TRAINING BULLETIN

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Title

Police Patrol Canine Teams

Series / Number

TB—00-01

Effective Date     Distribution

May 4, 2000          A                

Related to:

G.O. 901.7 (Use of Force)

G.O. 306.1 (Canine Teams)

 

The contents of this training bulletin institute basic guidelines that shall be followed when deploying Police Patrol Canine Teams. Canine (K-9) bites are considered a serious use of force on the MPD Use-of Force Continuum.

 

A.    Effective immediately, canine officers shall have approval from an immediate supervisor (civil service sergeant or higher) before the canine can be deployed. However, if the handler is unable to contact a canine unit supervisor, approval for use of the canine shall be sought from a field supervisor before the canine can be deployed. The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that intelligence is gathered on the scene and that various and obtainable factors are weighed, such as:

 

1.   The severity of the crime,

 

2.   The age of the suspect,

 

3.   Whether the suspect is armed or unarmed, and

 

4.   Whether the suspect has displayed violent behavior, before deployment of canine is authorized.

 

B.    The supervisor on the scene where canine is requested shall:

 

1.   Give the supervisory approval. If a supervisor is en-route to the scene and circumstances dictate an immediate deployment of the canine, supervisory approval may be voiced over the radio. Circumstances shall be only those that pose an imminent risk of serious harm.

 

2.   Proceed directly to the scene where the use of the canine has been approved. In each instance, the call sign of the supervisor must be provided to the police dispatcher prior to the canine team’s initiation of a track or search.

 

 

C.   Immediate supervisory approval is not required where the canine handler deems it necessary to deploy the police canine immediately to protect him/herself, or to protect other police officers or innocent persons from an imminent threat of serious bodily injury. However, a supervisor shall be notified as soon as possible thereafter.

 

D.   The use of Patrol Canine Teams shall be limited to the following circumstances:

 

1.   To locate, apprehend, or control suspects:

 

a.  Where the suspect poses a risk of immediate danger to the officer or the community, or

 

b. Where failure to apprehend a suspect who is fleeing and has committed a felony meets the criteria for the use of (K-9) force, and

 

c. Where the failure to quickly apprehend the suspect poses a risk of immediate danger to the officers or the community;

 

2.  To search for evidence, narcotics, explosives, or other contraband and critical missing persons;

 

3. To locate and apprehend concealed felony suspects when it would be unsafe for an officer to proceed into the area except that canine will not be used to apprehend known juvenile suspects who pose no threat of serious injury to members on the scene, and;

 

4. To guard building(s), equipment, vehicles(s), and to secure the perimeter of a search area.

 

E.   A new incident disposition for use of police canines shall be “give up with no bite.” This disposition is described as the use of police canines when they are actually deployed and actively engaged in a seek, search, or track, (not merely “on the scene”) without a bite occurring. When faced with a “give up with no bite” situation, canine handlers shall:

 

 

1.   Notify the Special Operations Division watch commander of each apprehension that results in a “give up with no bite,”

 

2.   Complete the Police Canine Activity Form prior to the end of their tour of duty,

 

3.   Voice dispositions of “give-up with no bite,” to the Communications Division, and

 

4.   Enter the disposition on the PD Form 775 (run sheet) each time a suspect surrenders to police.

 

F.   The tracking of dispositions in this manner will ensure that appropriate training will continue for the members of canine and will provide information should the need for departmental documentation become necessary. Additionally, this classification of canine use will help to ensure that equal emphasis is placed upon successful outcomes where the suspect surrenders to police as well as outcomes where the suspect is apprehended by bite.

 

G.   The following is a list of guidelines that supervisors shall use while contemplating the deployment of a Patrol Canine Team.

 

1.   Determine the nature and severity of the offense for which a suspect is sought.

 

2.   If possible, determine the age of the suspect and whether the suspect may be armed.

 

3.   Ensure that the immediate area to be searched has been vacated by all civilian and police personnel and that a perimeter is established to avoid contamination of the area.

 

4.   Interview the property owner or manager (if available), to determine whether there are innocent person(s) inside the location that is to be searched. Additionally, the supervisor shall make attempts to determine if any individual(s) inside the location may be hard of hearing, deaf, or otherwise handicapped.

