Policy Text
Court and Security Services–Airp ort Division Page 1 of 2 210/03 (REV 05/08)
Handler and Canine Training
The purpose of this Order is to p rovide guidelines and procedur es for the training of
canine handlers and their canines. I. General
A. The need to provide safety ser vices to the flying public an d the airport
community requires the establis hment of strict training guideli nes in order
to maintain the highest degree of consistent performance, given the
sensitive nature of explosives detection.
B. The Explosive Detection C anine Supervisor shall be responsi ble for
ensuring appropriate plans are m ade for each training session. Training
will take place at locations deem ed safe and non-disruptive to airport or
business operations. A variety of locations and scenarios, con sistent with
guidelines set by TSA training standards, shall be used to main tain high
levels of performance.
C. The canine supervisor shall periodically coordinate with ou tside agencies
to provide training opportuniti es to all airport canine teams d esigned to
enhance their explosives detection capabilities.
II. Training
A. All canine training will be conducted in a manner that ensu res the
reliability and consistency of performance for the handler and the canine.
Formal training will be c onducted on a daily basis.
B. Training areas should vary a s much as possible to give the canines and
handlers multiple and varied “pract ical scenarios”. These area s should
include, but are not limited to , terminals, baggage areas, vehi cles, aircraft,
freight buildings, warehouses, open areas, etc.
C. Security and safety procedur es and the accountability of ex plosive
materials will be strictly adhered to in accordance with the TS A Standard
Operating Practice and Procedures (SOPP).
Court and Security Services–Airp ort Division Page 2 of 2 210/03 (REV 05/08) D. Training Records: Each handl er is responsible for entering his/her training
records into the TSA Canine W ebsite. All entries shall be accu rate and as
detailed as possible.
With the exception of the Canine Training Aid Reporting System (KTARS)
involving training on aircraft , entries shall be entered as soo n as possible
but no later than 48 hours after the training exercise is condu cted. KTARS
entries will be made within two (2) hours following the end of the training
activity.
III. Uniform
A. During normal duty hours, handl ers shall wear a uniform that
conforms to the Uniform Manual , Deputy Class “C” Utility Dress or
better.
B. Cloth badges are not authorized. C. Handlers shall not blo use their uniform pants.
D. Handlers are authorized to wear the “K9” pin only on class “ A”
and class “B” uniforms.
E. During scheduled training days , training missions and evalua tions
handlers may wear class “C” ut ility pants with a collared and
embroidered division polo shir t or an authorized black “K9” lon g or short
sleeve tee shirt or a long sleeved “K9” sweat shirt.
F. If the handler is required to respond to a call-out from hom e, the
Handler may wear class “C” ut ility pants and an authorized blac k
“K9” long or short sleeve tee sh irt, or a long sleeved “K9” swe at shirt
with an authorized tactical vest.
G. K-9 T-shirts will not be worn in areas of high public visibi lity unless
otherwise authorized by t he Division Commander.
Appendices: None
Related Orders: None
References: None