Canine k9 flashcards

SOP

Mission Statement The Canine Unit is

Committed to the highest ethical standards of the law enforcement profession through professional utilization of the police service canine to enhance the safety of officers and the quality of life for the citizens we serve.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office recognizes that canines, because of their superior what?

Superior sense of smell, hearing and physical capabilities are a valuable supplement to Sheriff’s Office law enforcement personnel. The utilization of police

The utilization of police service canine requires adherence what?

adherence to procedures

Required procedures properly control what?

service canine requires adherence to procedures that properly control their use of force potential, while ensuring their specialized capabilities are directed at legally acceptable crime prevention and control activities.

The police service canine program’s mission is to provide

A reliable patrol canine capability, through the employment of trained canine handler teams to aid in law enforcement.

The primary task of the canine team is to search for?

human odor.

A police service canine may be used to apprehend an individual, if?

the handler reasonably believes that the individual has either committed or is about to commit any offense

A police service canine may be used to apprehend if an individual is reasonable belief that the individual poses?

There is a reasonable belief that the individual poses an immediate threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any peace officer, or him/herself.

A police service canine may be used to apprehend if an individual physically?

2. The individual is physically resisting arrest and the use of the police service canine appears necessary to overcome such resistance.

A police service canine may be used to apprehend if an individual hiding or evading where?

The individual(s) is believed to be actively hiding or evading in an area where entry by other than the canine would pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public.

What standard will the use of a police service canine be judged under?

It is recognized that situations may arise which, may not fall within the provisions set forth in this policy. In any such case, a standard of reasonableness will be used for the decision to use a police service canine in view of the totality of the circumstances.

Prior to the use of a police service canine to search for or apprehend any individual, the canine handler at the scene will do what?

Canine handler will carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably available at the time. The canine handler will activate his BWC and attempt to obtain the deployment factors necessitating the use of a police service canine from the primary unit on scene or other unit with firsthand knowledge of the incident.

The information Handler will include, but is not limited in report:

a. The individual’s age or an estimate thereof,

b. The nature of the suspected offense involved, i.e. the seriousness of the offense and the threat of future violence if apprehension is not imminent.

c. Any potential danger to any other police officers who may attempt to intervene or assist with the apprehension,

d. Potential danger to the public, a police officer, or other individual, which may result from the release of a police service canine.

Once a perimeter has been established and prior to retrieving a police service canine from the vehicle, Canine Handlers will ensure what?

Canine Warnings have been given via a patrol vehicle Public Address (P.A. System) to alert citizens in the immediate area that a police service canine will be deployed.

Unless it would otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape what will be given?

Verbal warning followed by a reasonable period of compliance will precede the release of any police service canine.

The canine warning/announcement should consist of the what?

“Sheriff’s Office Canine. Come Out or we will release the Dog, and the Dog WILL bite.”(emphasis added)

How often do you giving warnings?

This warning/announcement will be given three (3) times when the canine is first deployed unless it would otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape

Do you repeat warnings?

Will be repeated throughout the search/deployment as the situation permits. Handlers will ensure additional canine warnings are issued whenever a natural break or barrier in a suspect search occurs unless it would otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape.

What will be done after a utilization of a police service canine in an apprehension?

A canine supervisor will be notified as soon as practicable following the utilization of a police service canine in an apprehension.

In the event of an apprehension, the handler will document

In any related report whether a verbal warning was given and, if none was given, the reasons why.

Prior to going off duty, the handler will complete what?

Prior to going off duty, the handler will complete all necessary reports associated with the use of a police service canine in an apprehension.

The police service canine handler will keep a record of all

training, handler’s daily logs and deployments performed by the canine.

Who is responsible for deployment of the canine

The decision to use the canine rest solely with the canine’s handler. The handler is responsible for the deployment of the canine.

The police service canine team may be available for use by who?

May be available for use by other law enforcement agencies. Request by other agencies must be approved by a canine supervisor.

When will a Ballistic Canine Harnesses be used?

In instances where a known suspect armed with a firearm has become barricaded within a structure and a canine is to be utilized to locate and/or apprehend the suspect, use of a county issued canine ballistic vest is required.

The Narcotic Detection Canine Program’s mission is to?

provide a practical and credible countywide drug detection capability through the employment of trained canine handler teams to aid in the investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of persons engaged in illegal drug activities. The primary task of the narcotic detection canine team is to locate drugs

The narcotic detector canine may be used to?

a. Search vehicles, buildings, parcels, areas or other items deemed necessary;

b. Aid in the obtaining of a search warrant by using the canine in support of probable cause;

c. Assist in the search for narcotics during the execution of a search warrant.

d. Assist in drug education programs for the Sheriff’s Office.

The narcotic detector canine will not be used to do what?

Canine will not search a person for drugs. .

If a narcotic detector canine alert causes the officer to believe that a person may be in possession of drugs

, the officer in charge of the investigation will determine how to proceed. Personal possessions may be searched by the canine only if removed from the person

The narcotic detector canine handler will keep a record of all

training, handler’s daily logs, deployments and searches performed by the canine.

