Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the Auburn University Canine Detection Research Institute today for graduating 10 canine explosives detection teams.  The canine teams are part of a pilot program for the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over which Rogers has Congressional oversight.

The dogs are trained in “vapor wake detection,” a state-of-the-art technology developed by Auburn.  Comprised of a canine and a human handler, usually a law enforcement official, vapor wake dogs can track down explosives carried on or by a person by merely smelling the “wake” of air created by a person.  This provides a noninvasive way of deterring and disrupting possible terrorist attacks using explosive devices. The dogs start at 12 months old after being specially bred and selected for the program and go through months of rigorous training with their handlers.

“Auburn University should be applauded for their work and training of these dogs and the level of safety and security they bring to our transportation systems.  These canines learn to use their keen sense of smell to perform searches without the culprit even knowing,” Rogers said.  “I am so proud of the work Auburn University and the folks at McClellan are doing to help keep our country safer through use of this cost effective technology.”

"This is an important first step in developing this promising explosives detection technique at airports," said TSA Administrator John Pistole. "We continually look to evolve our techniques in all of our layers of security to stay ahead of our adversaries."

Auburn University is one of the premiere canine training facilities in the nation and has provided canine teams and training to Amtrak Police, U.S. Capitol Police and United States Marine Corps, among others.  This graduating class is the first of the canine teams for the TSA.

Rogers serves as Chairman of the Homeland Subcommittee on Transportation Security with jurisdiction over TSA.

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