Police dog Pixel joins Durham Police’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit

Durham Police have a new sweetheart: police dog Pixel, one of four dogs in the county trained to sniff out electronic devices.

Pixel joined the agency to work in the Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit, where he worked alongside Detective Samantha Mayhew.

Both have been extensively trained in detecting electronic storage devices and have already been deployed.

Pixel is a nine-month-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever from the United States. The non-profit organization Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), which works to combat sex trafficking around the world.

(It’s notable, however, that OUR has been embroiled in several controversies in recent years, including the firing of founder Tim Ballard amid allegations of sexual harassment, ties to QAnon conspiracy theories, and accusations of misleading donors about their work.)

While Pixel was initially trained to be a service dog, her trainers felt her energy level was too high for the job. Instead, she was trained to detect chemicals used in electronic storage devices, such as external hard drives or thumb drives.

In the context of the Internet Child Exploitation Unit, these devices are often found to contain child sexual abuse material.

After finding her new calling, Pixel trained with Jordan Detection K9 in Indiana. Later, she and Mayhew earned their certifications.

Since joining the Durham Police Department, Pixel and Mayhew have participated in three raids and recovered a device that police say they would have missed if it weren’t for them.

“Pixel is still a puppy and gets the zoomies that are always followed by a much-needed nap. But when duty calls, she is focused and intense. On her days off, Pixel enjoys cuddling, going for walks and spending time with her family,” Mayhew said.

“I want to thank OUR Rescue and Jordan Detection K9 for their role in her training and development,” she continued. “We at ICE are so excited about our newest addition and look forward to seeing the difference she makes.”

“By finding these devices, Pixel will help us apprehend those responsible, but more importantly, help victims who may otherwise never have been found,”

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