CHAPTER: 19 - K-9 UNIT LAKE PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS MANUAL EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD NUMBER OF PAGES: 13 REVISED DATE: July 1, 2015 DISTRIBUTION: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: GEORGIA LAW ENFORCEMENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (GLECP) STANDARDS INCLUDED: 1.14, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, and 1.21 INDEX I. PURPOSE It is the purpose of this operations manual to provide guidelines for the utilization of the Department s K-9 Unit and the use of police canines in field operations. At current time the Lake Park Police Department does not have a canine unit and currently get assistance from Lowndes County and Echols Sheriff Department (s). The below policy is set in place should the agency obtain/start/ and or have a canine unit. II. POLICY Recognizing the superior scenting abilities, keen eyesight, advanced hearing capabilities, and ability to deter crime with its sheer presence, the trained canine is a valuable asset to the law enforcement community. For the successful deployment of the canine, procedures must be followed to take full advantage of its specialized capabilities. III. PROCEDURES A. CANINE UNIT OPERATION (GLECP STD 1.20a) 1. The canine unit will be available to the department on a 24-hour, on-call basis to track suspects and lost and/or missing persons, to locate hidden evidence from a crime, to search for suspects who are attempting to avoid arrest, to Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 1
protect the public and law enforcement officers from death or injury, to prevent the escape of felons or violent offenders, and to detect the presence of a narcotic substance. 2. The canine handler is responsible for determining whether a situation justifies the use of the canine and the appropriate tactics to be used based on the abilities and/or limitations of the unit. The safety of the handler and the canine will be the primary importance. The handler is responsible for any and all actions of his/her canine. 3. The patrol officer should request the police canine through his/her immediate supervisor. Communications should contact the canine handler and forward the information concerning the incident. 4. The training and experience of canine teams from other agencies and departments can vary significantly. Similarly, deployment and use of force policies of other departments and agencies can be quite different from that of the Lake Park Police Department. As such, the use of outside agencies and other departments canines should be avoided except in extreme emergencies, which clearly dictate the immediate need for a canine, and limited to felony searches, or missing persons, such as children or mentally impaired individuals in which the well-being of an individual is in question. All efforts should be made to utilize an on-duty Lowndes County Sheriff Department K-9 unit or On-call canine. The on-scene supervisor will make the determination of whether to use another agency s K-9 Unit. 5. In the event that another K-9 Unit is called out and a bite occurs, the onscene supervisor will examine the affected area to determine the seriousness or extent of the injury and request medical assistance. The on-scene supervisor should also take photographs of the affected area, complete an incident report, a Use of Force Report, and have the handler of the outside agency who was involved forward a copy of his/her report to the supervisor designated by the CEO immediately. Medical personnel should examine the affected area irrespective of the perceived seriousness of the bite or injury. (GLECP Std. 1.19, 1.21b) 6. The K-9 Unit may request an outside agency (approved by the Unit Supervisor) to assist his/her unit in conducting searches. 7. The agency CEO or his/her designee or Shift Supervisor will approve requests for canine assistance by agencies outside the geographic boundaries of the Lake Park Police Department. 8. Upon determination that a K-9 can no longer perform a law enforcement service, the CEO will make a determination on the disposition of the canine. 9. Officers shall refrain from approaching, petting or agitating the police canine, except during training and upon the approval of the handler. Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 2
10. Physical contact ( horseplay ) between anyone and the handler shall be avoided in the presence of the canine, as it could be perceived by the canine as an attack on the handler. B. ON CALL/CALL-OUT PROCEDURES The K-9 unit will respond to emergency situations while off-duty, including missing persons, such as children or mentally impaired individuals, or situations in which the well-being of an individual is in question. The Unit will also respond to searches for felons. The Unit will not respond to off-duty requests for narcotics canine on routine traffic stops, unless there are extenuating circumstances approved by the Shift Supervisor, with the exception of requests by C.I.D. An onscene supervisor should make the determination if a K-9 Unit is needed. This does not preclude the requesting unit from making prior arrangements for the use of narcotics Canine during an off-duty period. In the event that there is a conflict of an off-duty K-9 Unit, the Unit Supervisor will be contacted and he/she will determine if the Unit will respond. C. RECORDS (GLECP Stds. 1.18c & d, 1.20d & e) The K-9 Unit will be responsible for maintaining