K-9 SOP PDF

K-9 SOP K-9 MENU= K At Any Given Time Your Ability To Be In The K-9 Sub Division Can Be Revoked, If you Fail To Uphold The Standards We Operate Under. Our Mission The mission of the K-9 Unit is to assist the many Law Enforcem...

K-9 SOP K-9 MENU= K At Any Given Time Your Ability To Be In The K-9 Sub Division Can Be Revoked, If you Fail To Uphold The Standards We Operate Under. Our Mission The mission of the K-9 Unit is to assist the many Law Enforcement departments within San Andreas in their efforts of crime prevention and detection, criminal apprehension, officer safety, and service to the community. The K-9 unit achieves this with the safe and effective use of a very powerful tool, the police canine. K-9 officers will assist with the help of our K-9 Partners, in the identification of illegal narcotics, assist in the recovery of missing persons, and capture of fugitive suspects among other important tasks. I. POLICY STATEMENT It will be the policy of ALL LEO OFFICES to provide comprehensive security and services for the Pkublic's Safety by utilizing a K-9 team to further protect our community, by assisting in removal of drugs/weapons off the streets and apprehension of criminal suspects. II. Purpose The LEO OFFICES participating in K-9 is mandated to provide safety and security of the courts, court personnel, and the public at large. The objective of the K-9 unit is to provide assistance to the officer in finding illegal Drugs/Firearms. Also in tracking and taking down suspects. III. GENERAL Members of the Office’s K-9 Unit are under the direction of the K-9 Commander, K-9 Asst Commander. The decision of the K-9 officers to use their dogs in any situation is a serious decision. K-9 officers must be mindful of their surroundings and the situation they are in. Along with using the K-9 dog in the area for which the K-9 unit has been trained. In all cases involving the employment of the K-9 dog, The handler will make the final decision on how and if the dog will be deployed. This responsibility may be superseded only by direct order of a superior officer. Should this occur, the K-9 handler will make the Lead K-9 aware of the incident, and will make the final decision on deployment of the K-9. In absence of the K-9 Commander, K-9 Asst Commander, K-9 Senior Officer, the Available Highest Ranking will be contacted. IV. CAPABILITIES Within the LEO k-9 program there are two main types of k-9 capabilities which the K-9 unit will be trained on both. When used properly, K-9 teams can accomplish the following: A. Specialty Drug Dogs 1. Detect and locate controlled dangerous substances by scent discrimination to include but not limited to the following: a. Marijuana b. Cocaine c. Heroin d. Opium e. Meth B. Utility Dogs 1. Detect, locate, and apprehend criminal offenders who attempt to elude and resist apprehension. 2. Enter buildings that have been taken over by a suspect during a robbery or other illegal matter. 3. K-9 teams can be used in lieu of large numbers of police/LEO personnel to maintain order at large public gatherings and disorderly crowds. K-9 deployment for crowd control can only be authorized by the on-scene supervisor, with the approval of the Highest Ranking On Scene. 5. To establish and maintain perimeter control in situations such as large fires, crime scene preservations, etc. 6. Provide a strong psychological deterrent or persuasion for the criminal 7. Suspect Forceful TakeDown V. ASSIGNMENTS The members of the K-9 unit are engaged in an active overt police operation; wearing uniforms and operating marked vehicles. Their appearance is designed to be conspicuous, and they will respond to situations where the deputy requires the dog’s special attributes. The K-9 units will operate as scheduled by the K-9 supervisors. Its members shall respond to requests for service from the court and other agencies as directed by the K-9 supervisor, or supervisor on duty. VI. UNIFORMS All LEO assigned to the K-9 unit are expected to conform to all office policies pertaining to a K-9 uniform appearance. Due to the nature of the specialized duties they perform, K-9 deputies are issued, over and above standard issue, A utility uniform will be given. The seasonally appropriate uniform will be worn at all times. K9 Male Long Sleeve Uniform Mask - 159 Scarf and Chains - 275 Jackets - 669 texture - 2 Jackets - 670 texture - 2 Jackets - 671 texture - 2 Shirt - 305 Body armor - Any vest with K9 markings Bags & Parachute - 141 texture - 1 Hands - 33 Legs - 301 Shoes- 144 Decals - Please wear your rank Insignia K9 Male Short Sleeve Uniform Mask - 159 Scarf and Chains - 275 Jackets - 661 texture - 1 Jackets - 668 texture - 2 Shirt - 305 Body armor - Any vest with K9 markings Bags & Parachute - 141 texture - 1 Hands - 33 Legs - 301 Shoes- 144 Decals - Please wear your rank Insignia K9 Male Winter Uniform Mask - 159 Scarf and Chains - 275 Jackets - 664 texture - 1 Jackets - 668 texture - 2 Shirt - 305 Body armor - Any vest with K9 markings Bags & Parachute - 141 texture - 1 Hands - 32 Legs - 301 Shoes- 144 Decals - Please wear your rank Insignia K9 Male Polo Uniform Mask - 159 Scarf and Chains - 275 Jackets - 656 texture - 2 Shirt - 305 Body armor - Any vest with K9 markings Bags & Parachute - 141 texture - 1 Hands - 32 Legs - 306 Shoes- 144 Decals - Please wear your rank Insignia VII. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES Members of the K-9 unit have a specific objective, which is to provide operational/supportive service to all Office units. The police dog is most advantageous in search situations. The number of calls for K-9 service necessitates that canines are available for service. Members will be subject to handling calls for service and submitting the required reports of incidents that are not generally time consuming. These reports will be submitted to the K-9 supervisor for approval and forwarding. All arrests, apprehensions, or unusual circumstances involving K-9 personnel or the use of K-9 dogs shall be documented (in detail) on the proper Office reports, which shall be submitted to the K-9 supervisor for approval, without delay. K-9 handlers are permitted to deploy their canine for all FELONIES and VIOLENT MISDEMEANORS. K-9 handlers who encounter other requests for NON-VIOLENT MISDEMEANORS will explain to the highest ranking officer that is ON-DUTY their opinion on the use of K-9 for this call and the potential for a K-9 bite and “use of force”. Anyone who kills a federal law enforcement animal will face the same fines and jail time as killing or attempting to kill a human officer.. K-9 Rank Structure (3) K-9 Officer (2) K-9 Senior Officer  (1) K-9 Asst Commander (1) K-9 Commander You must follow the chain of command at all times. If you have an issue please bring it up the proper channels. *( ) indicates how many of each rank Sub Division officers will be allowed. Subject to change without notice. K-9 Officer K-9 Officers are the basic role in which upon completed training, they will begin a 60 day probationary phase in which they will be monitored for patrolling as a K-9 officer (regardless of the dog or handler). This will ensure that all policies and procedures are followed to the extent of the SOP and LEO basic policies and procedures. IF an officer fails the 60 day probationary period, they will be removed from K-9 and will have to reapply after 30 days of being removed. In addition to being a basic K-9 officer, they are able to train in Search and Rescue. In order to become a Bomb Squad K-9, you will have to get a new K-9 that will be trained to alert differently than a normal K-9. Upon completion of their training the K-9 can then be released to the handler for EOD Bomb Squad Patrol. Senior K-9 Officer Senior K-9 officers are officers that are able to train normal LEO into becoming a K-9 officer. In addition to the training portion, these officers should be looked towards for guidance and help when needed. They will also assist with the Commander in policies and regulations when needed. K-9 Commander’s Role The K-9 Commander is to run the subdivision and coordinate standard operating procedures for all K-9 Law Enforcement personnel. They will also help interpret the standard operating procedure when it is being questioned by members. A K-9 Commander's role also is to make sure the K-9 Unit Members are well informed with new changes happening, maintain discipline and handle departmental policy and issues. IX. K-9 Items Mandatory items that must be purchased Bandages Water X. K-9 Care You will name your K-9 Partner, this will be one of the main ways in which they will respond to your instructions. The K-9 officer will need to create an animal character with the formatting of K-9-Name. Ex. K-9-Odin (All one word with a hyphen between K-9 and the Dog name) **Do note, if the K-9 Dogs' names are non-serious or illegitimate, you will be told to change the name of your K-9 Dog** As a Handler, you must treat your K-9 Partner as though they are an actual dog. They cannot open doors, or access spaces as humans can. They will also