Putnam County Sheriff Canine Policy

• Putnam County Sheriff's Office General Order 3340.00 concerns patrol canines.
• Effective 01/03/2017, Revised 12/24/2021.
• Pertains to CFA accreditation standards 14.11 and 14.12.
• The policy specifies circumstances for canine use in service to the public and establishes guidelines for the supervision, operation, deployment, and retirement of Sheriff's Office Canine Teams.

Definitions

• Canine (K-9): Working dog procured and specially trained to execute specific tasks using canine speed, agility, and sense of smell.
• Full service (patrol) canines are trained in criminal apprehension, drug sniffs, evidence detection, tracking missing persons, and promoting public relations.
• Single purpose canines are specifically trained in one discipline but can be cross-trained, and are not used for criminal apprehensions.
• Bloodhound canines are specifically trained to scent discriminate and track/trail for long periods.
• Canine Unit: A unit under the command of the Director of Law Enforcement consisting of deputy canine handlers and assigned canines.
• Canine (K-9) Team: A deputy sheriff canine handler and assigned canine working as a team.
• Canine Handler: A deputy who has completed intensive training with an individually assigned canine.

Organization

• The Director of Law Enforcement manages canine (K-9) units, including supervision, deployment, training, discipline, and record keeping.
• Canine (K-9) teams may be assigned to a shift or specialty unit like school resource.
• A shift commander or sergeant can request a canine (K-9) team call out when one is off duty.
• The Communications Center calls the closest canine (K-9) team to the scene, informs the supervisor when contact is made, and gives an ETA.

Canine Use Guidelines (CFA 14.11A)

• Types: Canine (K-9) teams may be dispatched/requested to priority calls.
• Crimes in progress
• Suspect or prisoner has fled on foot
• Building searches
• Open doors and windows
• Missing or lost persons
• Area searches for evidence or contraband
• Drug detection
• Crowd control
• A shift commander may authorize an agency K-9 team to assist another agency with tracking, searches, or drug detection.
• Requests for K-9 presentations must be written and coordinated with the Director of Law Enforcement in advance
• Deployment: Using a Putnam County canine to apprehend or engage a suspect falls into the intermediate weapon category based on the agency's use of force matrix.
• Misdemeanor Crimes: The canine unit is utilized at any misdemeanor crime when an animal is under physical control and used for tracking purposes only.
• Animals will not physically engage a subject unless their resistance reaches or exceeds active aggression.
• Felony Crimes: Depending on the circumstances, a canine participating in a felony crime may or may not be on-lead, in a tracking harness, or under the handler's physical control.

Response Procedures:

• Canine (K-9) handlers will adhere to the following response procedures during Building/Residential Searches:

• Verification that innocent persons are not in the building/residence to be searched should be done by;

  • Conferring with officers/owners at the scene
  • Giving verbal warning

• At least two verbal warnings to alert anyone inside before entry, in a loud or amplified voice, allowing time to surrender which "Sheriff's Office K-9, come out or I will release the dog."

• The warning is not required when a suspect is believed to be armed and a warning may pose an additional threat.

• A dog will not be lowered if the floor surface is unknown and the handler should be alert to hazardous materials.

• Persons are not allowed in the building/residence during a search except the canine office and other officers at the handler's request.

• Building/Residential searches may be done unleashed unless there are innocent persons inside.

• Tracking: A canine is trained to use ground scent to follow a fleeing suspect.

  • Tracking will begin ASAP to maintain a fresh, uncontaminated ground scent.
  • The handler may ask for a deputy to follow the K-9 team.
  • The handler or an assisting deputy will provide location updates.
  • The handler will keep the dog leashed or in a tracking harness in populated areas.

• Apprehension: A handler may release a dog to prevent escape if there is probable cause that a felony has been committed or there is a felony arrest warrant.

  • The handler will verbally warn the suspect to stop ex: "Sheriff's Office K-9, halt or I will release the dog."
  • The handler will recall the dog immediately if the suspect stops or offers less than active aggression or gives up.
  • The handler will recall the dog when the handler or another deputy gains control of the suspect.

• Drug Detection: Some canines are specially trained spot illegal drugs (marijuana, cocaine, and heroin).

  • These canines may be deployed to check any structure, vehicle, boat, or aircraft within applicable legal requirements.
  • Handlers will not allow dogs to make direct physical contact with any loose or open containers of the drugs.
  • Handlers will also keep the canine from damaging any structure, vehicle, boat, or aircraft while conducting drug detection work.

• Crowd Control: K-9 teams may control or move groups of disruptive persons to prevent serious injury or a violent breech of peace.

