Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative

Members with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Canine Unit in addition to several other law enforcement departments from the region participated in the Regional Explosives Detection Dog Initiative (REDDI), sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate (S&T).  

REDDI is an outreach effort, executed by the Detection Canine Program, Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) in DHS S&T, that advances the knowledge and capabilities of our nation’s detection canine teams.  The Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) maintains more than 4,000 explosives detection canine teams spread across the federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement community. There is a need for a centralized focal point within DHS to address mission requirements, conduct operationally relevant research, facilitate knowledge sharing, and act as a repository of expert advice on common problems across government, academia and the private sector.