The Contraband/Electronics Device Detection Canine Program’s mission is to provide

a practical and credible countywide contraband detection capability through the employment of trained canine handler teams to aid in the investigation, and prosecution of persons engaged in illegal contraband activities within the confines of detention facilities.

The primary task of the contraband detection canine team is to

locate drugs (controlled substances, narcotics), cell phones, and other contraband.

The contraband detector canine may be used to Search and assist in what?

a. Search vehicles, buildings, parcels, areas or other items deemed necessary.

b. Assist in drug education programs for the Sheriff’s Office.

Prior to deployment in a detention facility, the handler will ensure,

a. Facility Staff have ensured that all inmates and other personnel are secured from the area to be searched and all movement has been frozen on the floor/area to be searched.

b. Facility Staff are to make every effort to avoid contamination of the search area prior to the arrival of the canine.

e.

After a deployment in a detention facility, the handler will

Indications by the canine will be relayed by the canine handler to staff members for further investigation. All contraband located will be processed by staff members.

The canine handler will complete a canine utilization for each area searched by the canine.

The Canine Explosive Detection Program’s mission is to

The primary task of the explosive detection canine team is to locate explosives or explosive components. By providing a practical and credible countywide explosive detection capability through the employment of trained canine handler teams to aid in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of persons engaged in illegal terroristic activities.

The explosive detector canine may be used to:

a. Search vehicles, buildings, parcels, areas or other items deemed necessary;

b. Aid in the obtaining of a search warrant by using the canine in support of probable cause;

c. Assist in the search for explosives during the execution of a search warrant;

d. Assist in public awareness and education programs for the Sheriff’s Office.

The explosive detector canine will not be used to

Search a person for explosives.

If an explosive detector canine alert causes the officer to believe that a person may be in possession of explosives

The officer in charge of the investigation will determine how to proceed. Personal possessions may be searched by the canine only if removed from the person.

The Canine Mobile Odor Detection Program’s mission is to

To provide a practical and credible countywide explosive detection capability through the employment of trained Canine Handler teams to aid in the investigation, apprehension and prosecution of persons engaged in illegal terroristic activities.

The primary task of the mobile odor detection canine team is to

To locate explosives, explosive components, and person borne improvised explosive devices.

The Mobile Odor Detection canine may be used for:

a. Search vehicles, buildings, parcels, areas, or other items deemed necessary;

b. Aid in the obtaining of a search warrant by using the canine in support of probable cause;

c. Search crowds for Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Device at public venues;

d. Assist in public awareness and education programs for the Sheriff’s Office

The mobile odor detection canine will be used to search crowds of people for the presence of

presence of person-borne improvised explosive devices. If a mobile odor detection canine alert causes the officer to believe that a person may be in possession of explosives, the mobile odor detection team will determine how to proceed.

Any Canine Handler who is requesting an assignment to the Mobile Odor Detection Canine Unit must meet the following requirements:

a. Must be a current or previous Canine Handler.

b. Must have a minimum of 3 years canine handling experience. Explosive Canine handler experience preferred.

c. Must be willing to make a commitment to work the canine through the canine’s entire service life.

d. Above requirements may be waived by the Mobile Odor Detection Supervisor on a case by case basis.

Mobile Odor Detection Canine Spotter will be a

certified peace officer.

The spotter may be a canine handler but is not required.

A Mobile Odor Detection Canine spotter will be trained in the methods and policies to be utilized in the Mobile Odor Detection Dog Program

The Spotter will be responsible for:

a. Constantly scanning the public area for threats the canine and handler are sweeping.

b. Communicating to all members of search team, the status during the search.

c. Once alerted by the handler that the mobile odor detection canine has an alert. The spotter will follow and observe the potential threat, and based on the totality of the circumstances, and consistent with personal safety may tactically stop the individual for further investigation.

There are three types of searches that mobile odor detections canine will perform.

1. Static Searches - The canines are capable of doing static searches and as such will be treated as any other explosive odor detection canine search while performing that task.

2. Independent Mobile Odor Searches – These are searches on low threat targets. These searches would be considered unsupported other than having the assistance of a spotter.

3. Supported Mobile Odor Searches – These are searches on high threat targets. These searches would be supported by a designated response team

If a Mobile Odor Detection Canine indicates on an individual who is either carrying or wearing a possible explosive device during a Static Searches

– treated like any other Explosive Ordnance Disposal (E.O.D.) alert.

If a Mobile Odor Detection Canine indicates on an individual who is either carrying or wearing a possible explosive device during an Independent Mobile Odor Search -

a. Low threat - if it is determined that the subject is a considered a low threat, the response will be determined by the spotter.

1) Canine handler- will move away and continue to sweep the immediate area for additional threats. Assist spotter if necessary.

If a Mobile Odor Detection Canine indicates on an individual who is either carrying or wearing a possible explosive device during a High threat –

If it is determined that the subject is a high threat consistent with personal safety; the spotter will maintain observation of the subject pending a response teams arrival.

1) Canine handler- will assist spotter until response team arrives. Once response team arrives, handler will continue to sweep area for additional threats.

