K9 Department Policy Flashcards
What is the Canine Policy number
315
When should the training be conducted?
On duty unless otherwise approved
How many trainings is the handler required to attend per month?
No less than 3 shifts per month for narcotic detection
No less than 4 shifts per month for apprehension/dual purpose
What can the handler do to train if they are unable to meet the training requirement that month?
Upon approval by K9 supervisor additional training may be deemed necessary
When may a K9 be used to locate and apprehend a suspect?
Handler reasonably believes the individual has either committed or threatened to commit a violent felony and if:
- Reasonable belief that individual poses an imminent threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any member, or the handler
- Individual is physically resisting arrest by actively fighting officers and use of a canine reasonably appears necessary to overcome such resistance
- Individual is believed to be concealed in an area where entry by other than the K9 would pose a threat to the safety of the members or public
What should the handler do if they no longer meet the criteria for apprehension and the canine has apprehended the suspect with a secure bite
Promptly remove the canine from the suspect
What should the handler do prior to utilizing a canine?
Carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably available at the time
Obtain information including:
- suspects known or perceived age
- Nature of suspected offense
- Whether violence or weapons was used or anticipated
- Any potential danger to the public or members at the scene if canine release
- Degree of resistance or threatened resistance if subject has shown
- Potential for escape or flight if canine not utilized
- Potential for injury to members or public caused by suspect if canine is not utilized
What does the policy state about warnings given prior to use of a canine?
Unless it would increase the risk of injury or escape, a clearly audible warning to announce a canine will be used if person does not come forth, shall be made prior to releasing a canine
What should the handler do to document in the event of an apprehension relating to warnings given?
Document in any related report whether or not a verbal warning was given and if not, the reasons why
When can a narcotic-detection canine be used?
In accordance with current case law and to:
- Assist in search for narcotics during a search warrant service
- Obtain a search warrant by using detection canine in support of probable cause
- Search vehicles, bags, clothing not on persons and other articles deemed necessary
- Narcotic canines will not be used to search a person for narcotics
What are the guidelines for non-apprehension use?
Absent an immediate threat to members, such applications should be conducted on leash or under conditions that will minimize the likelihood that a canine will bite or injure a person
What should you do to document a bite by a canine?
- take photos as soon as practical
- obtain a medical release form
- Ensure medical attention is treated if needed
When utilized by an outside agency our department policy shall be followed T or F
True
What are some handler responsibilities?
- Handler shall not expose canine to foreseeable or unreasonable risk of harm
- Handler shall maintain all equipment under control in a clean and serviceable condition
- Maintain vehicle in a locked garage
- Canine vehicle stored at PD if off duty for a number of days
- Permit canine supervisor of spontaneous on-site inspections of affected areas of home
- Report changes in living status
- Off-duty canines shall be kept in a kennel with a secured lock
- Canine should be permitted to socialize in the home under supervision of the handler
- Reasonable notice to supervisor for arrangements to temp house K9 while handler away
T or F the handler shall have the authority to decline the use of the canine if they deem the deployment unsuitable
true