  • Shift commander or higher must authorize it.
  • The dog will be in a harness or in physical control of the handler, except in an extreme emergency.

Bloodhound Use Guidelines (CFA 14.11A)

• A bloodhound is the optimal choice when needing a canine to track.
• Bloodhounds can be independently utilized to track suspects of a misdemeanor crime if there was no violence or threat of violence.
• A bloodhound may be utilized to track felony suspects or violent misdemeanors only when accompanied by a patrol canine team.
• When needing a bloodhound, a scent article should be located but not disturbed and should be shown to the handler and it will be their responsibility to collect the item.
• The last known area of the person being tracked should be protected to avoid contamination.

Deputy Responsibilities (14.11C)

• Any deputy may request a K-9 team via their supervisor and should be called at the earliest possible time. Deputies should observe these guidelines:
  • Establish a perimeter to prevent contamination or escape.
  • Evaluate potential hazards
  • Contact the owners of buildings
  • Deputies assisting should remain in vehicles with the ignition off and noise kept to a minimum.
• Deputies needing a narcotics dog to check a vehicle should:
  • Avoid disturbing the vehicle contents;
  • Shut off the ignition; and
  • Close all windows and doors.

Prohibited Activities

• Sheriff's Office canines (K-9) will not be used to:
  • Agitate or provoke other dogs.
  • Intimidate, coerce, or frighten any person(s).
  • Effect the arrest of a highly intoxicated person or a person who is unable to resist or escape.
  • Effect the arrest of a known pregnant female.
  • Breed or be used for stud purposes unless approved by the Sheriff in writing.
  • Use more than one dog to apprehend a single suspect.

Bite Response/Use of Force

• Each canine handler is ultimately responsible for the proper use and control.
• Canine force may be used in situations when non-deadly physical force is justified:
  • To arrest or prevent the escape from custody of someone who the officer believes has committed an offense; or
  • To defend the handler or a third person.
• Only that amount of force necessary to achieve a lawful intended result should be used when deploying a departmental canine.
• If a suspect is being engaged the handler will order the suspect to stop resisting. After the suspect stops resisting is safely controlled, the handler will disengage.
• The handler will immediately handcuff the suspect or restrain them using alternative restraints if handcuffing is not an option.

Considerations:

• Handlers rely on state statutes, departmental policy, and provided training when determining to deploy a canine.

• Handlers determining what degree of lawfully used force should also consider the severity of the crime, whether the suspect poses an immediate threat, whether they are actively resisting, and the danger of the canine to innocent persons.

• The age (juveniles and the elderly), size, and/or physical capabilities of the suspect pose a threat, and the environment (parks, schools, public events, etc.) must be considered.

• Using a K-9 does not constitute deadly force and falls into the category of intermediate weapon and handlers will exercise every possible means to apprehend a suspect without the person suffering from a dog bite.

• A dog bite is a justifiable use of force when:

  • The handler and/or dog are assaulted before or during an arrest.
  • To prevent injury to a law enforcement officer or civilian.
  • To stop an offender as described in section III.

• Medical Attention: The handler will seek medical assistance and Shift Commander/Sergeant notified as soon as possible for a scene investigation and written statements.

• Documentation: The handler will take photos of the bite injury and complete a use of force report and document the details in an incident report. The handler provides health records and proof of vaccinations.

Handler Selection (CFA 14.11B)

• Announcements for a canine (K-9) handler opening will be posted.
• Deputies submit a request to the Director of Law Enforcement via chain of command.
• All candidates must complete a physical agility test and be non-smokers.
• The Sheriff and Director of Law Enforcement review applications and make a decision.

Canine (K-9) Selection

• All canines selected/purchased by the agency are the Sheriff's Office property, and should include:
  • A high retrieve/prey drive
  • A sociable demeanor
  • Successful tests to determine law enforcement suitability
  • Excellent health and conditioning
• Must complete a veterinarian check for parasites, heart worms, and hip dysplasia.

