Oviedo Police Department K-9 Teams PDF

OVIEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE: 07-12-2021 APPROVAL: NUMBER: Dale Coleman Chief of Police GO 11-2.0 REFERENCE: CFA Chapter 14 SUBJECT: Canine (K-9) Teams AMENDS: None RESCINDS: None I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. PURPOSE POLICY PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES QUALIFICATIONS...

OVIEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE: 07-12-2021 APPROVAL: NUMBER: Dale Coleman Chief of Police GO 11-2.0 REFERENCE: CFA Chapter 14 SUBJECT: Canine (K-9) Teams AMENDS: None RESCINDS: None I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. PURPOSE POLICY PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING K-9 TRAINING NARCOTICS K-9 VEHICLE LIMITED SERVICE K-9s I. PURPOSE The purpose of this order is to provide guidelines for the use of trained police K-9 teams to support the department and to reduce the potential danger to members and improve effectiveness in the suppression of criminal activity. II. POLICY It is the policy of the Oviedo Police Department to utilize police trained K-9 teams when necessary for search deployment, criminal apprehension, officer protection, and the detection of narcotics. Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams III. Page 2 of 15 PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES A. B. Request and Deployment of K-9 Teams: 1. On-duty K-9 teams shall respond to crimes in progress and shall assist other law enforcement units of the department. 2. During regular K-9 duty hours, any member may request a K-9 team to respond. 3. The K-9 team will assist as a back-up unit when possible. 4. K-9 teams should be limited in their assignment as primary units on calls for service. 5. When the K-9 teams are off-duty, the shift supervisor may authorize a call-out of the team. 6. When a K-9 team is needed, the department team(s) should be utilized when practical. If a department team is unavailable, the onduty shift supervisor may approve a request for K-9 assistance from other local law enforcement agencies. A request from other local law enforcement agencies to utilize our department K-9 team shall also require approval from the shift supervisor prior to assistance. K-9 Use for Criminal Apprehension: 1. Deployment of the K-9 will be at the discretion of the K-9 handler. The decision to deploy will be based on the sought individual’s risk to themselves and the risk to the public or law enforcement. 2. The K-9 handler shall be in control of the call once the K-9 is deployed. 3. During deployment, a K-9 handler may allow the K-9 to physically apprehend an individual if: a. There is reasonable belief that the individual poses an immediate threat of violence or serious harm to the public, an officer, or the K-9 handler; or b. The K-9 handler has sufficient reasonable suspicion to lead him or her to believe a felony has been committed; or GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams c. 4. C. Page 3 of 15 The individual is believed to be concealed in an area where entry by anyone other than the K-9 would pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public. In those cases where the violator sustains an injury as a result of apprehension by a police K-9, the first available officer shall render first aid to the individual and summon additional medical assistance. The on-duty supervisor shall be notified and a K-9 Deployment Report and Use of Force Report shall be completed. The K-9 Deployment Report shall be submitted along with the Use of Force Report. Tracking: 1. Police K-9 teams may be used to track suspects or missing persons. 2. All tracking searches shall begin with the K-9 on a lead. 3. The following procedures shall be utilized when K-9 teams are requested to track: a. Once a scene has been evaluated and the need for a K-9 team has been established, the member should immediately request that the K-9 team respond. b. The scene is to be secured. The perimeter shall be maintained until the K-9 team arrives and advises that the track has concluded. c. Attempts should be made not to contaminate the scene or routes of escape. Unauthorized persons shall not be permitted within the perimeter. d. Physical or chemical evidence or any scent article at a crime scene should not be contaminated. If contamination is unavoidable, the K-9 handler shall be made aware of the contamination. e. Officers on scene shall provide K-9 handlers with information pertaining to the type of crime, suspect description, weapon information, time lapse, and perimeter information as soon as possible. f. Patrol officers should only assist the K-9 team as requested by the K-9 handler. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams D. Page 4 of 15 Area Search: An area search may be requested if there is no starting point for a track. The following procedures shall be utilized in addition to the tracking procedures as listed above: E. 1. Prior to the K-9 team conducting an area search, the K-9 handler shall identify themselves as a K-9 law enforcement officer, give a verbal warning such as “Show Yourself” and relay the consequences for not surrendering such as “The dog is going to bite you.” This warning shall be given twice in order to avoid injuries to innocent bystanders and allow the suspect the opportunity to surrender. When exigent circumstances exist, a verbal warning is not required if in the opinion of the K-9 handler it would compromise the safety of members conducting the search. 