Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshall Service/National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program

The National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program (NEDCTP) exists to deter and detect the introduction of explosives devices into transportation systems. In addition, bomb threats cause disruption of air, land and sea commerce and pose an unacceptable danger to the traveling public and should be resolved quickly. Explosives detection canine teams are a proven reliable resource to detect explosives and are a key component in a balanced counter-sabotage program. The use of highly trained and certified explosives detection canine teams is also a proven deterrent to terrorism directed towards transportation systems and provides a timely and mobile response to support facilities, rail stations, airports, passenger terminals, seaports and surface carriers. Canine teams consist of a fully trained and certified Transportation Security Administration owned canine and a canine handler from the participating agency. There is a 3-team minimum based on $50,000 per team for aviation participant agencies. Participation in the NEDCTP is by invitation established through a screening process involving specific criteria.