GGPDE_353_-_Support_Canine_Program_2827882

Policy 353Garden Grove Police Department Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Garden Grove Police DepartmentSupport Canine Program - 1Support Canine Program 353.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The purpose of the Police Support Canine Program within the Youth Services Unit is to utilize this resource in partnership with the Garden Grove Unified School District to promote a positive climate in the school community while following the Mission, Vision and Values of the Garden Grove Police Department. Support Dogs have been used extensively to support and improve mental health. They provide emotional and sensory support to adults and children and help people feel comfortable and decrease symptoms of anxiety. Support dogs have been used at various schools, courts and public safety agencies. Past and present Support Dog programs have improved the overall climate and well-being of citizens and staff alike. The Support Canine will be utilized to: •Interact with students and staff within the Garden Grove Unified School District and to improve the climate amid any situation that compromises the mental and emotional health of the school community. •Lessen the effects of trauma associated with critical incidents for city employees and members of the community. •Help process grief, loss, lower tension and stress. •Conduct presentations for public relations and educational purposes. •Improvement of mental health. •Other official duties as directed. 353.2 POLICY This policy establishes guidelines for the management and use of the YSU Support Canines, handlers, and support personnel assigned to the unit. If, at any time, the Support Canine exhibits behavior that alerts the trained handler that the dog or person(s) interacting with the dog are uncomfortable, the dog will be removed from the area immediately. 353.3 ORGANIZATION The Police Support Canine Program will be managed and administered by the Youth Services Unit Sergeant (program coordinator) as directed by the Support Services Bureau Commander. The Police Support Canine Program is a voluntary adjunct duty of the SRO position and can be revoked at any time. 353.4 SUPPORT CANINE COORDINATOR/HANDLER The YSU Sergeant (program coordinator) will be the supervisor overseeing the management and administration of the program. The Support Canine handler shall be a School Resource Officer appointed by and directly responsible to the Youth Services Unit under the Support Services Bureau. Once assigned, a Support Canine will be assigned to the officer selected as deemed by Garden Grove Police Department Policy Manual Support Canine Program Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Garden Grove Police DepartmentSupport Canine Program - 2the Youth Services Sergeant. The handler shall successfully graduate a team training course at an authorized training center, specifically training for the use of support dogs. The responsibilities of the handler include, but are not limited to: •The Support Canine handler will be responsible for maintaining their assigned workload while handling the dog. •Maintain liaison with a designated service dog training organization. •Maintain liaison with Command Staff and functional supervisors. •Scheduling all Support Canine related activities. •Maintain records to document Support Canine activities. •Maintain records of medical treatment. •Recommend and oversee the procurement of equipment and services for the team. •Schedule and document training to maximize their capabilities. 353.5 HANDLER COMPENSATION Participation in the Support Canine handler program is completely optional, voluntary, nonessential, and in no way tied to the officer/handler's work assignment and/or job duties. If at any time the Handler no longer wishes to participate in the Support Canine Program, they can return the Support Canine to the Youth Services Sergeant with no impact on their work assignment. Support Canine handler personnel do not qualify for any incentive or special assignment pay nor is the department responsible for the care, feeding, grooming and other needs of the Support Canine. 353.6 SUPPORT CANINE Support Canines will be certified through a designated service dog training organization. Participation in this program is completely optional, voluntary, non-essential and in no way tied to the officer/handler's work assignment and/or job duties. While the handler is in possession of the Support Canine he/she will be responsible for the health and welfare of the dog and shall ensure that the dog receives proper licensing, training, nutrition, grooming, medical care, affection, and living conditions. If at any time the Handler does not wish to provide the care referenced herein, they can return the Support Canine to the Youth Services Sergeant with no impact on their work assignment. Requirements and Responsibilities: •The Support Canine will not be trained or utilized in any other Canine related duties such as; enforcement, apprehension, detection, agility, etc. •The Support Canine will not be exposed to any foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm. Garden Grove Police Department Policy Manual Support Canine Program Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/02/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Garden Grove Police DepartmentSupport Canine Program - 3•The Support Canine will be provided proper lodging, including arrangements for the dog during handler leave or unavailability. •When the dog is left alone, it will be secured in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the dog. •The Support Canine will be equipped with an identifying vest and badge for official duties. The dog should not be distracted when working. The handler will educate employees and members of the public when they can or cannot interact with the Support Canine. •The Support Canine will not be fed any food or treats without