2. The K-9 team will search an open area utilizing human scent to locate hiding suspects. 3. It shall be at the K-9 handler’s discretion whether to conduct the search on or off lead. 4. Members shall not allow anyone to enter the perimeter unless directed to do so by the K-9 handler. Building Searches: The following procedures shall be utilized when K-9 teams conduct a building search: 1. Whenever possible, a K-9 team shall be requested to respond and conduct building searches. 2. When a K-9 is necessary to search a building, the first member on scene shall employ back-up officers to establish a perimeter around the building. 3. Members on scene must maintain the perimeter and not enter or allow anyone else to enter the building. Members should make every effort to not stand near the point of entry or exit. 4. The officer in charge of the scene shall brief the K-9 handler of the situation upon his/her arrival. The K-9 handler shall be in control of the call once the K-9 is deployed. Attention should be focused on the entry and exit points, any movement detected inside the building, or any other pertinent information. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams 5. F. G. Page 5 of 15 Prior to the K-9 team conducting a building search, the K-9 handler shall identify themselves as a K-9 law enforcement officer, give a verbal warning such as “Show Yourself” and relay the consequences for not surrendering, such as “The dog is going to bite you.” This warning shall be given twice in order to avoid injuries to innocent bystanders and allow the suspect the opportunity to surrender. When exigent circumstances exist, a verbal warning is not required if in the opinion of the K-9 handler it would compromise the safety of members conducting the search. K-9 Use for Crowd Control and Protection: 1. Prior to deployment of the police K-9 in a riot/crowd control situation, the incident must be declared and announced to be an unlawful assembly. 2. Police K-9s may be utilized with authorization from the on-duty shift supervisor or the officer in charge of the scene. 3. Requests by other agencies for use of the police K-9 in a riot/crowd control situation must have the approval of the on-duty shift supervisor or higher-ranking member. K-9 Use for Narcotics/Drugs Searches: The following procedures shall be utilized when a K-9 team is requested to conduct a narcotics/drugs search: 1. Any sworn member may request the assistance of a K-9 drug detection team upon establishing sufficient information to reasonably suspect that illegal substances are within the search area. 2. The initial requesting officer on scene will be responsible for ensuring that the scene is not contaminated. The scene should not be searched prior to the K-9 team’s arrival. 3. The drug detection K-9 will not be used to search for narcotics/drugs concealed on any person. 4. Unless probable cause has already been established to believe narcotics/drugs are within an enclosed area (building, house, interior of a vehicle), a drug detection K-9 will not be utilized within the enclosure without the express consent of the person(s) having a privacy interest in the area to be searched. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams H. Page 6 of 15 5. Police K-9s may be utilized during roadblock operations for narcotics/drugs detection. The K-9 may be escorted around the exterior of a vehicle during the roadblock procedure. All occupants of the vehicle will be advised to remain within the vehicle during the K-9 sweep. A K-9 cannot be used to detain a motorist beyond the time necessary to meet the roadblock/checkpoint objectives (driver’s license check, safety equipment check, etc.) unless reasonable suspicion or probable cause to detain has already been established. A drug detection K-9 alert to a vehicle constitutes probable cause to search the vehicle. 6. Police K-9s may be utilized in an effort to detect the presence of narcotics/drugs inside vehicles. When responding to a request from an officer for utilization of the K-9, it is the K-9 handler’s responsibility to ensure the safety of the officers, the K-9, and the occupants of the vehicle. Prior to the K-9 handler escorting the K9 around the vehicle, all occupants will be asked to exit the vehicle for their safety to avoid any contact with the K-9. If the occupants refuse to exit the vehicle, they are subject to arrest. When the K-9 gives indication for the presence of narcotics/drugs, this will constitute probable cause for searching the vehicle. 7. A drug detection K-9 may also be utilized in an effort to detect “sniff” the presence of narcotics/drugs on currency that has been seized pursuant to the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act. Such use of a K-9 should be in addition to other evidence supporting the seizure. No forfeiture seizure of currency or other personal property should be based solely on a drug detection K-9 sniff alert. Incapacitated K-9 Handler: 1. In the event of an accident or injury that renders a K-9 handler incapable of controlling the police K-9, any available K-9 handler from within or outside this department (on or off-duty) will be summoned to take charge of the K-9. 