require food and water, and exercise if your services are not required on an active call, remember your partner’s needs. If your K-9 partner needs to utilize the bathroom (you should provide regular opportunities) you will find a safe and open area where a dog could realistically be allowed off the leash, and allowed to do their business. Once complete, you must bag and remove all waste. If you are going to leave your partner in your vehicle for an extended period of time, ensure that doors are closed and locked, including the partition door, if you are out of sight of the vehicle. If you are at a police station, you may escort your K-9 to a station kennel where they have shelter, food and water and space to rest. XI. Locations of the Kennels per each station are as followed: SAST HQ San Andrea State Police **If a station is not listed, then you cannot activate/go out of service at that station** Your K-9 partner is to be considered a Law Enforcement officer in all standards except for criminal charges. If a third party harms a K-9 dog, including cases of serious injury or death of the dog, that party can only be charged with (4)21.Criminal Harm of a Public Working Animal If your K-9 is injured on a scene, your responsibility is to provide immediate care once it is safe to do so (K-9 Trauma kit carried in your vehicle), and once possible, transport them to a local veterinary practice for emergency care. (930 Animal Ark for Blaine County and 366 Pet Shop for LS County). Once at a local veterinary practice, utilize the ER script to the nearest hospital) Any deployment of a K-9 dog in regards to taking down a subject (also known as a K-9 bite) must have a supervisor respond to the scene as it is a use of force. Officers are allowed to take home their K-9s as pets, HOWEVER, K-9s are not permitted to use the K-9 ped model off duty, due to it having a vest. If taken off-duty, K-9s must use the Default GTA shepherd model. The K-9 vest, like all other LEO equipment, uniforms and weapons are to be left at a station when going off duty. Any use of the K-9 vest or any other LEO K-9 equipment off duty will subject the member to disciplinary action. Shift Start The K-9 handler will announce over radio to all officers that he/she is 10-8 active K-9. From there the officers will patrol as normal. XII. Traffic Stops a. If the K-9 handler is requested to go to an active traffic stop, and the handler is not on any other call he/she may head towards the 10-38 code 2. NOTE: the officer requesting the K-9 may not delay the stop in any way Unless they have probable cause or reasonable suspicion. * Example of reasonable suspicion Witnessed subject hand off unknown package this gives reasonable suspicion to conduct a search with a K-9 b. If the K-9 handler is in a 10-38 him/herself they will proceed with the normal system. When they get out of the car you can take the K-9 out as well and have the K-9 walk around the vehicle. If your K-9 doesn't find anything you will put the dog back in the car and proceed with the traffic stop procedures. If your K-9 does indicate something, you will call for an additional and ask the driver to step out of the vehicle, once the additional arrives he or she can take control of the passenger of the vehicle. Once there out of the vehicle they must be detained for officer safety. As that is happening you will ask them if they want to admit what they have in the vehicle and where it is located. Once and if you find something, question the driver and or the passengers. If nobody claims the illegal drugs/firearms the driver will be held responsible for what is found in the vehicle. XIII. Tracking When responding to a scene in which the K-9 is utilized for locating a subject, the Handler will report to the commanding officer on scene and get a briefing of the situation. The steps you need to take as the handler are as followed: - Establish the situation - The severity of crimes if a criminal search is being conducted - The risks to the K-9 involved (armed status, environmental considerations such as broken glass, or hazardous substances/CBRN) Once you establish that it is safe to operate, the handler will attempt to locate an item of clothing belonging to the subject or victim that will allow a scent to be determined and subsequently tracked. Once the dog has gotten a scent, the handler will inform officers on scene over radio, that the dog is commencing search. At all times during an open area search, you MUST maintain visual contact with your K-9 partner to the best of your