Policy Text
Court and Security Services-Air port Division Page 1 of 3 210/01 (REV 10/07)
Explosive Detection Canine Unit
The purpose of this Order is to outline the duties and responsi bilities of the Explosive
Detection Canine Unit members. I. Explosive Detection Canine Unit Supervisor
A. An Explosive Detection Cani ne Unit Supervisor is a Sheriff’s Sergeant
assigned to the Airport Division . The Explosive Detection Cani ne
Supervisor is under the direct s upervision of the Airport Assis tant
Commander.
B. Supervisor Duties:
1. The canine supervisor will prov ide administrative and traini ng
oversight to the Explosive Detect ion Canine Unit. He/she shall
coordinate certification and eval uation within each calendar ye ar to
insure each certified Canine t eam maintains peak performance.
2. The canine supervisor will ensur e maintenance and inventory of the
explosives magazine are conduc ted in accordance with the
Transportation Security Administr ation (TSA) guidelines. He/sh e
shall ensure the TSA guidelines pertaining to training aids are
strictly enforced. He/she shall coordinate a mont hly inventory with
a TSA Field Canine Coordinator ( FCC) as well as the annual TSA
inspection and replacement o f explosive training aids.
3. The canine supervisor will an nually review and update the
Operation Orders that provide fo r the responsibilities, deploym ent
guidelines and training o f the canine teams.
4. The canine supervisor shall conduct and facilitate daily tra ining for
the on duty canine t eams and ensure utilizat ion records are
accurate and up to date.
5. The canine supervisor shall be the designated key custodian for the
TSA magazine keys.
6. The canine supervisor will ensur e an explosive detection can ine
team is on duty or “on-call” twent y four hours a day, seven day s a
Court and Security Services-Air port Division Page 2 of 3 210/01 (REV 10/07) week. He/she shall establish an d maintain a current “on-call”
canine team.
7. In addition, the canine supervi sor may be required to perfor m other
divisional superviso ry duties as needed.
II. Canine Handler
A. The Explosive Detection Cani ne Handler is a Deputy Sheriff a ssigned to
the Airport Division. His/her duties and responsibilities fall under the
direction of the immediate super vision of the Canine Supervisor .
B. Canine Handler Duties:
1. Each canine handler shall be responsible for the daily train ing with
their canine to maintain a high level of proficiency.
2. Each canine handler shall ma intain training and utilization records
in accordance with TSA guidelines.
3. Each canine handler shall ensur e their canine vehicle and ot her
canine related equipment are kep t clean, presentable and well
maintained.
4. Each handler is responsible for the care and feeding of the ir canine.
The canine should always be kep t well groomed and clean. Daily
assessment to determine any health related problems is vital in
maintaining a healthy canine.
5. All routine and maintenance ve terinary care shall be obtaine d
through the Sheriff’s Department designated veterinary clinics.
Emergency “after-hours” veterinar y care may be obtained where
available.
6. The canine will always be kep t in a clean, safe environment. The
vehicle and kennel (if applicabl e) will be clea ned daily. The food
and water dishes will be washed and disinfected regularly.
7. Thorough inspections of the c anine’s equipment will be made
regularly and defective equipm ent will be replaced or repaired.
8. If a canine is injured during the normal course of duty, a C asualty
Report will be completed naming t he canine as the victim. The
original will be submitted jus t as any other rep ort with a copy
forwarded to the Division Commander.
Court and Security Services-Air port Division Page 3 of 3 210/01 (REV 10/07) a. If the injury requires immediat e removal from service, the o n-
duty Supervisor and Division A ssistant Commander shall be
notified.
b. These reporting gui delines will also appl y to any injury to the
canine occurring while off duty.
9. All handlers shall maintain positive control of their assign ed canine
in public areas.
a. Canine’s shall not be left una ttended in any area to which
the public may have access.
b. Officers will not leave their canine in the vehicle without first
insuring the climate control is on and functional. Officers
shall not rely solely on the clim ate control and shall regularl y
check on their canine’s condition.
c. Canine’s shall not be left in vehicles for extended periods of
time without adequate brea ks and regular checks.
III. On-Call
When there is not a canine team on-duty, the des ignated “on-cal l” handler shall
be prepared to respond to a “call- out” to the airport (SMF) wit hin 45 minutes in
accordance with TSA guidelines.
Appendices: None
Related Orders: None
References: None