2. If a K-9 handler is unavailable and response time is not critical, an officer who has received training provided by a police K-9 handler in the handling of a police K-9, may take charge of the K-9. 3. In any event where a K-9 is injured, the Community Patrol Deputy Chief shall be notified immediately. 4. When time is critical to render aid to the injured K-9 handler, with the approval of a shift supervisor, appropriate measures may be taken to neutralize the K-9. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams IV. Page 7 of 15 QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING A. B. C. The following are qualifications for a K-9 handler vacancy: 1. A minimum of two (2) years of service with the department; 2. Have satisfactory or above satisfactory performance evaluations for the previous two (2) years; 3. Have received no formal discipline for the previous two (2) years; 4. Be capable of housing the K-9 at the officer’s residence; 5. Have participated in activities supporting the department’s community policing mission, community involvement, or on department committees; 6. Endorsements from officer’s sergeant and lieutenant; and 7. A statement of attributes for the K-9 handler position. Certification: 1. Officers assigned to the K-9 unit must complete a state mandated certification course as required by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC). 2. The K-9 team must also complete the CJSTC required hours of training in the detection of narcotics. Training and Evaluation: 1. Staffing levels permitting, K-9 teams are authorized eight (8) hours a week to conduct training. The eight (8) hours of training will not count as overtime. 2. Each K-9 team will be evaluated on a yearly basis to ensure the team is performing at levels that demonstrate competency and proficiency in skills required by the CJSTC. 3. Failure by a K-9 team to maintain certification or maintain minimum performance standards may result in the K-9 team being removed from service until such time the K-9 team once again has met or exceeded the applicable performance standards. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams D. Page 8 of 15 Record Keeping: Each K-9 handler is responsible for ensuring that all K-9 training is documented and submitted to the Training Coordinator to be filed in the K9 team’s training file. Deployment documentation shall be maintained by the K-9 handler. V. K-9 TRAINING NARCOTICS Note: Terms including “training aids,” “narcotics training aids,” and “training aid scent packs,” may be used interchangeably throughout this order to refer to drugs/narcotics/controlled substances acquired and utilized for K-9 team training. A. Acquisition, Storage, and Disposal: 1. Procurement Request/Process: a. When the K-9 handler determines that the narcotics training aids need replacement, the K-9 handler will make a request by memo through the chain of command to the Community Patrol Deputy Chief. The Community Patrol Deputy Chief will facilitate the necessary documentation for the acquisition of the training narcotics. The request shall identify the types of training narcotics requested, which may consist of the following: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) b. Cocaine (HCL) Marijuana Methamphetamine Crack (Cocaine base) MDMA Heroin The department shall acquire the training aid scent packs from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Testing and Research Laboratory in accordance with their procedures. Note: Requests for replacement material will be considered only when twelve (12) months have elapsed since the previous request was filled. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams c. 2. Page 9 of 15 When preparing the letter of request to the Laboratory Director of the DEA Special Training and Research Laboratory, the letter shall stipulate delivery ONLY to the named “K9 handler (name)” and ONLY to the physical address of the “Oviedo Police Department, 300 Alexandria Boulevard, Oviedo, FL 32765,” with the direct Property and Evidence section telephone number included. Disposal/Destruction of Expired Training Aid Scent Packs: Training narcotics and their containers shall be scheduled for replacement as determined to be appropriate by the K-9 handler and the Community Patrol Deputy Chief. 3. a. In accordance with DEA, a copy of the completed Registrant Record of Controlled Substances Destroyed (DEA-41, available at www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov) must be submitted to the laboratory indicating destruction of previously obtained materials from DEA before additional K-9 training narcotics are supplied. b. The narcotics scheduled for replacement/destruction will be submitted in their containers for testing and examination by persons designated by the Community Patrol Deputy Chief. c. A CJIS report and a property receipt listing the narcotics and weights shall be completed by the person conducting the testing and the examination. The property receipt shall be marked “For Destruction.” d. The Training Narcotics Control Log shall be completed and appropriate documentation of the disposal/destruction shall be entered, to include the command authority, date, and a copy of the completed DEA form (DEA-41). Receipt of Training Narcotics: a. Receipt from Source: Upon parcel service delivery of the training narcotics from their source (e.g. DEA), prior to signing for the parcel, the K9 handler shall examine the shipping packaging visually for evidence of tampering or damage. As long as the packaging is intact, the package will be signed for and then secured immediately in the Property and Evidence section for safekeeping. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams b. 4. Page 10 of 15 Suspected Tampering or Significant Damage to Parcel: (1) In the event tampering is suspected or there is significant damage (damage allowing potential access to the contents), the K9 handler or Evidence Specialist inspecting the package will bring the problem to the parcel employee’s attention and will notify the K-9 team’s supervisor when available, or the on-duty shift supervisor. Once a supervisor has responded and examined the parcel, the K9 handler or Evidence Specialist will note the problem on the receipt prior to signing for and accepting the package. (2) The responding supervisor will conduct a more thorough examination of the package/contents to verify or eliminate the possibility of tampering to include photographs taken of the package/contents. (3) A verified tampering with the parcel contents will result in a follow-up investigation that is conducted in accordance with department written directives. Secure Storage of K-9 Training Aid Scent Packs: When a routine delivery has been accepted, the parcel/contents shall be entered into the Property and Evidence section for safekeeping. They shall be stored in a container specifically designated for K-9 narcotics, separate from all other property and evidence. B. Issuance and Repackaging of Training Narcotics: 1. Issuance of Training Narcotics to K-9 handler: a. When a routine delivery has been accepted, the Evidence Specialist will email the K-9 handler and the K-9 team’s supervisor of the arrival of the training narcotics. b. The K-9 team’s supervisor and the K-9 handler will be responsible for opening the DEA package and documenting the weights and content descriptions of the training aid scent packs. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams 2. Page 11 of 15 c. Source documents (e.g. DEA) with documented weights of each narcotic will be kept by the K-9 team’s supervisor, to include laboratory test/presumptive test documentation. d. Documentation of this activity will be recorded on the department K-9 Training Narcotics Repackaging Log. Training Aid Scent Pack Separation/Repackaging: a. The K-9 handler and the K-9 team’s supervisor or designee will sign out the narcotics from the Property and Evidence section. b. The narcotics training aids will be taken to the department lab. c. All members present shall don personal protective equipment. d. The individual narcotics training aids/source items will be removed from the original shipping packaging one at a time. As each item is removed, it will be weighed, with the original weight documented. e. Each source item may be divided as determined by the K-9 handler for optimum training purposes. f. Each portion divided from an original source item will be repackaged and secured in a manner that will prevent loss of content. Each repackaged portion will be weighed with the weight(s) documented on the K-9 Training Narcotics Repackaging Log. g. The original source packaging shall be secured with evidence tape and sealed in accordance with General Order 10-1.0 Property and Evidence Collection and Submission, with the new weight documented on the K-9 Training Narcotics Repackaging Log. h. Upon completion of the division, the training aids that were repackaged from the original source items will be placed into containers designated for training aids that are available for use by the K-9 team. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams C. Page 12 of 15 i. The controlled substances remaining in the original source packaging will be secured in the Property and Evidence section in the same designated containers with the repackaged training aids available for use by the K-9 team. j. The K-9 Training Narcotics Repackaging Log shall be maintained with the training aid scent packs, and at all times account for the total weights of all the repackaged portions. Accountability and Handling of K-9 Training Narcotics: 1. Training Aid Scent Pack Accountability: Once the initial package is received from the Evidence Specialist, all training aid scent packs will be the sole responsibility of the K-9 handler. 2. Training Aid Scent Pack Handling and Maintenance: The K-9 handler shall be assigned a locker and lock for storage of the K-9 training aid scent packs when not on-duty, or not in use. The K-9 handler shall be the only person to possess the key or combination to this lock. a. All K-9 training aid scent packs shall be secured in the K-9 drug locker when the K-9 handler is off-duty or the scent packs are not currently being utilized. b. When on-duty and the training aid scent packs are needed, the K-9 handler shall remove them from the K-9 drug locker and sign them out in the K-9 Training Aid Scent Pack SignOut Log. Prior to the end of the shift, the K-9 handler shall return the training aid scent packs to the K-9 drug locker and document the return on the log. c. The only time K-9 training aid scent packs will not be returned to the K-9 drug locker prior to the end of the shift will be either when granted permission by the K-9 team’s supervisor, or in the event of an unforeseen illness or injury. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams 3. Page 13 of 15 Use of Training Narcotics: The use of training narcotics shall be conducted in locations and under circumstances which offer reasonable control over the narcotics at all times. Under no circumstances will the narcotics be removed from their sealed training containers. 4. Accidental Destruction of Training Narcotics: Should a training accident occur where there is destruction of any training aids containing a controlled substance: 5. a. The on-duty supervisor shall be notified and shall ensure that photographs are taken of the scene, when one exists. b. Visible controlled substances that are spilled shall be recovered, packaged, and returned to the Property and Evidence section for proper disposal. c. An information report shall be completed by the K-9 handler documenting circumstances surrounding the incident. (1) The report shall be submitted to the Chief of Police via the chain of command; and (2) A copy of the report will be maintained in the Property and Evidence section, along with the K-9 Training Narcotics Repackaging Log and the damaged training aid container. Lost, Missing, or Stolen Training Narcotics: In the event of lost, missing, or stolen K-9 training narcotics, a thorough investigation shall be conducted. The following procedures shall be followed during the follow-up investigation: a. Provide written notification of the lost, missing, or stolen item(s) to the K-9 team’s supervisor and the Community Patrol Deputy Chief immediately upon discovery. b. Explain the process conducted in order to locate the lost, missing, or stolen item. c. Decisions pertaining to the follow-up investigation shall be made by the Community Patrol Deputy Chief or designee. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams d. D. Page 14 of 15 The results of the follow-up investigation shall be submitted to the Chief of Police with a copy to the Accreditation Manager for filing. UNANNOUNCED AUDIT/INVENTORY An unannounced audit of the inventory of the training aid scent packs shall be conducted annually as directed by the Chief of Police. Audit results shall be documented on the Unannounced Annual K-9 Drug Audit Memorandum and submitted through the chain of command to the Chief of Police for signature and submitted to the Accreditation Manager for filing. VI. K-9 VEHICLE A. The officer assigned as a department K-9 handler will also be assigned a vehicle dedicated for the purpose of transporting the K-9. B. The K-9 vehicle is equipped with a safe for securing the K-9 training narcotics to and from the training location. The K-9 handler is the only person who has possession of the keys to the vehicle’s safe. C. Arrestees should not be transported in the K-9 vehicle. Officers may ride as a passenger in the K-9 vehicle with the approval of a department K-9 handler and the Community Patrol Deputy Chief. D. The K-9 handler shall be responsible for the condition of the K-9 vehicle and abide by the preventative maintenance schedule as posted by the Fleet Manager. E. The temperature inside the K-9 vehicle will be monitored by a “Heat Alarm” system when the police K-9 is to remain inside the vehicle unattended. It is the responsibility of the K-9 handler to make certain the equipment is operational, as well as to monitor the temperature inside the vehicle with the equipment provided. F. The “Heat Alarm” system shall be tested on a weekly basis to ensure it is working properly. GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams Oviedo Police Department GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams G. The following equipment shall be maintained in the trunk of the K-9 vehicle: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. VII. Page 15 of 15 Charged fire extinguisher; First Aid Kit; Six (6) flares and/or LED-based electronic flares; Safe/Lock Box; Personal protection equipment (PPE); and Any additional K-9 equipment necessary to perform the K-9 team functions. LIMITED SERVICE K-9s A. The department utilizes limited service K-9s who are assigned to department School Resource Officers (SROs). B. The mission of a limited service K-9 assigned to a school along with the SRO is to enhance the SRO’s interaction with all students, especially special needs and at-risk students. C. The limited service K-9s shall not be utilized for criminal apprehension or for the tracking of a criminal suspect. D. The limited service K-9s human tracking efforts shall be limited to missing or lost children or endangered adults. E. The limited service K-9s may also be utilized to search for items the K-9 has specifically been trained to detect and/or locate. /s/ DHC ____________________________________ DALE COLEMAN CHIEF OF POLICE 04-01-2021 __________________ DATE GO 11-2.0 Canine (K-9) Teams