 

5.   If the property owner and/or manager is not available, the supervisor shall attempt to interview surrounding neighbors and/or businesses to ascertain the above listed information.

 

6.   Attempts shall be made to determine if there are any loose pets inside the premises to be searched.

 

7.   Make all information known to the responding Canine Officer. The supervisor shall confer with the Canine Officer to determine if all safety guidelines have been put into place and if the deployment of the canine is applicable and appropriate.

 

 

 

8.   Advise officers on the perimeter that if they encounter a police canine unit, to STAND STILL and not to run. Running or attempting to flee will cause the canine to key in on the officer.

 

9.   Ensure that the perimeter is maintained until the canine officer has completed the search, secured his canine and has advised the supervisor of the results of the search.

 

The contents of this Training Bulletin shall supersede any conflicting information in General Order 306.1 (Canine Teams).

Chief of Police

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Metropolitan Police Department Washington D.C.

Subject:

Canine Teams

Series    Number  Change

306       01

Effective Date

April 28, 1981

Revision Date

*

 

The purpose of this order is to establish the policy and procedures for utilization of department canine teams inspection of canine housing facili­ties, handler evaluation, and canine reassignment. This order consists of the following parts:

 

PART I    Responsibilities and Procedures for Members of the Department Utilization.

 

PART II   Responsibilities and Procedures for Special Assignment

Personnel

 

A.   Canine Handlers.

B.   Canine Coordinators.

C.              Radio Dispatchers.

 

PART III  Responsibilities and Procedures for Supervisory and

Command Personnel

 

A.   Official in Charge, Canine Training Section, Training Division.

B.   Officials.

C.   Field Operations Officer.

D.   District Commanders.

E.   Director, Training Division.

 

 

PART I  Utilization.

 

1.   The utilization of departmental canine teams is authorized for the following purposes:

 

a.   Tracking Suspects or missing persons and locating lost or abandoned articles or hidden implements of crime.

 

b.   Searching buildings where a possible break in is indicated or where a suspect may be hiding, provided Such buildings are believed to be clear of innocent persons.

 

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General Order 306.01

 

April 28, 1981

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c.   Effecting the arrest or preventing the escape of a person who the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe has committed a felony.

 

d.   Protecting police officers or other persons from injury or death.

 

e.   Assisting in the service of narcotic search warrants.

 

f.   Detecting the presence of concealed narcotics and mari­juana.

 

g.   Detecting the location of explosive materials and arti­cles.

 

2.   Any tactical use of departmental canine teens, not specifically authorized above, shall not convene without prior approval of the watch com­mander from the district in which the canine teen Is deployed.

 

3.   Canine teams shall not be used at the scene of any demonstration without prior approval from the Field Operations Officer or the official then in charge of the department.

 

4.   When the need for canine is anticipated, members shall:

 

a.   Request their services through the dispatcher;

 

b.   Advise the dispatcher of their exact location;

 

c.  Secure the perimeter to avoid contaminating the search area with their scent; and

 

d.  Advise the dispatcher when they have vacated the area and the location where they are repositioned to cover escape routes.

PART II

 

A.   Canine Handlers.

The responsibilities listed below outline the duties of canine handlers and the care of their assigned canine. Canine handlers are reminded that violations of these requirements may result in the termination of their assignment as a canine handler. Canine handlers shall be responsible for:

 

 

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1.   The tactical use of their assigned canine, unless acting upon the direction of an official.

 

2.   Ensuring that their canine mars an identification tag and a D.C. dog tag, attached to the choke collar at all times.

 

3.   Immediately notifying an On-duty official from their assigned element when their assigned canine bites or causes injury to any person, whether on or off duty, regardless of the location of the incident.

 

4.   Submitting written reports of dog bites, any other injury, or any damage to a person’s clothing or personal effects as a result of any action on the part of he canine, as required below:

 

a.   Incidents occurring on or off duty, Inside or outside the District of Columbia, shall be reported as a Police Dog Bite,TM on a separate PD Form 251 (Event Report). If the canine related injury results from circumstances reported on another field report form, the same complaint number shall be used on both reports.