all documents associated with the operation of the Unit. All K-9 training and proficiency will be documented. The documentation will be done by each individual handler and may be in the form of a training log. The K-9 unit must complete remedial training with a master instructor if they fail to demonstrate proficiency during qualification training. The K-9 unit may be placed on restricted duty during any time they fail to demonstrate proficiency. D. EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES The following is a list of equipment issued to handlers. Each handler is responsible for the upkeep and day-to-day maintenance of their equipment. Depending upon the specific job the canine is trained to do, this will determine the equipment the handler may have. No personal equipment will be used unless approval is obtained from the CEO or his/her designee. 1. The handlers will be issued the following: a. 1 Outdoor kennel b. 1 Concrete pad c. 1 Doghouse d. 1 Water bucket e. 1 Food bowl f. 1 Slicker brush Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 3
g. 1 Shedding brush h. 1 Undercoat rake i. 1 Fur saver collar j. 1 Canine first aid kit k. 1 Air Kennel l. 1 Kennel lock 2. Equipment for the handler: The following equipment issued in addition to regular uniform officer equipment: a. *SEE UNIFORMS IN POLICY MANUAL* 3. Equipment for patrol canine: a. 1 Muzzle b. 1 Leather tracking harness c. 1 Leather tracking lead (15 foot) d. 1 Leather tracking lead (30 foot) e. 1 Bite Sleeve f. 1 Agitation collar 4. Equipment for narcotic canine: a. 1 Kong (reward toy) 5. Equipment for vehicles: a. 1 K-9 vehicle kennel b. 1 Kennel cooling system c. 1 Kennel bail-out system d. 1 Water container e. Tinted windows for canine comfort/cooling Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 4
f. Outside canine markings for public notification The K-9 vehicle will be assigned to the K-9 handlers as authorized take home Vehicles. The K-9 handlers are the only persons authorized to operate the K-9 Vehicle, under normal circumstances. The K-9 vehicle shall be used for the transportation of the police canine during Patrol and to call-outs. The vehicle may also be used to transport the canine for administrative duties, such as veterinarian appointments. Only K-9 unit canines are to be transported in the K-9 vehicle. Transporting other animals in this vehicle will increase the potential of police canines contracting various diseases. This restriction applies to all types of animals, not just canines. E. K-9 CANINE CARE AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE The handler will have the responsibility of the care, feeding, and health of his canine. K-9 healthcare will only be provided by the department-approved veterinarian. 1. FEEDING THE CANINE a. Canines will only be fed the issued canine food. The canine should be fed only once daily, the preferable time being at the end of his tour of duty. b. No change in canine s diet or feeding habits will be attempted without prior consent of the canine veterinarian. All food pans and water buckets will be cleaned on a daily basis. c. Fresh water must always be available. If the canine has just completed any type of exercise, i.e., field search, agility, etc., the handler should wait a sufficient amount of time for the canine to cool down prior to feeding. 2. MEDICATIONS a. Only medications approved by a veterinarian will be given to the canine. b. Each canine will be given heartworm prevention medication and flea treatment. c. Each canine will be given an annual physical to include required immunizations and a heartworm checks. d. Only department-approved veterinarians, with the exception of emergencies, will medically service the canines. Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 5
3. GROOMING THE CANINE a. The canine must be groomed in order to insure proper hygiene and healthy appearance. b. The handler will check the canine after every field search to insure that the canine suffered no injuries, i.e., feet and pads, etc. 4. SANITARY PRECAUTIONS AND SAFETY a. The handler will police his/her yard as needed of any droppings. b. The handler will refrain from allowing his/her canine to drink from any public fountains, pools, or stagnant puddles. c. Canines are not to be taken into any public and government buildings or locations where large gatherings of people are unless required to do so in the performance of duty. d. Handler s residence kennel or gates will remain locked at all times. e. Handlers will closely monitor their canines in their resident kennels, especially during the summer months, to ensure that the canine has an adequate supply of cool water and proper shade and ventilation. During such times officers may bring the canine into their residence, but it is recommended that an air crate kennel be used when relieving the canine from extreme environmental conditions. f. The resident kennel and yard may be inspected by the CEO or his/her designee at any time. g. The K-9 vehicle s kennel will be kept clean and sanitized. F. TRAINING AND COMPENSATION (GLECP Stds. 1.14, 1.18 a & b, 1.20c) 1. The handler is responsible for: a. Feeding the canine; b. Grooming the canine; c. Taking the canine to the veterinarian as needed; and d. Cleaning and maintaining the canine s kennel and equipment. To assist with these duties, the Department will provide each handler with a kennel, doghouse, concrete pad, and other items necessary Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 6
