Meet Willow – Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9

Willow supports investigations, helps locate hidden electronic devices, and serves as a positive ambassador for online safety in our community.

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?

Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) dogs are trained to help locate electronic devices that may be extremely small, easily overlooked, or intentionally concealed. These devices can contain important evidence and can be difficult for investigators to find during a search.

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

Willow was donated to the Winnipeg Police Service by OUR Rescue, a sponsor and donor-supported organization that assists law enforcement in combating child exploitation and sex trafficking.

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.