Critical Phases of Explosive Detection Canine Training Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, with up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans. And the part of a dog's brain that is devoted to analyzing smells is about 40 times greater than ours. Most canines enjoy a “job” that keeps their bodies busy and their brains occupied – which is one reason why they make terrific bomb dogs. When it comes to work like this, once a dog understands that their task …
The Persistent Threat of IEDs Requires the Right Screening Tools The bombs planted by brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev that killed three people and seriously injured hundreds of others nine years ago this month at the Boston Marathon were created using pressure cookers loaded with nails and ball bearings. These improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were concealed in backpacks and hidden near the race finish line. Pressure-cooker bombs, which are pipe bombs in a different container, are favored by …
Bomb Dog Spotlight: Brandon and Stacey In his nine years as an Enhanced Protection Services Explosive Detection Canine (EDC) Handler, Brandon Bowe has never used one single sick day. It is an accomplishment that he credits to a healthy lifestyle and passion for his work. That notable statistic is among many achievements that earned Brandon the Michael O’Neil Commemorative Award for Excellence in 2020. The award, named in honor of Enhanced Protection Services’s former President, CEO and Chairman who led …
National Police Week | Michael O’Neil Commemorative Award for Excellence Enhanced Protection Services , recognizes outstanding team members for exemplary service, leadership and dedication with the Michael O’Neil Commemorative Award for Excellence. This award is named in honor of Enhanced Protection Services’s former President, CEO and Chairman who led the company for more than a decade prior to his passing in 2020. He was a 22-year veteran of the New York City Police Department. We are proud to honor …
Lessons Learned in Venue Security | Manchester Arena Five Years Later Public events like concerts and sports games are back in full force and fans are ready. As attendance for events of every kind reach peak levels at venues throughout the globe, it is essential that organizations remain prepared and vigilant against today’s threats. There are many security lessons to be learned from high-profile terrorist events in history. On May 22, 2017, more than 14,000 fans packed the Manchester Arena for an …
Active Shooter: A Growing Epidemic Active shooter incidents in the U.S. are on the rise. Between 2000-2020, there were 373 active shooter incidents in the country.1 According to the FBI, the majority of active shooter events in 2020 occurred in areas of commerce, which are targeted more frequently because they are easily accessible and open to the public.2 As a recent example, on May 14, a tragic shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets store in the Kingsley section of Buffalo, NY, left ten people dead and …
Unleashing a Dog’s Superpower Man’s best friend is a dedicated and lovable companion for so many, but their unique capabilities also make them a powerful asset across many functions. At Enhanced Protection Services, we know the incredible value canines bring to detecting explosives and firearms. With a sense of smell estimated to be at least 10,000 times more sensitive than that of a human, dogs are skillful scent detectives. There are six million olfactory receptors in our human noses. Dogs have a …
Bomb Dog Spotlight: Mark and Lilo It takes stamina to keep up with a six-year-old. They seem to have energy for days, coupled with avid curiosity and an eagerness to please, making them an undeniable force. This is how Mark Scardilli describes the six-year-old in his life – who happens to be a German Shepherd named Lilo. Mark is a canine handler with Enhanced Protection Services, An Allied Universal® Company. He paired up with Lilo just a few months ago after his first canine partner, a black …
Bomb Dog Spotlight: Mike and JC Christine Spigai Two-year-old yellow Labrador JC loves the Big Apple. At a moment’s notice, he is ready to take on Times Square, Broadway or any of the newest draws in Midtown. But JC is not there for the atmosphere and entertainment. He and his dedicated handler, Mike Racioppo, have important work to do.The duo is among more than 850 DHS SAFETY Act designated Detection Canine Teams at Enhanced Protection Services, An Allied Universal® Company, and happy to work hard …
Firearms Detection Canines are Pawprints Ahead of Technology Modern technology has paved the way for revolutionary improvements in our personal and professional lives. Today, we hold computers in the palm of our hand, connect virtually with others at a moment’s notice, enjoy instant access to a world-wide web of information, and so much more. Innovation has no doubt advanced every industry, bettering our daily lives. The area of high-consequence threat protection is no exception. Modern access …