for the care and maintenance of the canine. These include a leash, collar, water, and food bowls, and grooming aids. Department will also provide or pay for all necessary food and veterinary care. Before obtaining any other canine-related items not provided by the department, the handler shall obtain prior approval from the CEO or his/her designee. 2. Handlers are encouraged to perform canine care and maintenance duties during on-duty hours, if possible. The Department recognizes that some care and maintenance of the canine will occur during the handler s off-duty hours, off days, and holidays. The Department desires to pay its canine handlers a reasonable and fair amount for canine care and maintenance work performed while the handler is off-duty. However, exact computation of time spent performing these duties while off-duty is difficult due to the nature and irregularity of the work. Therefore, in order to compensate handlers fairly for the off-duty care and maintenance of the canine, handlers will receive one extra hour of pay each day the handler is scheduled to work and one hour of pay for every day off. On scheduled workdays, handlers will work an eight-hour shift and will receive pay for a nine-hour shift. The handler will receive one hour of pay on every day that the handler is not scheduled to work. On the days when the handler is on vacation or sick leave, the handler will be charged eight hours of vacation or sick leave and paid for one hour of regular pay. The hour per day is intended to fully compensate the handler for the care and maintenance of the canine. 3. The CEO or his/her designee must approve in advance any time needed for the care of the canine in addition to the time provided above. 4. A kenneling service will be provided when handlers are out-of-town. 5. The CEO or his/her designee is responsible for the overall training of the unit. The canine handler is responsible for the training of the canine assigned to him/her. 6. The unit must demonstrate proficiency and annually qualify with a master K-9 trainer to maintain certification. All training will be documented. G. CANINE ENGAGEMENTS AND INJURIES (GLECP Stds. 1.19, 1.20, 1.21c) Use of specially trained police canines for law enforcement responsibilities constitutes a real or implied use of force. In this, as in other cases, officers may only use that degree of force that is reasonably necessary to apprehend or secure a suspect as governed by the department s Use of Force policy. In all instances where a canine is deployed, a canine activity report shall be submitted and a logbook will be maintained logging each canine activation. Whenever a canine engages an individual, whether or not in the line of duty, the handler shall examine the affected area to determine the seriousness of the bite or injury and request medical assistance. Medical treatment should be obtained and medical personnel should examine the affected area irrespective of the perceived seriousness of the engagement or injury. Photographs of the affected area Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 7
should be taken as soon as possible by the handler or supervisor on scene. The handler will notify the supervisor anytime than an engagement occurs. A Use of Force report will be completed whenever it has been alleged that a canine has engaged or otherwise injured an individual. The incident must detail the circumstances surrounding the incident. H. CONTAINMENT OF AN AREA 1. No one should walk through or around the area if the K-9 is on the way. The freshest scent in the area will be most readily picked up, and the canine may be confused by numerous tracks. 2. If the officer chases a subject into an area, he/she should remember the path they took. He/she should try to walk out the same way they went in to avoid further contamination. 3. The officer should advise the K-9 handler that he/she has been in the area and show the handler where the officer was last and where the officer last saw the subject. 4. Avoid unnecessary contamination of an area which could result in disciplinary action. I. METHODS OF DEPLOYMENT 1. The officer(s) should place the patrol vehicle(s), starting on the right side of the contaminated area, and then work counter-clockwise around the containment area. The reason for this is that most people will tend to make right-hand turns when fleeing. 2. The officer(s) should park the patrol vehicle(s) in the best possible advantage point for observing. 3. The officer(s) should park the patrol vehicle, turn off the engine, and stand outside the vehicle to look and listen. The officer may hear the subject as he/she is moving through the area. 4. If the officer observes the subject, he/she will not chase after him unless he/she knows that they can catch the subject. 5. Patrol officers should avoid bringing the patrol vehicles too close to the point where the subject was last seen. The exhaust fumes will obliterate any ground or contact scent as well as interfere with the canine s olfactory (smelling) capabilities. Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 8
