Chapter 52 - Canine Operations

Bexar County Sheriff's Office Canine Policy Manual

• 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

Policy 52.01

• 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.

Policy 52.02: Purpose

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

Policy 52.03: Definitions

• 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.

Policy 52.04: Procedures

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

Policy 52.05: Selection of Canine Handler

• 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.

Policy 52.06: Use of Canine Team

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

Policy 52.07: Use of Force and Conditions Regarding Canine Unit

• 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.

Policy 52.08: Use of Canines for Off-Duty Events

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

Policy 52.09: Caring for Canines

• 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.

Policy 52.10: Canine Injury

• 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.

Policy 52.11: Injury to a Handler

• 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.

Policy 52.12: Injury to Others

• 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.

Policy 52.13: Training and Equipment

• Consistent training and evaluation for canine handlers are mandated.
• Yearly recertification, proficiency evaluation.
• Use of approved equipment.

Policy 52.14: Explosive Detection Procedures

• 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.

Policy 52.15: Voluntary Separation from Canine Unit

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

Policy 52.16: Use of BCSO Canines for Off-Duty Employment

• 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.