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Will County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes Remi, First Electronic Scent Detection Dog

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Article Summary: The Will County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of Remi, a Labrador serving as the department’s first Electronic Scent Detection dog. The newly trained K9 will assist investigators during search warrants by sniffing out hidden electronic devices that may contain child sexual abuse material.

Will County Sheriff’s Office K9 Key Points:

  • Remi is both the department’s first Labrador and its first Electronic Scent Detection dog.

  • The K9 recently graduated from specialized training to locate cell phones, SD cards, external hard drives, and tablets.

  • The detection method relies on the dog’s ability to smell a specific chemical scent found in the glue of electronic devices.

  • Remi will primarily assist law enforcement during search warrants aimed at recovering child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Will County Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, March 14, 2026, officially introduced its newest canine employee, a Labrador named Remi who brings a highly specialized investigative skill set to the department.

Remi marks a milestone for the local law enforcement agency, serving as both the Will County Sheriff’s Office’s first Labrador and its first-ever Electronic Scent Detection dog. According to the department’s public announcement, the K9 recently graduated from her training program and is now ready for active duty.

In her new role, Remi will deploy her unique skills to help the investigative team locate hidden electronic storage devices during the execution of search warrants. Her training enables her to find a wide variety of concealed electronics, including cell phones, SD cards, external hard drives, and tablets.

The department explained the science behind the dog’s capabilities, noting that she is not searching for the metal or plastic components of the electronics. “Specifically, the dogs are trained to detect a chemical scent that is found in the glue of the devices,” the Sheriff’s Office stated.

By locating these hidden devices, Remi will play a critical role in major investigations, specifically aiding deputies in uncovering electronics that could potentially contain child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The department warmly welcomed the new K9 to the force following her graduation. “Welcome Remi – we hope you feel at home here at WCSO and get all the treats and belly rubs you deserve!” the agency shared in its public release.

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