BACKGROUND
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The Canine Specialized Search Team is a volunteer resource of the Santa Clara County Sheriff Department.
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CSST uses specially trained and certified canines in the field of human remains detection and forensic evidence. They advocate a teamwork approach and emphasize cooperation with other experts and agencies in the field.
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The CSST team is continuously training and educating their canines and handlers by developing new and advanced techniques. These canine teams are trained in locating evidence of a crime scene, residual scent, blood, tissue or body fluids. The teams are also experts in locating bones or teeth for identification, firearms or weapons, located drowned or submerged bodies and deceased human bodies buried in rubble.
NOTABLE SEARCHES
The CSST have participated in hundreds of searches including:
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Charles Ng & Leonard Lake, Calaveras Co.
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Loma Prieta Earthquake
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Oklahoma City Bombing
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Amber Schwartz
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Polly Klaas
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Christina Williams
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Xiana Fairchild
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Ground Zero at World Trade Center, New York City
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Laci Peterson
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The Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster
CSST is available for all agencies in the county and as a mutual aid resource with other counties throughout California.