South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services Achieves Success with Electronics Detection K9 in Combatting CSAM Offenses

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) acquired Electronics Detection K9 Chip to assist Probation and Parole Agents in their search for hidden electronics by individuals that attempt to possess Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM). K9 Chip, is a Golden Retriever-Labrador mix donated to the Department by Defenders For Children and trained by Jordan Detection K9 in Indiana.

Since 2022, K9 Chip’s searches have resulted in 141 violations of offenders on active supervision with the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. To date, K9 Chip and his Handler, Agent Benjy Partain have conducted more than 240 searches with over 730 devices found. Canines have an incredible sense of smell and Electronic Detection K-9s are trained to sniff out the chemical compound which is used in the production of electronics.

Electronic Detection Canine Handler, Agent Benjy Partain and K9 Chip have assisted law enforcement agencies throughout South Carolina including; Aiken County Sheriff’s Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Greenville County Sheriff’s Department Drug Enforcement Unit, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), Walhalla Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.

SCDPPPS supervises 22,779 offenders living in the community throughout South Carolina. As of August 31, 2024, there are 808 active offenders under SCDPPPS sex offender supervision. The Department is charged with the supervision of offenders placed on probation by the Court, granted parole by the Board of Paroles and Pardons, or statutorily released to one of the Agency’s supervision programs.