Policy Text
Kern County Sheriff’s Office
Policies and Procedures
TITLE:
DRUG DETECTION DOG DEPLOYMENT
NO: Q-600
APPROVED: Donny Youngblood, Sheriff-Coroner
REFERENCE:
EFFECTIVE:
March 1, 2021
REVIEWED:
REVISED:
UPDATED:
Q-600
POLICY
The canine drug detection program mission is to provide a practical and credible drug detection
capability through the employment of trained officer-dog teams to aid in the investigation,
apprehension, and prosecution of person(s) engaged in illegal drug activities. The primary task of
the canine team is to locate drugs (controlled substances, narcotics).
DIRECTIVE 1. DEPLOYMENTS
The decision to use the drug detection dog rests solely with the canine handler. The handler is
responsible for the deployment of the dog as a method of investigation. The drug detection dog
may be used to:
• Search vehicles, buildings, parcels, areas or other items deemed necessary;
• Obtain a search warrant by using the dog in support of probable cause;