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Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) recently added explosive-detecting and patrol dogs to its canine force.

In spring, two MTPD officers completed a 10-week Transportation Security Administration (TSA) training program to learn how to handle explosive-detecting dogs. Last year, the administration chose WMATA to participate in its National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program, designed specifically for mass transit systems. TSA provides MTPD with the dogs, training, annual evaluations and partial reimbursement for program costs.

In addition, two other police officers completed a training course through which they learned how to handle patrol dogs to track and apprehend suspects, and recover evidence.