Chapter6 - Police Service Dog Procedures

SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL - CHAPTER 6 CHAPTER 6 POLICE SERVICE DOG PROCEDURES I. Introduction The Canine (K-9) Unit is part of the Special Operations Component. The unit is comprised of a Unit Supervisor (Sergeant) and five officers. The Unit Supervisor is responsible to the Special Operations Component Supervisor. The remaining staff is responsible to the K-9 Supervisor. Patrol officers should be familiar with the duties and responsibilities of the K-9 Unit as they relate to patrol functions. II. Purpose This policy provides the Coral Springs Police Department with an internal set of guidelines for the use of police service dogs (PSD). This policy is not intended to provide the standard of care for any civil or other external proceedings within the Coral Springs Police Department. The decision to use a PSD in accordance with this policy will be deemed an act of discretion and will be reviewed in light of information reasonably available to the officer(s) at the time the decision is made. The ultimate disposition of any related criminal proceeding will have no bearing on determining the reasonableness of any such decision. The Coral Springs Police Department uses the police service dog (PSD) to support and enhance its law enforcement goal. III. Coordination with Other/Units Agencies A. While on duty, K-9 handlers, in the absence of the K-9 Unit Supervisor, are under the supervision of the on-duty Patrol Sergeant(s). B. Use of Police Service Dogs K-9 Teams should respond to any calls for service with special attention to: 1. Incidents where suspects are believed to be armed with a potentially dangerous weapon. 2. In-progress felonies. 3. Missing persons or suspects that are no longer in the area, if the canine could possibly initiate a track. 4. Calls where the K-9 handler believes the PSD may assist. 5. Refer to section VI – Operational Procedures for the K-9 response to additional calls for service. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL - CHAPTER 6 C. Responsibility of Assisting Department Personnel 1. In all PSD uses, the K-9 team should coordinate efforts with officers and supervisors on the scene. The final decision to deploy the PSD will be made by the on-scene K-9 handler. 2. If a conflict arises between a K-9 handler and a supervisor concerning the use of the PSD, the K-9 handler will advise the supervisor of the PSD's limitations. The handler will make the final decision based on department procedures and utilize the PSD to the best of their ability. 3. Requests for a K-9 team will be made as soon as possible. 4. The officer or supervisor in charge at the scene will set up and maintain a perimeter around the area to be searched. Marked patrol units should be used for perimeter points. Officer responsibilities: a. Stand outside the driver side door of their marked vehicle while at designated perimeter positions. b. Keep quiet. Remain alert for suspects. c. Activate emergency lights unless otherwise directed. (i.e., dark perimeter) d. Follow directions of the K-9 handler and coordinating supervisor. e. Avoid contaminating the area to be searched. f. Avoid entering the search area unless in an emergency or when directed by the K- 9 handler. g. Officers shall not leave perimeter posts without supervisory permission. 5. Back-up / Cover Officer Responsibilities (Tracking): a. Remain near the K-9 handler and follow their instructions. b. Take action toward the suspect(s) only in an emergency or when directed by the K-9 handler. c. Provide Cover and Protection for the K-9 Team during deployment. d. Provide directional changes and updates during the track, via the police radio. D. Conduct of Department Personnel in the Presence of the Police Service Dog 1. Frivolous or unorthodox behavior is prohibited. 2. Unnecessary noise is prohibited. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL - CHAPTER 6 3. No sudden movements or motions will be made towards the K-9 handler or PSD. The PSD is trained to interpret this as an aggressive action and will respond to protect himself and the K-9 handler. 4. No person will approach a PSD without the consent of the K-9 handler. 5. A vehicle containing a PSD without the K-9 handler will never be approached or entered, except in an emergency. The PSD may be aggressive towards any person approaching the vehicle. E. Assist Other Jurisdiction 1. K-9 Teams may only assist those agencies having a Mutual Aid agreement with the City of Coral Springs or as otherwise directed by the Chief of Police or designee. 2. Mutual Aid requests for K-9 will be directed to the K-9 Unit Supervisor or an on-duty Patrol Supervisor for authorization. 3. The K-9 handler may, at his discretion, request another Coral Springs police officer or another K-9 Team to accompany him as a backup. 4. When practical, and prior to taking any action, the K-9 handler will advise the officer in charge that the policies and procedures of the Coral Springs Police Department’s K-9 Unit will govern the K-9 Team(s) deployment. 5. The K-9 handler and/or a Coral Springs Police sworn supervisor may discontinue assistance any time it appears that continued K-9 involvement would not be in the best interest of the City of Coral Springs. 6. The K-9 handler will complete an Assist Other Jurisdiction (AOJ) report if a search is conducted and a seizure (either person or property) is made. Response to Resistance Report will also be generated if an apprehension necessitates a bite. If no seizure occurs, the Handler will receive a call number from CSPD Dispatch. IV. Canine (K-9) Supervisor – Sergeant A. The K-9 Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the unit. B. The Supervisor is responsible for the officers under their command as well as the work performed by members of the unit. C. The Supervisor is responsible for all associated administrative duties as outlined in SOC Chapters 1-3. D. The Supervisor must be ready to assume and perform the duties of subordinates in order to supplement staff shortages. E. The Supervisor shall make recommendations for replacement of police service dogs, SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPONENT SOP MANUAL - CHAPTER 6 selection of vendors, and veterinarian health services. F. Make sure all PSDs considered for purchase are fully checked by Coral Springs Department approved veterinarian.