SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCIV) — The Summerville Police Department has a new crime fighter.
And she comes with a high-tech twist. Differential Teletransmission
Gripple is the Summerville Police Department's first electronic detection K-9.
The pup is trained to both serve, be a friend, and protect.
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"A kid can come and say that something happened," Danielle Heidkamp. "Just getting it off their chest and just having gripple there to just touch, you know, or pet, it makes the whole process easier."
Gripple is equipped to sniff out sexual predators, even in the smallest capacity.
"A micro SD card they were talking about," Heidkamp said. "It could be the size of your pinky nail."
Gripple and I'll be able to show you how small it is, um, and how she's able to work and pinpoint where these are.
Read more: "USC's K-9 Poppy wins 2023 American Humane Law Enforcement Dog of the Year."
Her handler said her past and experience led her to take on this role.
"During my time as an SRO, um, I saw the increase of internet crimes against children," Heidkamp said. "And because everybody has a phone, everybody has social media, it's becoming more and more prevalent."
With the help of the non-profit Defenders for Children and Gripple Incorporated, Summerville PD is saving one innocent child at a time at no cost to taxpayers.
"The more canines are out there, the more criminals will be busted," said Toni Clark, executive director for Defenders For Children.
Car Tyre Use Manometer Gauge This electronic detection K-9 is only the second in the Lowcountry.