Development
and
Use
of
Pseudo
Scents
Sigma Chemical began researching the development of Pseudo Corpse scents in the late 1980’s at the request of a couple of civilian dog handlers who were having problems in obtaining training materials. Pat Carr, who was the product manager, contacted me at CSP to see if my unit was interested in participating in the testing procedures for the product. At the time, CSP ran an annual class for LE handlers only for cadaver search. We had a good training program in place but decided we would participate and see how the pseudo corpse compared with other chemical sources we used in the program. However, like all programs that use substitutes in training, all certification was done with “real” sources. It worked well and Sigma placed it on the market. Once I retired, I also participated in the product testing for the pseudo drowned, involving a number of civilian handlers from various areas of the country.
Pseudo is only one tool in my toolbox. We have trained teams in other countries where it is the only source that can be used and they have been successful. I still use it since I do not carry other items when I am on searches.
I just finished a class in WV where no pseudo was used. Why? Advanced problems not mechanical training.
I realize that pseudo is not a complete spectrum of scent. Dr. Vass and I discussed possible research concerning a better scent picture in the mid-90’s. However research funds did not really exist, but now he is working on the hand held detector and this research has become important. However, once they get the spectrum mapped and identified I’m not sure that there will be a product available for the dog community. Development costs for commercial production are such that there is no guarantee that they will recoup the investment.
I firmly believe that any team should use real sources, if legally available. Ask the handlers involved in the Sande Anderson case whose training aids were subpoenaed. What happened to their materials? If you are subpoenaed and are under oath, can you truthfully testify as to the origin of your material or will it embarrass someone who was “helping” you.
We recently had an incident in WA where some training materials disappeared from an unsecured storage area and ended up at the county ME’s office. They were in containers that had an identifying name for each one. This created some real consternation on the part of the ME, local police and the county sheriff’s department as to the source. It was embarrassing to the handler and has caused our group to rethink how we identify materials.
I have testified that pseudo was one of the materials used in training and have had no problems. In a case where I had to do a court ordered demonstration with my dog, one problem was set up with pseudo and one with other material. In fact I had the defense attorney set up blind problems, since he was the one who requested the demo. That demonstrated to him that multiple materials could be used to train the dog.
I will be happy to use a new product if one is developed from the current research.
Andy Rebmann
King County Search & Rescue Association
K-9 Specialty Search Associates
King County Search Dogs
K-9
Specialty Search Associates