 

b.   Incidents of the above nature which occur in other juris­dictions shall also be reported (If required) to the appro­priate law enforcement agency of that jurisdiction. The fact that Such a report was made and the report number, if appropriate, shall be detailed on the required departmental report.

 

5.   After receiving approval to use their assigned canine in areas outside the District 0f Columbia, prepare a final report submitting it through channels to the Field Operations Officer, within seven (7) days, detailing the circumstances and results of the extra jurisdictional use.

 

6.   Presenting their assigned canine to the department veterinarian for examination within 24 hours of any biting incident.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7.   Placing their assigned canine, as Appropriate, at one “ the following kennel facilities in lieu of their residence, when circumstances such as leave, incapacitating injury or when attending the various courts while on or off—duty, would prevent them from caring for their dog for an extended period of time:

 

a.   The central kennel facility located at the Training Divi­sion; or

 

b.   The kennel facility located at their assigned element.

 

8.   Ensuring that their assigned canine is not confined for more than four (4) continuous hours at a district kennel facility unless authorized by an official, and is not, under any circumstances, confined at such kennels for more than eight (8) continuous hours.

 

9.   Maintaining the cleanliness of the district kennel utilized by their assigned canine.

 

10.  Maintaining at their place of residence, and at their own ex­pense, a kennel which shall be in accordance with the specifications provided by the Canine Training Section, Training Division.

 

11.  Reporting all injuries and illnesses suffered by their assigned canine to the Canine Training Section, Training Division, utilizing a PD Form 223 (Report of Injury or illness to Police Dog). The PD Form 223 shall be completed as follows:

 

a.   Original and one copy to report any Injury or illness not requiring that the dog be relieved from duty.

 

b.   Original and two copies to report any injury or Illness re­quiring that the dog be relieved from duty. In cases of this nature, one copy of the completed PD Form 223 shall be returned to the handler’s assigned district.

 

12.  Reporting all illnesses or Injuries of an emergency nature to the Department Veterinarian at once and all non-emergency cases to the Depart­ment Veterinarian during the next canine clinic hours.

 

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General Order 306.01

 

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a.   A canine veterinarian is present at the Canine Training Section, Training Division, Monday through Friday, 0830 to 0930 hours.

 

b.   At all other times, canine handlers shall contact the Department Veterinarian on call.

 

c.   The canine veterinarian is on call 24 hours a day for emer­gency cases. If a handler cannot contact the veterinarian, he/she shall notify a member of the Canine Training Sec­tion, who shall advise the handler where the dog should be taken.

 

13.  Taking the following action, upon the death of their assigned canine:

 

a.   Immediately notify an official of the Canine Training Sec­tion of the death.

 

b.   Immediately contact the canine veterinarian to determine whether an autopsy is necessary and, if so, where the dog Should be taken.

 

c.   If no autopsy is necessary, the handler shall contact the D.C. Morgue and request permission to keep the dog at the morgue until arrangements can be made by the Canine Train­ing Section for its proper disposal.

 

14.  Whenever possible, preventing their assigned canine from soiling public or private property.

 

15.  Not allowing their assigned canine to:

 

a.   Drink from public drinking fountains;

 

b.   Be entered in any show, trial, or exhibition without prior approval from the Director, Training Division.

 

C.   Be used for breeding purposes without prior approval from the Director, Training Division.

 

d.   Be physically abused.

 

 

 

 

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General Order 306.01

 

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16.  Returning their assigned canine to the Canine Training Section whenever they become ill or injured to the extent that they are unable to per­form as a handler, until a determination is made by the handler’s clinic doctor or other competent authority as to whether they are capable of performing their duties.

 

a.   Should a determination be made that the member cannot per­form the duties of a handler without aggravating a past in­jury or illness, the member shall be removed from the posi­tion of canine handler.

 

b.   Should a determination be made that a members illness or injury will not preclude him/her from performing as a handler, but the member will be on sick leave for a period of more than 60 days, the member’s dog shall be reassigned.

 

c.   Upon returning to duty and being certified capable of handling a dog, the member will be assigned a new dog and shall commence training in the next available class.

 

17.  The control of their assigned canine, both on and off duty.

 

18.  Calling Out the following warning prior to initiating a building search: “Warning, a police canine will be used to search this building,” and allowing sufficient time for members and innocent persons to vacate any area requiring a search.

