Interesting Research in Using Animals to Detect Substances
Fascinating research summarized in The Economist. Basically, detecting dogs respond to unconscious cues from their handlers, and generate false alarms because of them.
It makes sense, as dogs are so attuned to humans. I’ll bet bomb-sniffing bees don’t make the same mistakes.
EDITED TO ADD (3/14): Research paper.
Andrew • March 4, 2011 7:33 AM
Even if the evidence that sniffer dogs (or whatever animal) are no better at detecting contraband than chance, I predict authorities will be very unwilling to give them up. In fact, I expect such evidence will make authorities even less willing to give up such methods for the simple reason that it means they get on-demand probable cause. “Honest, your honour, I searched his luggage because the dog reacted to it.”