By Mayra Sofia Soto
They say a dog is a man’s best friend, but they can also be a flier’s best friend. I learned this while volunteering as a K9 decoy at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and it was truly one of the coolest experience I’ve had!
This program is part of TSA’s Passenger Screening Canine (PSC) initiative. It’s designed to enhance passenger safety by using canine assisted detection to help prevent the unauthorized entry of explosive materials into airports. These highly trained K9 teams and their handlers work together in real-world environments to detect potential threats before they happen. Volunteers like me help create realistic scenarios that prepare these teams for the real thing.
Before beginning, I received a safety briefing which covered everything I needed to know. Volunteers are given instructions on what to wear, what not to do, and how to behave. The idea is to look and act like a real airline passenger. All details regarding the type, placement, and quantity of training aids used during training are classified information.
My job is easy! Blend in like any other traveler. The day was divided into three training phases:
- First, I walked through the security lane as if I were preparing to go through TSA screening;
- Then, I meandered through the terminal hallways and blend in with big groups of people.
- Finally, I sat in the boarding gate waiting area as passengers do before a flight.
Throughout each phase, the K9 teams used their sense of smell to detect any concealed training aids. When a dog identified a training aid, they would signal their trainer/handler that something was amiss.
The dogs were rewarded with their favorite toys to reinforce positive behavior.
But it’s not just the dogs having training, the handlers are learning too. They practice interpreting their dog’s signals and ensure their K9 stays focused and well-behaved in the airport. Many of these dogs begin training around one year old and continue working until they retire. Recently, a K9 retired at 11 years old!
This experience gave me a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into keeping travelers safe. The K9 teams and their handlers are highly skilled, and it was inspiring to see them in action.
Although the volunteerism was just a small action on my part, there is a sense of pride that comes with contributing to the safety of our airports and airlines, while also learning more about our security systems in practice. It is, in short, a perfect education for a student wanting to go into a law-enforcement career!
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 