able to meet and get a pic with Troy Aikman [former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys].” 

K9 teams were tasked with providing explosive detection capabilities for various areas. (Courtesy photo from NGA)

The K9 unit’s support to the Class of 2024 Enshrinement culminated on Aug. 3, when seven retired football players from various eras experienced the ultimate accomplishment for professional football players: induction into the Hall of Fame. The K9 team’s skills and expertise contributed greatly to the overall safety of the NFL’s 2024 enshrinement week.

K9 teams were tasked with providing explosive detection capabilities for various areas. (Courtesy photo from NGA) 

NGA’s K9 Police unit consists of an incredible team of first responders working diligently to protect NGA’s facilities and personnel. Along with being recognized by the presence of their furry companions, the unit’s expertise applying explosive detection capabilities is considered essential for ensuring a safe environment when and where they are called to serve. 

The unit, established in 2010, consists of expert handlers and their canines, whose keen sense of smell enables them to detect scents and identify threats beyond the capability of detection by humans. The units’ mission starts at the Remote Inspection Facility at NGA, where they inspect all drivers and vehicles delivering items to NGA facilities. The K9 units are also responsible for completing random anti-terrorism measures and are often called to inspect unattended packages and vehicles to check for explosives. 

The canines that serve in the police unit originate from the Guide Dog Foundation and Puppies Behind Bars. 

“Canines in these organizations are being trained as service dogs, and many of them fail if they’re too rambunctious,” said Sgt. Carter. “ATF evaluate the drop outs to see if they’d be a good fit for training as explosive detection canines.”

After being selected by ATF, the canines are introduced to their police handlers at ATF’s Explosive Detection Canine class, where they are trained for 16 weeks. Their handlers are trained for 10 weeks. During the canines’ first six weeks, they undergo the imprint phase with canine instructors, learning about the specific scents that mark threat items. They then receive additional job training before being assigned to their police handlers.  

NGA relies heavily on the K9 unit’s expertise in explosive detection. The unit’s skills contribute to the safety of all NGA personnel and facilities and help to ensure that NGA can continue its mission of delivering world-class geospatial intelligence. 

Written by the Office of Corporate Communications