If a Mobile Odor Detection Canine indicates on an individual who is either carrying or wearing a possible explosive device during a Supported Mobile Odor Searches – Low threat

a. Low threat – if it is determined by the spotter that the subject is low threat the response will be determined by the spotter.

1) Canine handler will move away to help set an outer perimeter while sweeping for additional subjects.

2) Spotter will maintain observation until the response team can take tactical control of the inner perimeter.

3) The spotter and remaining response team members will then create an outer perimeter and help evacuate the inner perimeter.

If a Mobile Odor Detection Canine indicates on an individual who is either carrying or wearing a possible explosive device during a Supported Mobile Odor Searches – High threat

b. High threat – If it is determined by the spotter that the subject is a high threat the response will be:

1) Canine handler will move away to help set an outer perimeter while sweeping for additional subjects.

2) Spotter will maintain observation until the response team can take tactical control of the inner perimeter.

3) The spotter and remaining response team members will then create an outer perimeter and help evacuate the inner perimeter.

Uniform of Mobile Odor Detection Canine Handler and Canine

Uniform may be altered in order to maintain a low profile to the public. During events at a high value target with a known threat, having the handler and canine in civilian attire may provide a tactical advantage to the team.

Uniform changes must be supported by what?

Information gathered for each particular event. Information gathered may include but is not limited to; threat assessments, and/or value of target.

The Canine Unit is assigned to what Division and what Bureau?

the Special Operations Division of the Patrol Support Services Bureau.

What are the administrative requirements and who are they forwarded through?

All administrative requirements, such as offense reports, training reports, deployment reports, daily logs, and requests for service will be forwarded through a canine supervisor.

What documentation is included with canine administration?

Documentation includes, but is not limited to: 1. All canine training records, 2. All canine handler training records, 3. All canine trainer/assistant trainer training records, 4. All use-of-force reports related to the use of canines, and 5. Other documentation necessary to ensure compliance with accreditation standards for each specific canine discipline.

What rank is assigned as Canine Unit supervisor

A supervisor, the rank of Lieutenant will be assigned as the Canine Unit Supervisor and will assume the responsibility of supervising and administering the day-to-day operations of the Canine Unit.

The Canine Unit Supervisor will be responsible for the following: Training

a. Supervise all canine operations

b. Appoint and maintain dedicated and accredited trainer(s) and/or assistant trainers for the canine teams.

c. Knowledge of the canine training and operations

d. Maintain policy and procedures

e. Maintain the canine database system

f. handler and canine selections

The Canine Unit Supervisor will be responsible for the following:

g. Prepare budget proposals

h. Ensure inspection(s) of all issued equipment, conduct three kennel inspections annually, inspect vehicles and ensure their maintenance is completed on a regular basis

i. Maintain available training sites and decoy personnel

j. Supervise, review and inspect canine records and prepare statistical reports

The Canine Unit Supervisor will be responsible for the following: coordinate

k. Coordinate intra-agency and inter-agency training

l. Coordinate significant incident review procedures

m. Coordinate police trial and certification participation n. Coordinate all community relations, public education and demonstrations

o. Keep the Patrol Support Services Bureau Commander informed of all events and information that affects the Canine Unit.

A supervisor, the rank of Sergeant, will be assigned as the Administrative Sergeant and will assume

the responsibility of administering the day-to-day operations of the Canine Unit.

The Canine Unit Administrative Sergeant will be responsible for the following: Training

b. Knowledge of the canine training and operations

c. Maintain policy and procedures

Who will keep the Canine Unit Supervisor informed and of what?

Canine Unit Administrative Sergeant

Informed of all events and information that affects the canine trainers, assistant trainers, handlers, and the canines.

The Canine Unit Administrative Sergeant will be responsible for the following: paperwork

d. Maintain the canine database system

e. Coordinate handler and canine selections

f. Prepare budget proposals

g. Supervise, review and inspect K-9 records and prepare statistical reports

h. Coordinate significant incident review procedures

j. Conduct quarterly audits of the Narcotics logbook and other documentation related to controlled substances issued for training. k. Conduct quarterly audits of the Explosive logbook and any other documentation related to explosives being issued for training.

Selection of the Canine Handler: strong character traits

Maturity,

Patience

Initiative

Flexibility

Dependability

Emotional stability

When will a “Deployment Report” be completed?

All canine handlers will be required to complete a “Deployment Report” in each case where the canine was utilized.

What are the types of reports and when do they have to be done?

All canine handlers will complete a detailed offense report or supplemental report along with the “Deployment Report” and "Canine Contact Reports” in all instances involving the use of force by the canine.

What will the canines be when not accompanied by a handler and why?

All canines will be secured for their own safety and the safety of others when not accompanied by a handler

What warning should the canine handler periodically make?

Throughout the deployment of the canine in such circumstances, the handler should give periodic verbal assurances that the canine will not bite or hurt the person.

Who will canine assistance request by an outside agency be directed to?

A request for a Canine Unit’s assistance, by an outside agency will be directed to a Canine Unit Supervisor.

Who is responsible for the health and welfare of the canine

The canine handler assigned to that specific canine will ultimately be responsible for the health and welfare of the canine and will ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, affection and proper living conditions.