Policy Text
Narcotic Detector Dog and Handler General Duties
Purpose of the
order The purpose of this order is t o define the duties and responsib ilities of the
narcotic detector do g and handler.
General policies The following list describes gene ral policies pe rtaining to the narcotic
detector dog and handler in the Nar cotics Investigation Divisio n (NID).
A. The narcotic detector dog and handler will be under the directi on of the
Operations Lieutenant, NID.
B. The canine shall be fielded duri ng watches assigned to the NID
Sergeant.
C. The narcotic detector dog shall on ly be used for narcotic searc hes.
D. When off duty, the narcotic de tector dog may be called in upon
authorization of the patrol ser vices watch commander on duty or the
NID Sergeant.
E. The handler shall provide for t he care and feeding of the canin e at all
times.
F. The handler shall maintain reason able control over the canine t o prevent
accidental injury to citizens.
G. The handler will maintain the canine vehicle and other canine r elated
equipment in a clean, presentable and workin g condition.
Areas of
operation The narcotic detector dog may be used for searches at the follo wing
locations:
A. NID searches
B. Metro Airport
C. Other SSD searches
D. Bus stations
E. Post offices
F. Correctional facilities
G. Schools
H. Assist outside agencies
I. Other searches as a pproved b y the O perations Lieutenant, NID.
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Narcotic Detector Dog and Handler General Duties, Continued
Training The following list describes the training each handler will con duct with the
narcotics detector dog.
A. The handler shall conduct conti nuous training wit h the canine t o
maintain the highest possible level of skills and performance.
B. After initial certification, t he handler/dog team will be recer tified once
each year.
C. All demonstrations of the dog’ s abilities will be approved by t he
O
perations Lieutenant, NID.
Canine Costs The following list describes the costs the department will cove r regarding
the narcotics detector dog.
A. Liability insurance shall be provided by the county to cover an y civil
claims while the officer and canin e are engaged in their prescr ibed
duties.
B. The department shall assume all he alth care responsibilities fo r the dog.
C. Dietary needs and incid entals for the canine will be paid for b y the
department.
D. Equipment and schools will be budgeted.
E. The county shall provide a vehicl e designed to accommodate the dog.
F. The department shall provide sa fety housing (enclosed portable dog run)
for the securit
y of the do g.
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