Willow is a two-year-old black Labrador Retriever and the Winnipeg Police Service’s first Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) police dog. She is assigned to the Division 41 Internet Child Exploitation Unit, where she will assist investigators in locating electronic devices that can be critical to an investigation.
Willow’s primary handler is Sgt. Kerrie Webb.
What is an ESD Detection Dog?
After investigators complete an initial search of a residence or location, an ESD dog can conduct a secondary search to help identify devices that may otherwise be missed.
What can Willow detect?
Willow is trained to locate a wide range of electronic storage and tracking devices, including:
- Cell phones
- SD cards and USB drives
- External hard drives
- AirTags and other tracking devices
- Hidden cameras and similar electronics
- Other small data storage devices
How it works: ESD dogs detect a chemical compound used in the manufacturing of electronic devices that store data, to prevent them from overheating.
Where can Willow work?
Willow can be deployed in many environments, including:
- Homes and apartments
- Vehicles
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Aircraft
- Outdoor areas, including fields
- Shallow water searches
Because devices can be concealed almost anywhere, Willow is trained to work safely and effectively in a wide range of settings.
Training and certification
One of OUR Rescue’s initiatives is the Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dog program. Willow is one of 142 ESD dogs working in eight countries.
Willow and Sgt. Webb were among 11 dog/handler teams who recently completed training and certification in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Supporting victims and investigators
Although Willow’s primary role is electronic storage device detection, she is also trained as a support dog. ESD K9s can provide comfort to both child and adult victims and can also support investigators who work on difficult and sensitive cases.
Video: Meet Willow (Embedded YouTube playlist)
Watch Willow’s profile video and other updates in our dedicated playlist.
New videos will be added as Willow begins attending presentations and supporting awareness initiatives.
Photo gallery (Optional gallery or embedded Instagram block)
See photos and updates featuring Willow through our official social media channels.
Follow Willow on Social
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook using #WPSWillow.
Willow in the news
- This dog will find your electronic storage devices: Winnipeg Police Service – January 9, 2026
- Electronics detection dog sniffs out evidence for police's internet child exploitation unit – December 26, 2025
- Dog ‘game-changer’ for police child exploitation unit – December 26, 2025