6. Patrol officers should not continuously ride around a contaminated area. 7. Patrol officers should not follow the K-9 in their vehicles while the canine is tracking. 8. Officers should stay at their assigned position until requested to move by a supervisor or K-9 handler. J. TRACKING FOR SUSPECTS AND LOST OR MISSING PERSONS When using a canine to track a suspect from a crime scene, other law enforcement personnel must not contaminate the area with the tracks and scents. Factors that may help or hamper tracking are as follows: 1. Time: The canine should be put on the track as soon as possible. Success depends on the availability of scent and scent deteriorates as the track ages. Time lapses directly affect the canine s tracking ability. 2. Ground Surfaces: A canine is much more successful when tracking on grass or other vegetated surfaces because human scent adheres more readily in that type of environment. Less porous surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete, impede a canine s tracking ability. 3. Weather conditions: Human scent remains longer on cool, moist ground. On the other hand, direct sunlight, extremely dry ground, or excessive rain dissolves scent rapidly and makes tracking difficult. K. ARTICLE SEARCHES Canines can be utilized to conduct article searches for discarded clothing, weapons, disguises, and so on. This can be a valuable tool for locating evidence in an investigation. Often stolen articles are buried or hidden for later recovery by a suspect. A well-handled canine can easily pick up these items. Again, the rules are the same: speedy containment, coordination of units, and exact information of the handler. L. DRUG SEARCHES If a K-9 is requested to do search of a residence, the following must be adhered to: 1. Remove all people and any house pets from the residence; 2. Close doors and windows to allow scents to settle; 3. DO NOT search the residence by hand first, but allow the canine team to conduct their search first. The K-9 Unit will take one officer with them to record where the canine indicates that there may be drugs. In the event Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 9
those officers conduct a search prior to the use of a canine team, the canine team cannot be used effectively; and 4. In the event of a request for a K-9 Unit to conduct a vehicle search for drugs, it will be the responsibility of the handler to determine the propriety of the request. If the handler determines a search is in order, the requesting officer shall remove all occupants from the vehicle, turn off the ignition and secure the doors. M. CROWD CONTROL 1. The K-9 Unit shall not routinely be used at peaceful demonstrations. 2. The K-9 Unit may be used for crowd control only upon approval of the CEO or his/her designee to protect life or property during a riot or other major unauthorized gatherings that cannot be controlled by other means. In these situations, the K-9 shall be on a short leash at all times unless no other means are available to protect an individual from serious bodily injury. 3. The handler shall not, as a rule, initiate any offensive action except to affect the arrest of a person who is violent, combative, or to guard against imminent loss of life or serious bodily injury. N. BACK-UP OFFICERS 1. In the situation that the handler needs a backup officer, he/she will advise the officer of their responsibilities prior to the deployment of the canine. Officers must maintain a safe zone between themselves and the canine handler at all times. Safety is of paramount concern. Canines are trained to protect their handler and may react aggressively to perceived threats. 2. The back-up officer s responsibility is to provide cover for the handler, as he cannot arm himself, and properly prepare against a sudden attack while concentrating on the canine if an armed confrontation occurs. 3. The back-up officer also acts as a take-down officer in situations in which more than one suspect is encountered. 4. The back-up officer can also collect any evidence that may be located on the track. He is able to retrieve the items first-hand and can testify to the chain of custody for the evidence, if required. 5. The on-scene supervisor shall also take the following steps in preparation for the canine search: a. Evacuate tenants, workers and others from the facility. Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 10
b. Request that all air conditioning, heating and other air-blowing systems be shut off so as not to interfere with the canine s scent. c. Have radio call the business to see if anyone answers. 6. Upon entrance to the building, all exits should be secured and communications limited to those of a tactical nature. No one is allowed in the building during the search. If a second person is needed, the handler will use another canine handler, if possible. This applies to all searches. 7. The canine should be unleashed during a building search unless there is an imminent risk of injury of innocent persons within the facility. 8. The canine should not be used to search facilities that contain substances potentially harmful to the animal unless overriding risk to human life is present. 9. Before commencing the search, the handler shall loudly announce a minimum of three (3) K-9 warnings and repeat the statement that there are law enforcement officers on the premises and that a trained police canine will be released if the individual does not surrender. A reasonable amount of time shall be allowed for the suspect to respond. This warning shall be repeated on each level of all multi-level structures. The handler may disregard announcing if there is a present danger to the officer, i.e., armed subject. 10. When apprehending suspects in these or related circumstances, canines shall be commanded to disengage as soon as the suspect is subdued. 