City Council approves partnership to strengthen HPD investigations into human trafficking and child sexual abuse

Published on January 22, 2026

In a move aimed at protecting vulnerable victims and strengthening complex criminal investigations, the City has approved a resolution authorizing a partnership between the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and Our Rescue for the donation of a specialized Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9.

An ESD K-9 is trained to detect the unique chemical odors emitted by electronic storage devices, including cell phones, USB drives, hard drives, SD cards and hidden cameras. Unlike traditional police K-9s, these dogs do not search for people, drugs or explosives. Their sole focus is locating concealed digital evidence that offenders often attempt to hide or destroy.

This capability is especially critical in sex trafficking and child sexual abuse investigations, where electronic devices frequently contain key evidence such as images, videos, communications, and online activity. The ESD K-9 allows investigators to quickly locate hidden devices during searches, even when concealed inside walls, furniture, vehicles or buried – strengthening prosecutions and helping identify additional victims.

“Crimes involving sexual exploitation are increasingly driven by technology, and law enforcement must adapt to meet that challenge,” HPD Chief Kirk Giles said. “This partnership gives our department a critical tool to uncover hidden digital evidence that can identify victims and hold offenders accountable.”

Through this partnership, Our Rescue provides the ESD K-9 along with specialized training, certification, and ongoing support for both the dog and its handler. The organization’s national and international experience supporting law enforcement in human trafficking and child exploitation cases gives HPD access to advanced investigative resources rarely available at the municipal level.

The addition of an ESD K-9 reflects HPD’s proactive, victim-centered approach to modern policing. By enhancing its ability to recover digital evidence, HPD can more quickly identify and rescue victims, hold offenders accountable, and support regional, state, and federal investigations when requested.