CJ Unit 2 Canines in Criminal Justice Factors that Affect Scent

We will be speaking in terms of environmental factors that affect scent mostly outdoors.We will be speaking in terms of environmental factors that affect scent mostly outdoors.

Factors that Affect Scent We will be speaking in terms of environmental factors that affect scent mostly outdoors.We will be speaking in terms of environmental factors that affect scent mostly outdoors. These factors actually must be considered whether searching for a person or a substance such as an explosive or narcotics.These factors actually must be considered whether searching for a person or a substance such as an explosive or narcotics.

Factors that Affect Scent Since we will be discussing searching or tracking outdoors for people in the next unit, we will focus on those environmental factors that occur outdoors.Since we will be discussing searching or tracking outdoors for people in the next unit, we will focus on those environmental factors that occur outdoors.

Factors that Affect Scent Since we will be discussing searching or tracking outdoors for people in the next unit, we will focus on those environmental factors that occur outdoors.Since we will be discussing searching or tracking outdoors for people in the next unit, we will focus on those environmental factors that occur outdoors. These same facts apply whether searching for a fleeing criminal or a lost child.These same facts apply whether searching for a fleeing criminal or a lost child.

Air Currents Do you always know when the wind blowing?Do you always know when the wind blowing?

Air Currents Do you always know when the wind blowing?Do you always know when the wind blowing? Syrotuck (2000) tells us of micrometeorology and how temperatures can vary from just a few inches off the ground to a few feet and so can the slightest air current.Syrotuck (2000) tells us of micrometeorology and how temperatures can vary from just a few inches off the ground to a few feet and so can the slightest air current.

Air Currents We see that any obstruction can affect wind flow and therefore affect scent.We see that any obstruction can affect wind flow and therefore affect scent. Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh. Turbulence WIND

Air Currents Natural Terrain can have an even more profound affect on a person’s scent.Natural Terrain can have an even more profound affect on a person’s scent. Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh. Obstruction Dead Area Turbulence

Air Currents This diagram illustrates how obstruction can deflect scent in different directions.This diagram illustrates how obstruction can deflect scent in different directions. Victim Scent Deflected Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh.

Air Currents With no terrain, the velocity of the air current determines the dispersion.With no terrain, the velocity of the air current determines the dispersion. Scent Cones WIND DIRECTION Slow Winds High Winds Diagram by Jonathan Dorriety Victim

Air Currents/Terrain Scent can often be carried with the path of least resistance if obstructions create one.Scent can often be carried with the path of least resistance if obstructions create one. Victim Dense Obstruction Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh.

Terrain The lay of the land can also affect where scent flows and pools if wind is not a factor.The lay of the land can also affect where scent flows and pools if wind is not a factor. Downward Slope Pooling Scent Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh.

Temperature How does temperature affect scent?How does temperature affect scent?

Temperature Cool air on hilltops warms in the morning and is replaced by cool air flowing uphill.Cool air on hilltops warms in the morning and is replaced by cool air flowing uphill. Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh.

Temperature How does temperature affect scent?How does temperature affect scent? As the day grows warm cool air will descend downhill.As the day grows warm cool air will descend downhill. Reproduced with Permission from Barkleigh.com © 2000 Syrotuck, W. G. (2000). Scent and the scenting dog. Mechanicsburg, PA: Barkleigh. Crevice

Temperature A person hiding outside in cool weather is more easily found than a person hiding in warm weather. Why?A person hiding outside in cool weather is more easily found than a person hiding in warm weather. Why?

Temperature Our warm bodies will simply produce more scent when our surroundings are cooler, just as a deceased person whose body has lost all heat will be more difficult to locate in cool weather.Our warm bodies will simply produce more scent when our surroundings are cooler, just as a deceased person whose body has lost all heat will be more difficult to locate in cool weather.

Humidity How do you think humidity plays into the scent picture?How do you think humidity plays into the scent picture?

Humidity Moist air (especially cool air) makes it easier on a dog. Bacteria and skin rafts flourish better with moisture in the air.Moist air (especially cool air) makes it easier on a dog. Bacteria and skin rafts flourish better with moisture in the air.

Humidity How do you think humidity plays into the scent picture?How do you think humidity plays into the scent picture? Moist air (especially cool air) makes it easier on a dog. Bacteria and skin rafts flourish better with moisture in the air.Moist air (especially cool air) makes it easier on a dog. Bacteria and skin rafts flourish better with moisture in the air. Dogs also can work for longer periods without rest in cool, moist environments.Dogs also can work for longer periods without rest in cool, moist environments.

Summary Wind is a major factor on scent in an outdoor environment. They can be indoors as well, but generally not to the same extreme.Wind is a major factor on scent in an outdoor environment. They can be indoors as well, but generally not to the same extreme.

Summary Obstacles and the lay of the land will also have a strong influence on scent.Obstacles and the lay of the land will also have a strong influence on scent.

Summary Wind is a major factor on scent in an outdoor environment. They can be indoors as well, but generally not to the same extreme.Wind is a major factor on scent in an outdoor environment. They can be indoors as well, but generally not to the same extreme. Obstacles and the lay of the land will also have a strong influence on scent.Obstacles and the lay of the land will also have a strong influence on scent. Temperature and humidity in various combinations can be good or bad.Temperature and humidity in various combinations can be good or bad.

Questions or Discussion?