Policy Text
Policy
1034Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/03/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentCanine Volunteer Program - 1Canine Volunteer Program
1034.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the implementation and utilization of a Therapy Dog, which
is not to be confused with a Service Dog. The Santa Ana Police Department Canine Volunteer
Program was established to supplement and assist Department personnel in the performance
of their duties. The Canine Volunteer Program provides a dog that has been certified through a
nationally recognized organization for service dogs. This dog can be used to reduce stress and
improve morale in the station as well as be deployed in the field at Community Engagement events
and Critical Incidents.
1034.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Therapy Dog – A dog trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in a facility setting.
These dogs are defined but not covered or protected under the Federal Housing Act or the
Americans with Disabilities Act. They do not have public access rights, with the exception of the
specific places they are visiting and working.
Service Dog – A dog trained to provide a specific service for a person with special needs.
1034.2 IMPLEMENTATION
The Chief of Police may authorize the placement of a K-9 Volunteer to strengthen comradery
and to enhance our relationship with the public. This policy will outline the limitations and
requirements before the placement of any K-9 Volunteer can occur. The safety of the employees
and civilian visitors and the proper care of the K-9 Volunteer must be insured before and during
the implementation of a K-9 Volunteer program. These responsibilities fall to the Canine Unit
Commander. It is important to note, that the K-9 Volunteer does not have a designated handler,
and therefore the program relies on the efforts and contributions of all who volunteer to assist.
Locations may be added or removed in the future.
1034.3 QUALIFICATIONS
The dog must be certified through a nationally recognized organization for service dogs. This
requirement is designed to ensure that the behavior, temperament, and obedience of the K-9
Volunteer does not create a danger or a distraction in the workplace. Review and approval of
the certification will be conducted by the Canine Unit Commander, or a designee, before the
placement of any K-9 Volunteer. The commander must provide proof of all vaccinations at the time
of placement and maintain such vaccinations as commonly recommended by a veterinarian. The
commander, or designee, may require re-certification or testing of the K-9 Volunteer at any time.
1034.4 DISQUALIFICATIONS
A K-9 Volunteer may be disqualified or removed from department property, if:
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Policy Manual
Canine Volunteer Program
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2020/03/16, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentCanine Volunteer Program - 21.Aggressive behavior is observed such as biting, growling, lunging, nipping, or
scratching
2.The K-9 engages in uncontrolled, disruptive, or aggressive barking
3.The K-9 destroys department or employee property
4.The K-9 is not being properly cared for
5.The K-9 falls into poor health
6.The K-9 becomes a distraction to the Department's mission, safety, or workload
7.The K-9 is urinating, defecating or vomiting inside the Police Administration Building.
8.The Canine Unit Commander or his designee deems the dog disqualified
9.The Canine Unit Commanderommander orders removal
1034.5 PROCEDURES AND CARE
1.Any facility with a K-9 Volunteer must place conspicuous signs at the main entrance
notifying the public that a dog is on the property.
2.The K-9 shall be in a designated area of the building without unsupervised access to
the visiting public.
(a)If the public is visiting with the K-9 Volunteer, a department member shall be
present at all times and the dog shall be on a leash.
3.K-9 Volunteers shall never be allowed into areas where evidence is stored or is
processed.
4.K-9 Volunteers shall not be allowed in break rooms or dining rooms.
5.K-9 Volunteers must be under some general supervision at all times.
(a)Areas within the Police Administration Building that are unoccupied for periods
of time during the day or night, may not be suitable for a K-9 Volunteer.
(b)If a work location is not staffed during nighttime hours, or night staffing is
insufficient to care for the K-9 Volunteer, the Canine Unit Commander must
make arrangements for care and housing elsewhere.
6.One employee on duty at any given time must be willing to assume responsibility for
the K-9 Volunteer's care, feeding, and control
7.An off-duty employee, regardless of classification or rank, who voluntarily accepts
responsibility for a K-9 Volunteer will not be deemed to be on-duty or on-call, simply
for caring for the K-9 Volunteer. Employees doing so are not eligible for extra pay or
benefits and no special designation or assignment exists related to a K-9 Volunteer.
8.Any employee who witnesses or experiences aggressive behavior by the K-9
Volunteer shall report it to their supervisor immediately.
9.Approval from the Canine Unit Commander must be obtained before the K-9 Volunteer
can be transported from the Police Administration Building for any reason.