PLACERVILLE, Calif. (InEDC) — The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office has announced the addition of K9 Perl, a 15-month-old yellow Labrador Retriever, to its Investigative Division. Trained to detect electronic storage devices (ESDs), Perl enhances the office’s capabilities in locating hidden digital evidence.
Perl and her handler, Investigator John Robertson, underwent an intensive 13-day training program, achieving certification in various search environments, including indoor, outdoor, vehicle, and water scenarios. This training enables Perl to identify devices such as hard drives, cell phones, air tags, and micro SD cards, which are often concealed during criminal activities.
In addition to serving El Dorado County, Perl will be deployed as a member of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, assisting in operations throughout Northern California.
The National Computer Forensics Institute and Jordan Detection K9 provided funding, the canine, and training for this program. Jordan Detection K9 specializes in training dogs for electronic storage detection, a critical asset in modern investigations.
Investigator Robertson expressed enthusiasm about Perl’s addition to the team, stating,
“Perl’s unique skills significantly enhance our investigative capabilities, particularly in cases involving digital evidence.”
The integration of K9 Perl into the Investigative Division underscores the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office’s commitment to leveraging advanced tools and training to combat crime effectively.
By Cris Alarcon, (May 16, 2025)
