Policy Text
Policy
315Fremont Police Department
Canines
315.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy establishes guidelines for the use of canines to augment police services in the
community, including but not limited to locating individuals and contraband and apprehending
criminal offenders.
315.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Fremont Police Department that teams of handlers and canines meet
and maintain the appropriate proficiency to effectively and reasonably carry out legitimate law
enforcement objectives.
315.2.1 DEFINITIONS
(a)Serious Offense - Suspect(s) wanted or associated with a felonious crime and fleeing
or resisting misdemeanor suspect(s) who are wanted for crimes of violence and/or
pose an obvious threat to officers or community member.
315.3 SHIFT SELECTION AND ASSIGNMENT OF CANINES
The canine teams shall be assigned to the Community Policing Patrol Division to supplement and
assist Patrol
Apprehension Canine teams will select their shift utilizing the standard shift selection procedure
to include a specific canine unit identifier as their call sign.
Apprehension Canine teams will generally not be assigned as the primary officer for any case that
would appear to have extensive follow-up or interviews. For example, canine units should not be
the primary officers on cases such as Penal Code §§ 187, 211, 261, 288, 470, death investigations,
in-progress calls, cases with known suspects, or in-custody cases.
In the event that there are no available primary units available for the above calls, canine units
may be dispatched as the primary unit. When this is the case, attempts will be made to relieve the
canine unit as the primary unit when possible. Canine units may be used as cover units for these
assignments and may be the primary officer for all other calls for service. If necessary, canine
units may be reassigned to incidents that require their presence.
EOD Canine teams will select their shifts using the standard shift selection procedure, which
includes picking a patrol unit identifier as their call sign. Generally, EOD Canine teams will be
required to sign up for a Day Shift schedule unless prior approval has been granted by the Captain
overseeing the canine program. Only one EOD Canine team can sign up on a designated day
shift (A-side/B-side).
EOD Canine teams will be assigned to the Patrol Division and will maintain patrol duty
responsibilities as their primary assignment. Unlike the Apprehension Canine Teams, the EOD
Canine Teams will continue to be dispatched as primary officers, just as any other patrol unit, and
will be responsible for their prisoner transportation when applicable.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/09/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentCanines - 1
Fremont Police Department
Canines
315.4 CANINE COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
The Canine Coordinator shall be appointed by staff and shall supervise the Canine Program.
The Canine Coordinator is directly responsible to the Patrol Division Commander. The Canine
Coordinator shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
(a)Reviewing all canine use reports to ensure compliance with policy and to identify
training issues and other needs of the program.
(b)Maintaining a liaison with the vendor kennel.
(c)Maintaining a liaison with command staff and functional supervisors.
(d)Maintaining a liaison with other agency canine coordinators.
(e)Maintaining accurate records to document canine activities.
(f)Recommending and overseeing the procurement of equipment and services for the
teams of handlers and canines.
(g)Scheduling all canine-related activities.
(h)Ensuring the canine teams are scheduled for regular training to maximize their
capabilities.
315.5 REQUESTS FOR CANINE TEAMS
Patrol Division members are encouraged to request the use of a canine. Requests for a canine
team from department units outside of the Patrol Division shall be reviewed by the Watch
Commander.
315.5.1 OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUEST
All requests for canine assistance from outside agencies must be approved by the Watch
Commander or the Canine Coordinator and are subject to the following:
(a)Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this
policy.
(b)The canine handler shall have the authority to decline a request for any specific
assignment that they deem unsuitable.
(c)Canine teams shall not be called out while off-duty or used outside the boundaries
of the City of Fremont unless authorized by the Watch Commander or the Canine
Coordinator.
(d)As circumstances permit, the canine handler should make every reasonable effort to
communicate and coordinate with outside agency personnel to minimize the risk of
unintended injury.
(e)Consideration should be given to staffing prior to an outside agency deployment.
(f)Deployments for pre-planned outside agency operations shall be authorized by a
Division Commander, Deputy Chief, or Chief of Police.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/09/09, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Fremont Police DepartmentCanines - 2
Fremont Police Department
Canines
315.5.2 PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION
All public requests for a canine team shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, approved by the
Canine Coordinator prior to making any resource commitment. Handlers should use discretion
and consider the audience composition when demonstrating apprehension work to the public.
315.6 APPREHENSION GUIDELINES
A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect if the canine handler reasonably believes
that the individual has committed, is committing, or is threatening to commit any serious offense
and if any of the following conditions exist:
(a)There is a