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Board considers auditing canine-search training to help interpret K9 search videos
Summary
The Police Accountability Board discussed a no-cost opportunity for members to audit a canine-search training course offered by a trainer identified by an ACC member; the training was pitched as a way to better understand how K9 alerts appear on video evidence.
At its Oct. 6, 2025 meeting, the Dorchester County Police Accountability Board discussed a potential training opportunity to help members analyze canine-search videos used in officer‑involved investigations. The offer, described by a member of the Advisory/ACC, would allow a small number of board members to audit portions of a two- or three-day canine training at no cost to the county.
The item arose after board members reviewed video of a canine-assisted automobile search and said they wanted more technical context about how dogs indicate alerts. Robert Stowe, identified in the meeting as an ACC member and described by participants as a Maryland coordinator for a national police-canine organization, relayed information from a training provider and offered to follow up on logistics.
Board members asked whether there would be a fee and whether the training would be local; staff and speakers said the relevant portions would likely be available at no cost and the training would be offered on the Eastern Shore or otherwise within regional reach, so attendance would not require crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Board members asked staff to stay in contact with the trainer and to notify members if the training is scheduled.
No formal board vote or policy change was recorded on the item; the discussion was framed as an informational opportunity that could help the board interpret canine-search evidence in future reviews.
