I hadn't thought about the use of dogs in this sort of situation, but now that you mention it I can absolutely see the potential. I'm aware of the uses you mention, and I've seen a PTSD assistance dog in action - quite extraordinary how sensitive they can be (not specifically smell, obviously, but part of the same concept). I think they have an assistance dog available for victims giving testimony in some child abuse cases (the most recent example being the Cardinal Pell matter).
And you know, I think the sort of use you describe might not be that far off. They are using dogs for more and more. Also, specifically, already use dogs to search for cadavers and missing children (they used one in the William Tyrell case). Just thinking out loud - perhaps what they could do is have the dog sniff a person if that person has been attacked by someone else (e.g. rape) and then see if the dog recognizes that smell in a suspect. Perhaps not useful as evidence alone, but could back up someone's line-up ID or provide police with a line of inquiry.
Very interesting line of discussion. Really enjoying it and your insight, especially the different ways smell might be able to play a part in apprehending suspects.
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