MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH)– The massive manhunt continues in upstate New York for the two inmates who escaped from prison Friday. Aiding the roughly 250 police officers taking part in the search are bloodhounds.

“Bloodhounds specifically are breed and used for tracking humans,” said Sgt. James Kodzis, supervisor for the Connecticut State Police K-9 Unit.

Connecticut has been training bloodhounds since the 1930’s. The dogs go through a three week training course at the K-9 Academy in Meriden. Sgt. Kodzis tells News 8 that bloodhounds differ from German shepherds, perhaps the most popular police dog. Shepherds have a multi-purpose use which ranges from tracking to evidence recovery. Bloodhounds are breed for a single use, which involves tracking. All of which is done through scent.

“Scent is individual to a specific person and we utilize a scent article,” said Sgt. Kodzis. “That’s an article of clothing or some other item the human has come in contact with.”

Bloodhounds being used in upstate New York are using the scent of the inmates from their clothing and bedding. Sgt. Kodzis says scent is perishable. It can be affected by many different factors, which is why time is often of the essence.

There are currently three bloodhounds in training at the K-9 Academy in Meriden. They are expected to graduate on June 25th. Once they do, one of them will stay with the Connecticut State Police. The other two will head to Massachusetts.