 

19.  Ensuring that the interior portion of their canine transport vehicle is washed and vacuumed at least once a day during the hot months of June through August and every other day during the months of September through

 

B.   Canine Coordinators shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Coordinating assignments of canine teens with their District Commander, to impact, upon specific crime problems.

 

2.   Ensuring that all canine teams assigned to their district are scheduled for retraining once every Six (6) weeks.

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General Order 306.01

 

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3.   Monitoring each canine team and scheduling retraining when nec­essary.

 

4.   Preparing a PD Form 222 (K-9 Monthly Evaluation Report) each month, which shall be distributed as follows:

 

a.   The original copy shall be filed at the district; and

 

b.  A copy shall be submitted to the Canine Training Section on the tenth day of each month.

 

5.              Apprising their commanding officers and district officials of canine teen activities and abilities.

 

6.   Monitoring all equipment assigned to the canine unit.

 

7.   Assisting canine handlers with any canine related problems.

 

C.   Radio: Dispatchers.

Upon the notification by a canine handler that a search (for arti­cles, persons, narcotics, etc.) is to be initiated, the dispatcher who received the notification shall:

 

1.   Broadcast a warning on the appropriate radio zone that a search of the area by department canines is about to convene.

 

2.   Allow sufficient time for any field unit located in the immediate area to be searched to vacate the scene.

 

3.   Maintain radio communication and coordination with the canine handler and units on the scene advising them when the area to be searched has been vacated, and for canine to proceed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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General Order 306.01

 

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PART III

 

A.   Official in Charge, Canine Training Section, Training Division

     Shall be responsible for:

 

1.   Establishing and furnishing each canine handler specifications for the kennel required to be maintained at the handler’s place of residence and inspecting each kennel twice a year to ensure that it meets all security and sanitary requirements.

 

a.   If, upon inspection, the kennel is found not to be in prop­er condition, the handler shall be advised of all deficien­cies and his/her commanding officer shall be notified in writing of the rejection.

 

(1)  The handler shall be given 10 working days to correct the condition of his/her kennel.

 

(2)  At the expiration of 10 working days, an official of the Canine Training Section shall again inspect the handler’s kennel.

 

(3)  If the kennel is again found to be deficient, an offi­cial of the Canine Training Section shall notify, in writing, the handler’s commanding officer and request that the member immediately place his dog in the cen­tral kennel facility and that the member’s position as dog-handler be re-evaluated.

 

b.   Additionally, the handler’s kennel shall be inspected when:

 

(1)  The veterinarian or official in charge of the Canine Training Section feels that a dog’s poor physical con­dition is the result of poor kenneling conditions;

(2)  A handler moves to a new location;

(3)  A handler receives a new canine; or

(4)  Complaints are received from neighbors or citizens.

 

2.   Maintaining a kennel inspection record on all residential kennels.

 

3.   Inspecting each district kennel twice a year, and notifying the appropriate commanding officer of any discrepancies.

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Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 306.01

 

April 28, 1981

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4.   Ensuring that, six (6) weeks after a canine team receives their initial training course, and every (6) weeks thereafter, the handler and his/ her assigned canine returns to the Training Division for a 2-day training ses­sion, which will be conducted on consecutive days.

 

5.   Maintaining training records on all canine teams to ensure that, when a teen fails to return at the end of the six (6) week period, the canine coordinator of the handler’s district is notified to have the teen respond for training.

 

6.   Ensuring that any team that goes beyond 12 consecutive weeks without having had in-service training is considered to be uncertified for street duty.

 

7.   Ensuring that all agitation and attack training is conducted un­der the direct supervision of a member of the Police Canine Training Section.

 

8.   Maintaining copies of all PD Forms 222 (K-9 Statistical Evalua­tion Sheet) submitted by each canine coordinator.

 

9.   Providing the Communications Division with a monthly emergency notification roster of the veterinarian on call for that particular month.

 

B.   Officials.

 

1.   Officials shall consult with canine handlers prior to directing the tactical use of canine teams. In instances where the physical capability of an individual canine is a major consideration in the success or failure of a task, they shall be guided by the opinion of the canine handler as to the ability of the dog to perform the required task.

