Chapter 52 - Canine Operations

Study Notes

Issue Date: October 6, 2022
Effective Date: October 7, 2022
Chapter Number: Fifty-Two
Office: Sheriff's Administration
Enclosures: Graham v. Connor 490 U.S. 386, 104 L Ed. 2d. 443, 109 S. Ct. 1865 (1989)
Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
Supersedes: Previous Policy
Reevaluation Date: December 1, 2023
Pages: 13
Approved by: Javier Salazar, Bexar County Sheriff

The Bexar County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) aims to deploy canine units for suspect apprehension with minimal harm to deputies, the public, canines, or suspects.
Canine teams support tracking, crowd control, and detection of narcotics and explosives.

This policy outlines BCSO Canine Unit operations, responsibilities, duties, training, and care.

Accidental or Unintentional Bite: Canine bites a suspect contrary to training or an unintended individual.
Apprehension: Any occasion where a canine directly impacts a suspect's apprehension. This includes:
- Announcement Only: Verbal warning, deterring suspect action or flight.
- Results in Injury: Occurs when a suspect is not compliant and attempts to flee, triggering a directed bite.
- Directed Bite: Canine handler directs the canine to bite a suspect.
Canine: BCSO-assigned canines trained for various tasks, including patrol and scent detection.

The Canine Unit Supervisor manages administrative documentation for BCSO canines. This includes, but isn't limited to, records for handlers and trainers.

Qualifications: Min. two years as a patrol deputy, "Basic Canine Handler Certificate" or eligibility, good physical condition, specific character traits (dependability, emotional stability, flexibility, initiative, maturity, patience).
Residential Requirements: Home with a fenced yard suitable for kennel.
Availability: Availability for shift work and 24-hour call-out.
Additional Requirements: Meets specific division requirements.

Teams assist BCSO Divisions and other agencies, manage crowds, detect evidence, apprehend suspects, and perform building perimeter searches.

Canines remain under handler control. Under specific circumstances, a verbal warning may not be possible or appropriate, such as when a deployment is immediate or a threat exists.
A canine warning ("Police Canine, come out or we will release the dog, and the dog will bite.") must be issued multiple times if feasible.

Only allowed with written authorization. Express Chief Deputy consent is required for off-duty employment and public safety interest at county facilities/parks.

BCSO provides food and veterinary care.
Handlers are responsible for grooming, feeding, and routine/emergency medical care.
Living quarters must be clean, sanitary and inspected.
Yearly vaccines are required.
If a handler can't care for a canine, the BSC Canine Unit Supervisor or another handler takes over or an authorized animal facility is used.

If a canine is injured, the handler determines immediate medical needs.
If no immediate attention is required, the handler must obtain approval from a supervisor.
All injury reports to the canine unit supervisor.

Should a handler be injured, a supervisor takes control of the canine, while the handler seeks care. The canine is placed at a location designated by a supervisor or commander.

The handler must notify the appropriate supervisor if a suspect or other person is injured.
Ensures victims receive proper medical attention.
Photographs of the injury must be completed by the BCSO Crime Scene Unit.
Veterinarian evaluation of any injury.
Reports and supplemental reports as necessary.

Supervisor is notified of all explosive incidents.
A handler requires a minimum of one spotter for searches.
Additional personnel may be required.
Explosive detection canines are restricted from searching for suspicious items (that are not explosives).
Bomb squad or EOD must be notified.

A handler can resign from the BCSO Canine Unit. This is done with a formal written request to the Canine Unit Supervisor.

Off-duty employment is possible with written authorization and Chief Deputy consent, and if in the public safety interest or in county-owned facilities/parks.