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General Order B -19 1 of 10 Police Canine Teams TEMPLE TERRACE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE 01/30/2004 FILE INDEX NO. B-19 SUBJECT: POLICE CANINE TEAMS INDEX AS: SAME AS ABOVE RESCINDS: REVISES: B -19 DATE REVISED: 10/21/2025 DISTRIBUTION SWORN MEMBERS I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this general order is to establish guidelines for supervision, operation, and utilization of the Temple Terrace Police Department Canine (K -9) Unit. II. SCOPE: Sworn Members III. DISCUSSION: Canine teams are valuable law enforcement aids for use in narcotic and evidence detection, criminal apprehension, tracking persons, building searches, crowd control, and for promoting favorable public r elations. Procedures herein set forth are intended to ensure the effective use of canine teams. IV. DEFINITIONS: A. Canine (K -9) - A working class dog which has been procured and specially trained to execute a number of specific tasks which make use of canine speed, agility and sense of smell. B. Canine (K -9) Coordinator - A Canine Officer appointed by the Patrol Division Commander. C. Canine (K -9) Officer - A law enforcement member specially trained in the care, handling, and training of a canine for law enfor cement use. D. Canine (K -9) Team - A Temple Terrace Police Department K -9 officer and his/her Police Department canine. V. PROCEDURE A. The Canine Unit shall be an organizational subdivision of the Patrol Division and will routinely work under the guidance of a Patrol Supervisor. 1. When assigned to a special detail, canine teams shall operate under the supervision of the shift/team supervisor of the area to which they are deployed. General Order B -19 2 of 10 Police Canine Teams VI. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBLILITY: A. The Canine Coordinator shall be qualified in canine law enforcement operations thro ugh specialized training and experience. B. The Canine Coordinator shall be responsible for: 1. Coordinating the training, certification, and performance of canine teams 2. Verifica tion and review of all training, performance and activi ty records of all canine teams , and any other records the Patrol Division Commander may require 3. Periodically updating the canine teams regarding legal changes and court rulings in the form of publicati ons, legal updates, and training bulletins 4. Annual inspect ion of all canine related equipment for serviceability or replacement C. Responsibilities of the canine officer’s immediate supervisor: 1. Notify the Patrol Division Commander or, if after hours, the on -call administrator regarding incidents of physical apprehension (subject bitten) by the canine. 2. Ensure the canine is utilized within current laws and department policy. D. Responsibilities of the canine officer: 1. Maintain activity and performance records of the canine team 2. Submit all deployment and training records to the Canine Coordinator for review 3. Maintain all records related to the equipment, maintenance, and training of the canine team 4. Maintain all available health and vaccination records on the canine 5. Maintain all assigned departmental equipment related to the canine team, ensuring the equipment i s in good working order, serviced and/or replaced when needed 6. Maintain a constant high level of canine training to ensure that the canine team meets the required criteria for all applicable annual re-certifications 7. Ensure the canine receives proper care, n ecessary veterinarian checkups, and prompt medical attention when needed 8. Ensure the canine is utilized within current laws and department policy. E. Responsibilities of the responding officers: 1. It shall be the responsibility of the initial officer arriving a t an incident scene to: a) Evaluate existing hazards, opportunity for immediate on -scene apprehension of criminals, and relative need for the immediate use of the canine team b) Establish a perimeter and prevent contamination of the air and ground scene unless precluded by the need for medical assistance, immediate apprehension, or other essential factors 2. To keep all non -essential persons away from the area of operation in which the canine team is present 3. To assist the canine team, if requested, during any attempts to track a suspect, while avoiding contamination of the track path; This will be at the discretion of the canine officer VII. SELECTION PROCESS FOR CANINE OFFICERS: A. Individuals interested in applying for a position as a canine officer should have a mi nimum of two (2) years full -time law enforcement experience or a n equivalent combination of training , education , and work experience, demonstrating the desired level of maturity, knowledge, skills and abilitie s B. Prospective handlers must demonstrate: 1. Exemplary knowledge and proficiency as a law enforcement officer General Order B -19 3 of 10 Police Canine Teams 2. Genuine interest in and commitment to the Temple Terrace Police Department canine program 3. Commitment to engage in regular and strenuous training 4. Ability to accept constructive c riticism and appropriately apply those suggestions that are received in order to improve overall operational efficiency, effectiveness, and officer safety C. Due to the investment of time and money in training and equipping the canine team, a new handler mus t agree to serve as such for a minimum of five (5) years after selection. During this time the canine officer will be unavailable for