The first two RCMP canine teams to be taught to sniff out human remains have graduated from the force’s police dog training centre in central Alberta.
What makes their training even more unusual is that real human remains were used.
Mounties say they are the only Canadian police agency to do so.
Typically, animal remains or medical waste are used.
The human remains used for training at Innisfail, Alta., are provided by donors and their families through the Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service.
The force says the dogs’ added skill set will help collect evidence, make progress in historical investigations and provide closure to grieving families.
READ MORE: Meet Doc: the first RCMP cadaver dog in Canada
Watch below: At just 88 pounds, Doc isn’t your typical police officer. The canine and his handler are already earning a spot in the history books. Global’s Natasha Pace filed this report on Canada’s first RCMP cadaver dog in March 2016.