I-Team: Five SEPTA Bomb Detection Dogs Failed TSA Testing
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A CBS 3 I-Team investigation now reveals that five bomb detection dogs used by SEPTA and a sixth dog deployed by Amtrak recently failed to pass testing by the Transportation Security Administration and have now been temporarily decertified.
The K-9 units, specially trained to detect explosives, are always among the first responders to suspicious packages and potential explosive devices. Their mission is to detect bombs and protect lives.
SEPTA spokesperson Jerri Williams confirms that while the five SEPTA dogs were able to detect the presence of explosives in a particular area, they were not able to, in her words, "pinpoint their location."
Williams pointed out while the dogs performed adequately indoors, they failed to meet TSA standards in outdoor tests.
An Amtrak spokesperson also confirmed that one bomb detection dog failed the annual TSA recertification testing.
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SEPTA officials say they have not removed the five dogs from duty, and have not been asked to do so by TSA. In the event of a serious emergency, SEPTA says one of the agency's four other dogs, or Philadelphia Police dogs could be called to assist.
Williams also emphasized that the riding public is safe and that all five bomb detection dogs will begin retraining with TSA this week.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration, issued a statement to Eyewitness News that reads in part:
"TSA sets the highest canine certification standards in the country and requires its dogs and handlers to meet rigorous annual tests...because of our high standards failures may occur in every test cycle."
This is not the first time bomb detection dogs were decertified in Philadelphia. Records show in January, 2010, three dogs were decertified temporarily after failing TSA testing at Philadelphia International Airport.
Reported by Walt Hunter, CBS 3
