Talented dog joins Milwaukie PD to sniff out electronic evidence

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A 2-year-old, fox red labrador-golden retriever mix is the newest hire at the Milwaukie Police Department — and has a growing following on social media.

MPD introduced Flora as an Electronic Storage Device Detection K-9 on Monday. As part of Milwaukie’s investigations division, she will help officers search for cell phones and other electronics that are used to store evidence.

Flora has the ability to sniff out a certain chemical that is used to manufacture these devices. The police department said there is high demand for such resources that help investigators detect smaller electronics, as Flora is one of few ESD-certified dogs across the state.

The K-9 trains several times a day, and can find devices in “several feet of moving water.” Flora previously served as an emotional support dog for military veterans in the U.S.

“While Flora is calm and personable, emotional support trainers learned she has a strong drive for scents and often it would distract her from her primary training,” MPD said. “Fortunately, Flora was discovered by an ESD K9 training facility in the Midwest and found her true calling as an ESD detection dog.”

The police department said Flora will occasionally join patrol handles for comfort dog assignments, in addition to her role in the investigations division. Her services are also available to other law enforcement agencies in the region.

Flora's Instagram

You can keep up with the K-9 on Instagram.