Handler Responsibilities (CFA14.11C)

• Readiness: K-9 handlers are subject to call out at any time and handlers maintain the dog, uniform, and equipment in proper condition for immediate response.
• Canine Care: Handlers are allotted one (01) hour per day to care for the canine at their residence.
  • Feeding must occur once a day at the same time each day and not before or during duty.
  • Canines will not work until two hours have expired after feeding to avoid gastric torsion.
  • Fresh water will be available at all times.
  • Grooming: Coats will be brushed and combed as needed, nails kept clipped, bathed, and flea/tick spray applied as needed.
  • Shelter and Sanitation: Provide shelter for health and conditioning, and the handler may board the canine at another handler's residence with authorization from the Director of Law Enforcement.
  • Medical Care: Handlers ensure assigned canine receives proper care, veterinarian care is conducted on duty at agency expense, and the handler performs all treatments prescribed.
    • The handler will notify the Director of Law Enforcement of canine ill health symptoms.
    • A veterinarian designated by the Director of Law Enforcement will be consulted with the handler who will perform treatments prescribed by the veterinarian.
    • Bills will be submitted to the agency finance section via the canine coordinator.
• Transportation: Handlers transport canines in K-9 vehicles marked with caution warnings, and a cage and heat sensor.
• Canines may be transported in any agency vehicle if the circumstances warrant such transportation on a temporary basis and arrestees should not be transported in any vehicle in which a police canine is present.
• Handlers will adhere to the following safety precautions:
  • Canines will accompany handlers whenever possible, and handlers will avoid leaving canines in unattended vehicles.
  • When left in an unattended vehicle, the handler will ensure that the vehicle's conditioning and heat alarm systems are in proper working condition.
  • Perform status checks every fifteen minutes,
  • Provide fresh water at all times.
• When a K-9 handler is on leave for an extended period, the canine may be removed from the affected handler's residence and placed with another handler.
  • The canine receives periodic training to ensure the skills for patrol work are not lost.
  • If a canine is out of service, it must show training proficiency before being reintroduced to patrol work.

Report Writing

• Handlers document all instances in which a police canine is utilized on an agency Office Incident Report, a supplemental report, or another form approved by the Director of Law Enforcement (CFA 14.11F).

Training

• Newly selected patrol K-9 teams attend basic patrol canine school per Criminal Justice and Standards Training Commission (CJSTC) guidelines.
• Agency K-9 teams will be tested annually through CJSTC, the Florida Law Enforcement Canine Association or the United States Police Canine Associated field trials (CFA 14.11D,E).
• Monthly canine training and documentation is required for each dog as well (CFA 14.11E).
• Each patrol dog will have monthly training for patrol canine work consisting of reality-based training. Each K-9 handler will conduct various types of training each work day when not answering calls for service. All types of training during a calendar month will be documented on a monthly basis and turned in to the Director of Law Enforcement
• Failure to maintain certification or minimum performance standards will result in the canine being removed from service will not be placed back into service until it has met or exceeded proficiency standards.

Narcotic Training Aids (CFA 14.12)

• Each K-9 handler will be issued a fresh supply of narcotic training aids each year that will be processed with an analysis done by FDLE and documented (CFA 14.12A).
  • Type of drug
  • Quantity and/or weight
  • Results of the FDLE analysis
  • Date and time issued
  • Signature of both the K-9 handler and the evidence custodian
• All drugs will be secured in a locked vault inside the K-9 vehicle (CFA 14.12B).
• An unannounced inventory will be conducted by an evidence custodian (CFA 14.12C)
  • Type of drug
  • Quantity and/or weight
  • Date and time of inspection
  • Signature of both the K-9 handler and the evidence custodian
• If a container is damaged, the assigned officer will document the event on an Agency Offense Incident Report. If only a portion is damaged, the remaining portion will be turned back in to evidence, and a fresh supply of the same narcotic will be issued (CFA 14.12A).
• If a training narcotic aid is lost, missing, or stolen (CFA14.12D):
  • Supervisor will be immediately notified.
  • Deputy will search the area.
  • Shift commander to be notified if not located.
  • An Agency Offense Incident Report will be completed and if the narcotics were acquire from the DEA, the DEA Form #106 must be completed within 24 hours.

Retirement Of Canine (K-9) From Active Duty

• A canine that is no longer fit for duty with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office will be relieved.
  • The Sheriff has final authority as to the determination of fitness and the effective date of retirement.
• The current handler has the first option to adopt.
  • If the handler declines, then any other member of the agency may request to adopt.
  • The request shall be a written memo via the chain of command.
  • If no member wishes to adopt, invitations from the public will be requested.
  • The Sheriff has final authority as to who shall adopt.
• Neither the Sheriff nor the Putnam County Sheriff's Office is held liable or financially responsible after adoption.
• Whoever adopts the canine shall agree not to sell.
• Affidavits of ownership shall be completed before taking possession.

Questions about the Putnam County Sheriff's Office canine policy. It covers topics such as definitions of full-service canines, handler responsibilities, canine deployment conditions, and appropriate canines for specific tasks such as evidence detection and suspect apprehension.