Reading Comprehension

Dogs may be not only man's best friend but also one of the nation's best defenses against terrorism. They have a keen sense of smell and a strong ability to differentiate between scents. Research shows that while humans have 5 million olfactory cells, more than chimpanzees and most other primates, dogs have over 300 million such cells. In addition, the part of the brain responsible for processing smell is up to 40 times larger in dogs than in humans.

Dogs are used to detect explosives, narcotics, bulk cash and concealed humans. With the increased levels of security in the United States since September 11, 2001, the country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of explosives-detection canines used by law enforcement and private companies. A common question is whether there is a need for national standards for explosives-detection canines. In 1996, Congress directed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) to develop national odor recognition standards for explosives-detection canines.

In response to the growing demand nationwide for explosives-detection canines, as well as concerns about the quality of canines being procured by law enforcement agencies from non-governmental sources, ATF is taking steps to provide more assistance to state, local, and federal law enforcement agencies. This includes providing training and knowledge to help law enforcement agencies ensure proficiency among their explosives-detection canines, giving agencies the ability to evaluate and rectify shortcomings.

More than 50 percent of all law enforcement canine teams are not associated with a recognized federal canine training program or certification. There are numerous private vendors selling explosives-detection canines that have trained those dogs according to inconsistent standards and under various conditions. In fact, there is no consistent definition of what even constitutes an explosives-detection canine. Because of this lack of consistency, and for safety reasons, the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board has stated that they would like every explosives-detection canine working in conjunction with a bomb squad in the United States to have passed a standard certification test.

The highlighted statement is included by the author primarily in order to

A
Emphasize the potentially dangerous lack of standardization for explosive-detection canines
B
Indicate that private vendors routinely sell unqualified explosives detection canines
C
Demonstrate the need for the Federal government to enforce its odor detection standards
D
Dismiss the Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board's concerns about certification
E
Point out the unfair preference of private vendors for certain breeds of dogs