The Ashland Police Department is set to enhance its capabilities in combating child exploitation and human trafficking with the introduction of a specialized electronic storage detection (ESD) canine, thanks to a partnership with the organization formerly known as Operation Underground Railroad, now called Our Rescue. This initiative was discussed during the recent Ashland City Commissioners meeting, highlighting the department's commitment to addressing these critical issues.

The ESD canine, trained to detect hidden electronic storage devices such as SD cards and external hard drives, will play a vital role in investigations where traditional search methods fall short. These devices are often used by predators to store illicit content, making the canine's ability to locate them invaluable. The Ashland Police Department has a strong reputation for its forensic investigations, and the addition of this canine is expected to significantly bolster their efforts.

The police department received the ESD canine as a donation from Our Rescue, following a thorough application process. The handler for the canine has already been identified, and both have undergone extensive training together. They returned to Ashland ready to begin their work, which has already yielded promising results.

This initiative marks a significant revival of the police department's K9 program, which had been inactive for over 45 years. The ESD canine is one of only 172 in the world and one of four in Kentucky, underscoring the uniqueness and importance of this resource for local law enforcement.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between local law enforcement and organizations dedicated to fighting exploitation and trafficking. As the Ashland Police Department integrates this new tool into their operations, they aim to enhance their investigative capabilities and provide greater protection for vulnerable populations in the community.