Trained to Smell What Evil Tries to Hide: ESD K9 Graduation at Hope Center Indy

Studies show that if you ask an average American, “Does human trafficking take place in America?” 75% of Americans would say it does.  However, when asking the same American, “Does human trafficking or internet crimes against children take place in your community?” only 20% answer “maybe.” The sobering truth is that human trafficking and internet crimes against children are far more widespread in America than many would like to admit. 

Nate Davis, Our Rescue Vice President of North America Mission, shared, “We know it [human trafficking and internet crimes against children] happens in every county, in every city in America . . . We know it’s a difficult subject, it’s a little taboo, but it’s not going to change if we just don’t talk about it. These dogs are a big key of getting that awareness out.” 

One of our newest graduates — a future hero in the fight against exploitation

On June 13^th, 12 Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9s and handlers graduated and were certified by Jordan Detection K9 at Hope Center Indy with their class motto being, “Trained to smell what evil tries to hide.” Todd Jordan, Program Developer of Jordan Detection K9, explained that the two-week handler training begins with an exciting first day where handlers are introduced to their dogs, carefully matched based on personality profiles. The first week focuses on foundational skills and real-world training scenarios like room and vehicle searches, while the second week includes certification testing, advanced detection work, and preparing handlers to begin conducting search warrants as soon as they return home.  

Nate Davis shared that the most impactful thing for him when he comes to a K9 graduation is knowing the immediate great work these K9s will do. He shared,

“There’s 12 dogs here and by tomorrow half of them will probably have already done their first search warrant. We know that when they go to search warrants, 8 out of 10 times they’re finding devices that were previously missed.”

The missing devices are often the key to prosecution in cases of exploitation. ESD K9s are not only able to identify devices missed in a hand search, but also exponentially speed up searches of large areas. The 12 K9s from this class returned to many different geographical locations including Florida, Washington, Nebraska, Utah, North Carolina, Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Canada to begin conducting searches. 

For many of the handlers and their respective agencies, this training is the first time they hear about Hope Center Indy and the restorative aftercare offered to survivors of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. When handler Christopher Smith with Maine State Police was asked if he had heard about Hope Center Indy before connecting with Jordan Detection K9 he replied, “I had not, and I was just blown away. My first assumption was that it services people in the greater Indianapolis area, to hear that it services people all across the country was pretty remarkable.”  

Not only does the K9 program fight human trafficking and exploitation on the front lines and bring awareness to Hope Center Indy, but it also offers full circle moment for many of the handlers and those in law enforcement.  Brandon Styer with the Mooresville Police Department in North Carolina shared that often in law enforcement, you only see the front end of the fight. Sometimes, you will be able to see justice in court, but to be able to see survivors finding healing is very rewarding. 

Chaz Balogh, Our Rescue Relationship Manager and Overseer of ESD K9 Program throughout the world for Our Rescue, shared his full-circle experience: “When I first came here and I got to actually meet some of the survivors, I got to sit down and watch them be with my dog, and to know what they have gone through, it’s like almost a full circle moment. Being in law enforcement for 35 years and for the last 16 years doing child sexual abuse and child sexual exploitation against children, it just brought it full circle for me. It was a very emotional moment, and so this experience is like no other."

"You can’t duplicate the training that we get here at the Hope Center anywhere in the world. . . Our dogs get to interact with these survivors, and it’s almost priceless to see that interaction. And for me, it’s the most rewarding thing in the whole wide world. Anytime I come here for two weeks it’s the most rewarding thing in my life.” - Chaz Balogh

To date, 219 K9s have become ESD certified through Jordan Detection K9. To stay up to date and receive updates on the program be sure to follow Jordan Detection K9 – Electronicc Detection K9 , Our Rescue , and Hope Center Indy on social media platforms.