Policy Text
Procedure
3092Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/05/28, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentNARCOTICS DETECTION CANINE - 1NARCOTICS DETECTION CANINE
3092.1 PURPOSE
This procedure sets forth the guidelines for the selection, training, and deployment of the Santa
Ana Police Department's Narcotic Detection Canine (NDC). Police Officers are continuously
confronted with suspects who use new and innovative ways to conceal narcotics. To assist
officers, the Department deploys NDCs who are specially trained canines capable of detecting
narcotics and are available for use by officers who believe there may be narcotics concealed
in a particular location, vehicle, or container/compartment. NDCs are trained to detect the
scents of marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. NDCs are assigned to the Special
Investigations Division.
3092.2 PROCEDURE
3092.2.1 HANDLER SELECTION/RESPONSIBILITIES
The guidelines outlined in the Department's Canine Policy shall apply to the NDC handler selection
and their responsibilities. See attachment: Policy 309 - Canines.pdf
3092.2.2 NDC SELECTION CRITERIA
1.Labrador Retriever, or other suitable working breeds, 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 years of age.
2.The canine must be in excellent health with a full medical certification from a licensed
veterinarian, including X-rays showing no hip dysplasia.
3.The canine must be guaranteed to have a sound temperament and disposition suitable
for narcotics detection work with psychological characteristics suitable for normal
urban deployment including public relations activities.
4.A written unconditional guarantee of one (1) year on the canine's performance and a
one (1) year guarantee against hip dysplasia is required.
5.Training records and medical records, including hip X-ryas, must accompany the
canine at the time of delivery.
3092.2.3 PRE-SERVICE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Before being utilized in the field, the NDC shall complete the following training requirements,
regardless of whether the canine is trained by an outside vendor or specified Division personnel:
1.Basic obedience training includes, but is not limited to, the commands of sit, down,
stay, and heel, which should be performed both on and off-leash.
2.A minimum of 200 hours of narcotics detection training. No pseudo narcotics may be
utilized at any time during that training. The canine must be able to detect the odors
of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine and give a passive alert upon
finding these substances.
3.During pre-service training, the canine should be exposed to various search
environments that replicate actual field search conditions including, but not limited to
Santa Ana Police Department
Santa Ana PD Procedures Manual
NARCOTICS DETECTION CANINE
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/05/28, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentNARCOTICS DETECTION CANINE - 2searches of vehicles, residences, commercial buildings, storage facilities, luggage,
parcels, and open field areas.
4.Training in narcotic detection should also include varied amounts of substances.
In terms of quantity, the canine should be able to detect identifiable residue and
demonstrate success at various amounts up to multi kilograms. The canine must show
proficiency in detecting substances at various heights from ground level to 6 feet high.
Detection of buried narcotics is desirable.
3092.2.4 CERTIFICATION / ON-GOING TRAINING
The canine must be certified following the California Narcotics Canine Association (CNCA)
requirements upon completion of initial training and must be certified annually by an official of
the CNCA.
On-going/in-service training consists of, and may be accomplished by, the following means:
1.Individual Team Training - Each Canine Handler is expected to train with their dog
a minimum of four (4) hours weekly. This training includes detection training and
exercising, and playing with the canine to keep the canine motivated.
2.Department Level Training - All Narcotic Canine Teams may train together as
designated by the Santa Ana Police Department K-9 Sergeant. At this training, Division
Canine Teams may take advantage of SAPD's K-9 training schedule's narcotic search
curriculum.
3.Other Agency or Vendor Training - This training includes training with other law
enforcement/military agencies or professional canine trainers arranged by the SID
canine handlers. Individual handlers must receive approval from the Narcotics Unit
Sergeant before arranging or engaging in training with members of other law
enforcement agencies or with professional canine trainers. Canine handlers may
also attend various seminars and continuing professional training (CPT) courses as
appropriate.
4.Canine Trial Competition - Narcotic Canine Handlers are encouraged to participate
in various canine trial competitions throughout the state. This training aims to allow
canine handlers the ability to interact with Narcotic Canine Handlers from other
agencies and observe canine handling techniques of other handlers. This also
provides handlers with the opportunity to interact with professional trainers and receive
evaluations of their handling techniques. Handlers who desire to participate in trials
shall submit a Request for Training through the unit sergeant when the event is held
outside of Santa Ana. Use of a City vehicle for transportation to such events outside
of the City must be submitted through the unit sergeant for approval by the Special
Investigations Division Commander.
3092.2.5 TRAINING AIDS
NDCs shall be