Agency Animals (Canine)

Flashcards about Canine Units

Canine Approach Protocol

Employees should not approach a canine or handler in the canine's presence without first establishing communication to allow the approach, regardless of the setting.

Environmental Considerations for Canine Team Deployment

Extreme heat/cold and hazardous physical surroundings are important factors in the decision to utilize a canine team. Deployment can be terminated if conditions become unfavorable.

Canine Handler's Primary Responsibilities

Handlers are primarily concerned with crimes in progress, serious crimes, and situations requiring the use of the canine.

Crime Scene Preservation Protocol

To prevent tracking problems, the requesting officer(s) should not enter the area to be searched or accompany the canine team unless requested by the handler.

Canine Handler Authority

The canine handler has ultimate authority on the use of the canine, but is subordinate to the ranking supervisor on the scene.

Factors in Canine Deployment Decision

The canine handler decides how the canine is used based on their knowledge of the canine's capabilities and potential hazards.

Assisting Other Agencies

The canine team may assist another agency if there is adequate work force and shift supervisor authorization.

Purpose of Canine Deployment

Canine teams are deployed and utilized as a supplemental and supportive tool to contribute to the success of a specific objective.

Final Decision on Canine Use

The final decision to utilize the canine team rests with the canine handler.

Authorization to Control Canine

The assigned handler will be the only person authorized to control the canine.

Use of Force Standard

The canine handler has the burden of allowing the canine to use only a level of force believed to be necessary to apprehend or secure a suspect.

Off-Duty Call-Outs

The canine handler will be on call at all times and subject to call out at all hours with shift supervisor approval.

Initial Canine Handler Training Certification

The initial canine handler's training shall be certified by the North America Police Work Dog Association.

Canine Team Training Requirements

All Valparaiso Police Department canine teams shall attend the mandatory in-service eight (8) hours of training scheduled once a month. This training will be scheduled by the canine coordinator designated by the Chief of Police.