abilities and recall the K-9 if it gets too far away. In a restricted area search (such as a building, city area, or heavily populated area), the dog MUST be on a leash and you need to control the K-9 partner at all times. The utilization of K-9 assets for search purposes in game will require coordination with the civilian on scene. This will entirely depend on the circumstances of the search. Tracking considerations to be taken into account: A scent trail cannot be tracked across water. If a suspect crosses water, the trail will go cold temporarily and you must attempt to reacquire the trail on the opposite bank to continue the search (this means you can directly cross the water or go all the way around the water and attempt to relocate it on the other side, pick and choose your battle (I.E. murder in the first, cross over, foot pursuit from a traffic stop, go around)). Strong scents, or locations of strong scent can and will NOT throw a dog off a trail if they are tracking you. This is to be considered, especially when tracking through areas of high traffic. These dogs are specifically trained to smell so the only time they can lose someone is if they obstruct the smell such as entering a car, making sharp and rapid turns or "ditching" the current scent the suspect may have. The suspect may choose to give little, or a great deal of information. Utilize this to the best of your ability, but as with evidence provided on any scene, this is down to the civilian. Distance of tracking is to be considered, your K-9 will need to rest and cannot track for hours on end. The age of a trail will factor heavily into its ability to be tracked. A fresh trail will provide the dog a strong opportunity to track, however, a trial several days old, may prove fruitless. XIV, Calls and Foot Pursuits K-9’s can be sent on a suspect that is armed with a lethal weapon. If you wouldn't send an officer into a scene with less than lethal then you shouldn't send your K-9 into that situation either. As A K-9 handler you not only have to value your life but you also have to value the life of your K-9. As a K-9 officer, you are still a standard LEO when it comes to basic policies and procedures that are listed within the LEO SOP. You have access to a powerful tool which you can utilize when it is appropriate. This does not mean you need to take out the dog on every call. Do keep in mind, you do not have "jurisdiction" over calls, you can volunteer your services (only if the call includes what the dog is trained to do), if you have not been requested, however it is up to the primary officer on scene to approve said request. When a K-9 Unit is called to provide cover to an officer, or actively take part in a pursuit of a suspect. The K-9 is to be kept on the leash until the animal is needed to either detain or acquire a suspect. If the K-9 is required to intercept and detain a subject, the handler will either release the animal from their vehicle with a remote, the door handle, or remove the leash. At this point, the K-9 will target the suspect indicated by the handler. Ensure that before you release your K-9, that it is safe to do so. This includes: Civilians in the way of the K-9 to accidentally be mistaken as a target. Other uniformed personnel in the way of the dog to be mistaken as a target. The dog is not in harm's way (meaning shots have been fired in the duration of the chase). If the dog is deployed, you as the handler are prepared to face any consequences that may take place with the K-9 being released. Pursuit Policy K-9 Units are available to be involved in pursuits. There is to be only one K-9 unit attached per pursuit unless an all call and or absolutely necessary. There are stipulations you must adhere by to be in the pursuit which as as followed: - K-9 Units may be 2nd or 3rd in the vehicle pursuit (If you have difficulty maintaining pursuit contact (vehicle speed), allow faster units through, and follow to the best of your ability). - If the suspect's vehicle(s) become immobilized, don’t rush towards the vehicle (Take cover and watch, you can get the dog on a leash and stand by if they decide to foot bail). - If a suspect flees from the vehicle on foot, use the dog to apprehend the suspect. - If the suspect's car is immobilized and they do not take off on foot, take all suspects into custody, then run the dog around the car to clear the vehicle for any hidden suspects. XV. Shots Fired Policy During a call, if a scene escalates to shots fired and the animal is still inside the vehicle, they