Policy Text
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
CANINE OPERATIONS
GENERAL ORDER: 10.05 Created: December 1, 2000 ISSUE DATE: November 4, 2025
CALEA STANDARD: 41.1.5, 84.1.4 EFFECTIVE DATE: November 4, 2025
ACTION: Amends general order dated June 30, 2025.
10.05.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to establish policies and procedures for the utilization
of the Concord Police Department’s canine team.
10.05.1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department to utilize a properly trained canine
team to supplement patrol and investigative functions and to assist with any special
operations group when beneficial to this department. Canines shall be purchased from a
vendor and shall be tested and trained prior to being assigned to a h andler.
10.05.2 DEFINITIONS
A. CANINE BITE
Physical contact between a canine's teeth and a person or animal. This physical
contact does not need to result in broken or punctured skin to be a bite.
B. CANINE HANDLER
A sworn coworker of the Concord Police Department who has been trained and
certified to work with a trained dog. Canine handlers shall be assigned to a patrol
team, and for organizational, supervisory, and control purposes, is assigned to the
Patrol Bureau.
C. CANINE TEAM
A canine handler and a trained dog that works together as a team.
D. LEAD
A line or rope used to walk or control a dog. May also be referred to as a leash.
E. NARCOTIC TRAINING AIDS
A sealed container containing controlled substances used in the training of drug
detection canines.
General Order 10.05 CANINE OPERATIONS Page 2 of 11
10.05.3 CANINE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSAL
A. All police canines are the property of the City of Concord and shall not be used for
purposes other than official duties.
B. The canine shall not be registered with any society or organization unless directly
related to department canine training.
C. The department shall not use or permit the use of any canine for breeding purposes.
D. Canines that are retired, permanently injured, or unsuitable for duty may be placed
with their handler, if possible. The handler shall submit a request to take ownership
of their canine through the chain of command. The Chief of Police and the city
manager shall consider the request.
10.05.4 CANINE CARE
A. VETERINARY SERVICES
1. The canine handler is responsible for maintaining the fitness and well -being of
their canine through regular visits to the veterinarian’s office.
2. Each department canine shall be examined periodically by a veterinarian
designated by the Concord Police Department.
3. In extreme emergencies, canine handlers may take the canine to the nearest
available veterinarian for treatment. All emergency visits shall be reported to
the Pat rol Bureau commander as soon as practicable.
B. VACATION AND ILLNESSES
1. When a canine handler takes a vacation or is unfit for duty due to illness, the
canine may be kenneled at the veterinary service provided by the City of
Concord. However, the canine handler may take the canine with them while on
vacation.
2. A canine handler wishing to kennel their canine during vacation shall report the
dates of the kenneling to the Patrol Bureau commander in memo form at least 2
weeks in advance, if applicable.
3. In the event the canine becomes ill or incapacitated, the handler shall report to
the Patrol Bureau commander and the department veterinarian.
C. HOME CARE
1. To better facilitate the strong working relationship necessary between the canine
and canine handler, the canine shall be housed and maintained at the residence
of the canine handler. Canine handlers shall either rent or own their home, and
the backyard must be fenced in a way to provide a second barrier to prevent the
canine from leaving the property and to k eep the public from having access to
the canine kennel.
General Order 10.05 CANINE OPERATIONS Page 3 of 11
2. Equipment, food, kennel, and medical care costs shall be the responsibility of the
department. The canine handler shall be responsible for the proper care and
security of issued equipment, and shall notify the lead canine handler of any
needed replacement or supplemental equipment. Issued equipment may include,
but is not limited to: canine first aid kit, protective armor, equipment bag,
muzzle, collars, leads, harness, water containers, canine badge, and training
aids.
3. The canine handler shall be responsible for the well -being of their assigned
canine. The canine handler shall feed, water, and keep the dog well groomed.
The kennel shall be mainta ined in a clean and sanitary condition and shall be
cleaned frequently.
4. The canine’s food bowl and water bucket shall be scrubbed out