 

2.   District vice unit officials shall arrange for the assistance of canine teams prior to serving a search warrant for narcotics.

 

3.   each tour of duty, the official preparing roll call (at each district) shall notify Communications Division when there is a “narcotic dog” available for that tour of duty. The official in charge of the Explosive Ord­nance Unit, Special Operations Division shall ensure that a monthly schedule, listing the available “bomb dog-search teens” for each tour of duty, is pro­vided to the Communications Division.

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Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 306.01

 

April 28, 1981

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4.   When the need for a canine teen is anticipated an official of the affected district shall respond to the scene to ensure that:

 

a.   The immediate area to be searched has been vacated by all persons to avoid contaminating the area;

 

b.   Field Units on the scene are deployed around the perimeter to Cover any escape routes;

 

c.   The dispatcher is notified when all units are in place, to proceed with the search; and

 

d.   The dispatcher is notified of the results of the search and when the canine and field units are no longer needed.

 

5.   Whenever the use of a police canine causes injury to any person, including members of this department, the handler’s immediate supervisor shall handle the investigation. In the absence of the handler’s immediate supervi­sor, an official designated by the commanding officer/watch commander shall handle the investigation. Upon determining that an injury has occurred, the investigating official shall complete a PD Form 150-B (Firearm Discharge! As­sault Report) in an original and one copy.

 

a.   The original copy shall be attached to the investigative report.

 

b.   The copy shall be immediately forwarded to the Director, Training Division.

 

6.   Officials making “Police Dog Biting” investigations rd reports shall:

 

a.   Forward a copy of the appropriate field report, through their commanding officer, to the Director, Training Divi­sion within 24 hours.

 

b.   Conduct an investigation of every such incident.

 

c.   When, in his/her opinion, a case may require disciplinary action, forward a complete written report, with conclusions and recommendations, through channels to the Administrative Services Officer no later than 30 days after the incident.

 

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Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 306.01

 

April 28, 1981

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C.   Field Operations Officer.

The Field Operations Officer or official then in command of the de­partment shall be responsible for approving or disapproving the use of canine teens for the following:

 

1.   At the scene of any demonstration.

 

2.   Emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance in areas outside the District of Columbia.

 

D.   District Commanders shall:

 

1.   Appoint a member of their command as Canine Coordinator, and notify the Director, Training Division of the selection.

 

2.   Ensure that approval is obtained from the Field Operations Offi­cer or official then in command of the department before authorizing the use of department canine teams outside the District of Columbia or at the scene of any demonstration.

 

3.   Approve the use of canine teams for use in another district when the need arises and does not interfere with adequate coverage within their own district.

 

4.   Ensure that their district canine coordinator maintains records detailing the tactical use of canine teams within their commands.

 

5.   Forward a copy of all reports detailing the circumstances of a police dog bite, other injuries or any damage to a person’s clothing or person­al effects as a result of any action on the part of a canine, to the Director, Training Division.

 

6.   Ensure that, whenever the use of a police canine causes injury to any person, the following procedures are adhered to:

 

a.   A PD Form 150-B is completed by the investigating official; the original Is attached to the Investigative report and the copy is Immediately forwarded to the Director, Training Division.

 

 

 

 

 

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Effective Date

Page Number

General Order 306.01

 

April 28, 1981

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b.   The Canine Training Section is notified between 0700 hours and 1500 hours, Monday through Friday. Notifications re­garding bites or Injuries occurring between 1500 and 0700 hours, Monday through Friday, or on weekends and holidays shall be made by 0800 hours on the first subsequent busi­ness day.

 

6.              Ensure that each canine teen under their command is detailed to the Training Division every six (6) weeks for a 2—day training session. Not more than one (1) team shall be scheduled for a 2—day training session unless permission has been received from the official in charge, Canine Training Section.

 

E.   Director, Training Division shall:

 

1.   Be responsible for conducting various training programs for all canine handlers and their assigned dogs.

 

2.   Upon being notified of any personnel action which permanently removes a member from the duties of a canine handler, cause an appropriate evaluation of the member’s assigned canine to determine whether the dog should be reassigned or retired from police service.

    

 

 

 

MTT:TAB:jtw  

General Order No. 306.1