MUST remain there for their own safety. If the dog is out and about, you are able to utilize the dog to neutralize the threat if the handler deems necessary. You are tasked with protecting their life and considering the K-9's safety, however you must remember they are an animal as well. Sending a K-9 into harm's way will NOT result in disciplinary action if the handler deems it was necessary to do so. However, do note the following; if you do not utilize other tools to try and arrest the subject and jump straight to using the dog, disciplinary action may follow suit in accordance with the K-9 and LEO SOP. If a suspect is barricaded, and the K-9 handler feels that it would do more good than harm to send a dog in, the K-9 may be utilized. Keep in mind that a K-9 will only be able to handle one suspect and if successful, subdue said subject. However, if there are 2 or more armed suspects, be prepared to move in directly behind the dog to neutralize the threat before the dog gets killed/injured. It is up to a K-9 handler overall to decide the fate of their dog partner. If you as a K-9 handler do not feel it is safe, your verdict is final. Keep in mind the fact that while a K-9 is a life to be valued, a K-9’s life should be valued less than a human officer's life for the purposes of deciding to breach an armed suspect(s). XVI. Evidence Search and Narcotics Operations When a K-9 unit is being utilized in a narcotics role, the K-9 will operate like a regular officer and utilize verbal commands to scent for target items. Example: *Handler escorts K-9 to a vehicle and issues a search command.* K-9: (K-9 Menu = k) search the vehicle. K-9: Narcotics detected. Note: Dogs can smell any item that has a human scent (ditched firearm, etc.), however, inside a vehicle this becomes a trickier prospect. In real life, Narcotics dogs are specially trained, and typically react to only narcotics and large quantities of currency (paper currency). In the case of a search, the handler will maintain control of their partner as they approach the target building or vehicle. They will issue the command for their partner to begin a search, guiding the K-9 as they move. The Handler will escort the animal as it searches, and if the K-9 gets a hit, the K-9 will stop and sit. This indicates the presence of a trained substance. At this time, the dog has provided the handler with probable cause for a search, and a manual search will be conducted. Remember, K-9s can be trained to search for narcotics or Cadavers (bodies) At all times, you will utilize an additional officer on scene to maintain control of the subject whilst the handler guides the K-9 through the search. This is not a request, it is mandatory. XVII. Structure Search First, the K-9 Handler will contact the primary unit on scene and establish the nature of the call, establish perimeter security, and whether or not officers are inside the building. An initial perimeter sweep should be conducted with the K-9 on a leash, unless off leash deployment is tactically necessary (In case of difficult to reach terrain or space limitations). Before Entering the building, the handler will recruit a unit to assist as cover officer, and brief them on the role. This will involve providing armed cover to the handler and K-9 as they conduct their search, (on or off leash) as the handler will be occupied commanding the K-9. Before entering a residential/office building, the handler will take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of residents that may still be inside. Including keeping the K-9 on a leash where necessary and maintaining visual contact with their K-9 if off leash to issue stop commands. When entering, you should be identifying yourself to alert those inside as to the presence of a K-9 Unit. Example identification: “State Police/Sheriff's Office/LSPD subjects inside the building, there is a K-9 present. Announce yourself now or I will be releasing my K-9 and you will be bit.” You are to identify yourself no less than twice before deploying the K-9. Upon entering the building/structure, ensure that your cover officer is with you and able to follow verbal directions. Release the K-9 at the door and allow the dog to search off leash. Follow your K-9 to the best of your abilities, and track the screams. If a subject is being searched for in the building, the K-9 will conduct a search until it locates an individual at which point it will verbally indicate, it has found something of note or a subject indicates they are screaming or bitten. Version 2.0