Canines

Question 1

What is the purpose of the guidelines established in this policy?

Answer 1

To augment police services in the community using canines for locating individuals and contraband and apprehending offenders.

Question 2

What is required for teams of handlers and canines according to the policy?

Answer 2

They must meet and maintain appropriate proficiency to effectively carry out legitimate law enforcement objectives.

Question 3

Define ‘imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury’.

Answer 3

The belief that a person has the present ability, opportunity, and apparent intent to immediately cause death or serious bodily injury.

Question 4

What constitutes ‘serious bodily injury’?

Answer 4

A serious impairment of physical condition, including:
* loss of consciousness
* concussion
* bone fracture
* protracted loss or impairment of function
* extensive suturing
* serious disfigurement.

Question 5

What does ‘violently resisting’ refer to?

Answer 5

Actions taken by a suspect that consist of an active assault or attempt to assault a member or resist officers through violence.

Question 6

What should Field Operations canine teams handle?

Answer 6

Routine calls-for-service and incidents that would benefit from the specialized skills of a canine.

Question 7

What should canine handlers do if engaged in protracted tasks?

Answer 7

Request another unit to respond and assume that task when practicable.

Question 8

Who appoints the Canine Program Manager?

Answer 8

The Field Operations Division or the authorized designee.

Question 9

List the responsibilities of the Canine Program Manager.

Answer 9

• Reviewing canine use reports
• Maintaining liaison with the vendor kennel
• Designating dogs for training and field readiness
• Authorizing training through external sources
• Overseeing procurement of equipment
• Conducting comprehensive reviews of canine deployments.

Question 10

What are the responsibilities of the Canine Sergeant?

Answer 10

• Liaison with administration and other canine unit coordinators
• Maintaining records
• Scheduling canine activities
• Ensuring continuous training
• Conducting reviews of suspect apprehensions.

Question 11

What is the role of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Program Manager?

Answer 11

Responsible for administration of bomb/explosive detection canines and supervision of their handlers.

Question 12

Identify the methods for obtaining canines for the department.

Answer 12

• Private citizen donation
• City/County Animal Control Shelter
• Private purchase by handler
• Purchase by the City from an approved vendor.

Question 13

Who must approve requests for canine assistance from outside agencies?

Answer 13

The Watch Commander.

Question 14

What conditions must be met for a canine to be used in an apprehension?

Answer 14

• Imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death
• Suspect armed and threatening serious offense
• Violently resisting
• Concealed in a dangerous area.

Question 15

True or False: A canine can be used to apprehend a juvenile under 14 years of age.

Answer 15

False, unless the juvenile presents an imminent threat.

Question 16

What should a handler do once a suspect is located and no longer poses a threat?

Answer 16

Secure the canine as soon as reasonably practicable.

Question 17

What factors must a handler consider before deploying a canine?

Answer 17

• Nature and seriousness of the offense
• Anticipated violence or weapons
• Degree of resistance shown by the suspect
• Suspect’s age
• Potential for injury to officers or the public.

Question 18

Fill in the blank: A canine search should minimize the likelihood of unintended _______.

Answer 18

bites or injuries.

Question 19

What documentation is required for a canine deployment that results in a bite?

Answer 19

A crime report for intentional bites and a significant incident report for unintentional bites.

Question 20

What is the procedure for handling non-apprehension deployments?

Answer 20

Conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood of bites.

Question 21

What type of canine may be used to locate objects related to a crime?

Answer 21

A canine trained to find articles.

Question 22

What are the circumstances under which a narcotics detection canine may be used?

Answer 22

• Search of vehicles
• Search of buildings
• Search of bags and other articles.

Question 23

What is the purpose of a canine trained in ARTICLE DETECTION?

Answer 23

To locate or identify articles related to a person or crime

A canine search should minimize the likelihood of unintended bites or injuries.

Question 24

Under what circumstances can a canine trained in narcotics detection be used?

Answer 24

In the search of vehicles, buildings, bags, and assisting during search warrant service

A trained canine will not search a person for narcotics unless it is trained to passively indicate their presence.

Question 25

What are the roles of a canine trained in BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION?

Answer 25

Assist in searches for explosives in buildings, vehicles, and special events ## Footnote The canine should not be used to render a suspected device safe or clear.

Question 26

What are the minimum qualifications for a canine handler?

Answer 26

* Currently off probation * Residing in a fenced single-family residence * Agreeing to a minimum three-year assignment ## Footnote Final approval is made by the Chief of Police.

Question 27

What are the responsibilities of a canine handler?

Answer 27

* Ensure health and welfare of the canine * Maintain equipment in serviceable condition * Conduct daily vehicle checks ## Footnote Handlers must not expose the canine to foreseeable risks of harm.

Question 28

What should a canine handler do if their vehicle has an issue?

Answer 28

Notify the Canine Sergeants and the Administrative Sergeant ## Footnote This includes checks of the heat alarm system.

Question 29

What must handlers do when off-duty for an extended period?

Answer 29

Give reasonable notice to the Canine Program Manager for temporary relocation of the canine ## Footnote This is necessary for proper care of the canine.

Question 30

True or False: A canine can be left unattended in public areas.

Answer 30

False ## Footnote Canines should be kept on a leash and not left unattended in public.

Question 31

What is the compensation policy for a canine handler?

Answer 31

Compensated for time spent in care, feeding, grooming, per FLSA and collective bargaining terms ## Footnote Food is provided by the City until the dog is no longer utilized.

Question 32

What should happen if a canine is injured on duty?

Answer 32

Report to the Canine Program Manager or Watch Commander and document appropriately ## Footnote Medical attention should be from the designated canine veterinarian.

Question 33

Who can place a canine on administrative leave?

Answer 33

The Chief of Police ## Footnote Leave may be authorized for various reasons, including questionable actions.

Question 34

What training is required for canine teams before field assignment?

Answer 34

Training and certification to meet current POST guidelines or other recognized standards ## Footnote Cross-trained teams must also be certified by relevant associations.

Question 35

Fill in the blank: Each canine team must be recertified annually to current _______.

Answer 35

POST, CNCA, or other recognized and approved certification standards.

Question 36

What must be done with controlled substance training samples?

Answer 36

* Weighed and tested before use * Stored in locked, airtight cases * Inspected quarterly ## Footnote These procedures ensure safety and compliance with laws.

Question 37

What are the procedures for handling controlled substances used in training?

Answer 37

* Maintain custody and control * Keep records of loss or damage * Return unusable samples to the Property Room ## Footnote This applies to samples possessed under court order or DEA registration.

Question 38

What should be done if a canine team fails to complete training successfully?

Answer 38

They shall not be deployed in the field until certification is achieved ## Footnote Handlers may be temporarily reassigned to regular patrol duties.

Question 39

Who is responsible for maintaining canine training records?

Answer 39

Canine Sergeants or the EOD Program Manager in the case of bomb/explosive detection canines.

Question 40

What is prohibited regarding training standards for canines?

Answer 40

No handler, trainer, or vendor is authorized to train to a standard not reviewed and approved by the Department.