11. Arrestee shall not be transported in the same vehicle with a canine unless alternative transportation is not available and immediate transport is essential for safety or security reasons. 12. Officers assisting the K-9 Unit shall keep loud noises, excessive talking or radio traffic to a minimum while the K-9 teams are actually working. If at night, avoid lighting up the K-9 Unit with spotlights or flashlights. M. HANDLER KILLED OR INJURED 1. In the event the handler is injured or killed and it becomes necessary to remove the K-9 from the scene, the CEO or his/her designee will be notified immediately. 2. It will be the CEO or his/her designee s responsibility to determine the method of removing the K-9. 3. Any attempt to remove the K-9 that may result in the K-9 being harmed or destroyed should be considered ONLY AS A LAST RESORT. If time Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 11
permits, Animal Control should be contacted to assist in safely removing the K-9 4. The safety of the handler, other officer and the public shall be the prime consideration in the method of timeliness of removing the K-9. 5. In the event the handler is injured to the extent that he cannot exercise control over the canine, any officer at the scene should attempt to divert the canine s attention in order for another officer to reach the injured officer and move that officer to safety, if possible. IV. PROTOCAL/PROCEDURE FOR NARCOTIC DETECTION TRAINING FOR K-9 HANDLERS A. PURPOSE Law enforcement agencies have the legal authority to possess certain controlled substances to use for law enforcement purposes. 1 The purpose of this policy is to set forth the procedure for obtaining, using, maintaining, and tracking controlled substances for K-9 Narcotic Detection Training. B. GENERAL GUIDELINES The K-9 Unit of the Department may obtain controlled quantities (maximum of 1ounce each) of heroin (Schedule I), powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana (Schedule II) to be used for the exclusive purpose of K-9 Narcotics Detection Training. These procedures provide the methods for tracking the origin and the use of these controlled substances ( drug samples ), as well as security measures and preserving the integrity of the samples. C. DEFINITIONS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE LEDGER: This ledger shall track when a drug sample is removed from the Departmental Evidence Room for Narcotic Detection Training and then returned to the Evidence Room. D. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Narcotic Detection Training will be conducted at various locations as may be approved by the K-9 Unit Supervisor and will continue on an ongoing basis. Drug samples will be used to scent-associate Narcotic Detection Canines to the odor of actual controlled substances. The drug samples shall be hidden in rooms, containers, in/on various vehicles, lockers, parcels, and other locations. Each Narcotic Detection Canine will be trained to search for the odor of certain 1 See O.C.G.A 16-13-35(c) (4) Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 12
controlled substances used in training and, when found, alert the find to the K-9 handler. This training is required by State law and will be discussed in courtroom testimony to demonstrate the ability of these canines to recognize the odor of certain controlled substances. E. OBTAINING DRUG SAMPLES All narcotics in the possession of law enforcement personnel will be held and utilized in accordance to the policies of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and The Georgia Pharmaceutical Board. The canine program supervisor (normally the Uniform Division Commander) will maintain all narcotics for use in training the canines. He/she will maintain the K-9 Controlled Substance Ledger. The DEA will also conduct audits and maintains records on all Narcotics in the possession of the department. F. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING / TRANSPORT OF NARCOTICS When controlled substances are removed from the drug safe, they will be transferred to designated cases and locked in a safe secured in the trunk of a locked canine vehicle. The K-9 Officer will be the only one with the access code to the vehicle safe. Controlled substances will be used in a manner as to prevent accidental ingestion by the K-9. G. SECURITY The training drugs will be stored in the evidence room safe then signed out by the requesting officer and evidence custodian. The Evidence room can only be accessed by the Evidence Custodian, CID Commander, and the CEO. EXAMPLE: The Evidence room is secured by 2 doors that are Key card accessible only to the Evidence Custodian and CID Commander. The drug safe is a Sentry 1.2 Cu. Ft. with electronic lock and 4 live locking bolts. The drugs will be logged in and out using the K-9 Controlled Substance Ledger. The drugs will be weighed every time they are signed in and out of the evidence room by both the evidence custodian and the requesting officer. The CEO or his/her designee will make unannounced inspections of the training drugs and logs to determine that proper record keeping and accountability of evidence methods is being followed. Any problems found during these inspections will be documented and corrected as appropriate. H. PUBLIC RELATIONS The canine s ability may be demonstrated for any interested group. Request for canine demonstration will be channeled through the CEO or his/her designee. Chapter 19 K-9 Unit 13