Gwinnett Sheriff’s K-9 Dee Marks First Year by Helping Detectives Uncover Hidden Digital Evidence

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — One year after joining the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office, K-9 Dee has become a valuable investigative asset, helping law enforcement recover hidden electronic evidence in dozens of criminal investigations across Georgia.

The sheriff’s office announced June 23 that Dee, the agency’s Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9, has participated in 50 deployments since beginning service.

Unlike traditional narcotics or patrol K-9s, Dee is specially trained to detect triphenylphosphine oxide, a chemical commonly found in electronic storage devices. Her training allows her to locate hidden items such as cell phones, USB drives, hard drives, laptops, tablets, cameras, remote devices, and vehicle tracking equipment.

According to the sheriff’s office, Dee has successfully located electronic evidence concealed inside walls, hidden in vehicles, tucked behind furniture, and disguised as everyday household electronics.

The specialized K-9 has assisted numerous local, state, and federal agencies during search warrants and criminal investigations, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Gwinnett County Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, and several municipal police departments.

Officials said Dee’s capabilities have significantly improved investigators’ ability to recover critical digital evidence in time-sensitive cases and support law enforcement efforts targeting crimes involving exploitation, trafficking, and other serious offenses.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office said the use of Electronic Storage Detection K-9s represents one of several innovative tools being used to protect vulnerable individuals and strengthen criminal investigations.

Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity related to exploitation or human trafficking.

Anyone wishing to submit a tip to the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office can call 770-619-6655 or visit the agency’s website.

As Dee enters her second year of service, officials say the specialized K-9 continues to play an important role in helping investigators uncover evidence that might otherwise remain hidden.