Boca Raton Police K-9 Unit Standard Operating Procedure 2021 PDF

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 41.10 K-9 UNIT Revised: May 27, 2021 ` I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to establish guidelines for the management and tactical deployment of patrol canines. II. DEFINITIONS: Canine: A dog which...

BOCA RATON POLICE SERVICES DEPARTMENT Standard Operating Procedure 41.10 K-9 UNIT Revised: May 27, 2021 ` I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure is to establish guidelines for the management and tactical deployment of patrol canines. II. DEFINITIONS: Canine: A dog which has been procured and specially trained to execute specific tasks which make use of the dog's attributes such as speed, agility, and sense of smell. K-9 Handler: A law enforcement officer (LEO) specially trained in the care, handling, and training of a canine for law enforcement use. K-9 Team: A single K-9 handler and a canine. K-9 Unit: A group of K-9 teams that uses the services and abilities of trained dogs for assisting LEOs in various duties and tasks consistent with this SOP and Department policies. III. PROCEDURE: A. REQUIREMENTS FOR K-9 HANDLERS: 14.11 1. LEOs shall be selected for assignment to the K-9 Unit using the Transfer Selection Board process for specialized positions as outlined in the Agreement between the City of Boca Raton and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35. 2. The following criteria shall also be considered when selecting applicants: a. The applicant must be in excellent physical condition, and his/her employment record must reflect a history of good health. b. The applicant must pass an obstacle course to demonstrate that he/she can handle the physical demands of the K-9 handler. See Appendix A for details of the obstacle course. c. The applicant must decoy in a bite suit to demonstrate that he/she has no fear of dogs at the completion of the obstacle course. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 1 of 12 d. The applicant must have a history of being able to work effectively with other department teams/members. e. The applicant must be able to house a dog safely at his/her residence and be willing to submit to a home inspection upon request f. The applicant’s proximity to the City will be considered. g. The applicant must be willing to commit to three (3) years in the K-9 Unit. h. The applicant must be able to complete a 480-hour Basic K-9 course. 14.11 i. The applicant must commit to being readily available to respond to callouts when off-duty. j. The applicant must not have any use of force policy violations within the last three (3) years. B. K-9 UNIT SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Complete all training schedules. 2. Acquire the equipment and supplies necessary for the operation of the K-9 Unit, in accordance with Department procedures. 3. Review the K-9 handlers’ usage and training reports, observe K-9 team activities, and review veterinary reports to determine if each dog is fit for continued usage by the Department. 14.11 4. Acquire additional and/or replacement dogs for the Department's K-9 Unit at the direction of the division commander and approval of the chief of police. 5. Document whether the dog is clean, healthy, well fed, and cared for during the K-9 handler’s monthly employee inspection. The supervisor shall also indicate whether the dog is current on vaccinations and veterinary evaluations. 6. At a minimum, the K-9 supervisor shall conduct a home inspection prior to the placement of a new canine. C. K-9 HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Maintain possession of his/her training aids during training, and record in his/her training log what aids were used. 2. Ensure that his/her assigned equipment is maintained in a clean and functional condition and that enough equipment is in his/her possession during working hours to effectively use the canine. 3. Ensure the dog is clean, well-fed, healthy, and well cared for at all times. 14.11 Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 2 of 12 4. Ensure the cleanliness of his/her vehicle. 5. Complete any additional reporting required for the use and training of a police canine. D. K-9 TRAINING: 1. 2. 14.11 3. Department K9 teams shall be trained in all of the following areas: 14.11 a. Area search b. Building search c. Tracking suspects d. Searching for evidence e. Criminal apprehension f. Handler protection g. Crowd control Department K-9 teams may be trained in one of the following specialized areas: a. Narcotics detection b. Explosives detection Narcotics and Explosives Training: 14.11 a. To maintain proper proficiency for the detector canine, there must be continuous training with all types of narcotic/explosive substances. i. Upon successfully completing an approved canine detection course, the K-9 handler will be authorized to maintain possession of narcotic or explosive training aids only as outlined in this procedure. ii. It is the primary responsibility of the individual K-9 handler to ensure that the necessary training is being provided to the canine. All attempts will be made to conduct training sessions on a weekly basis to maintain canine proficiency. b. The K-9 handler will maintain a record of all training and actual searches. c. Each K-9 team will complete an annual certification evaluation in their specific field of training, e.g., patrol, tracking, narcotics, or explosives. 4. Narcotics/Explosives Logbooks: Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 3 of 12 a. The K-9 Unit supervisor will maintain a separate logbook for each detector K-9 team to track narcotics and explosives. b. Entries regarding receipt of narcotics/explosives and inspections will be made in the logbooks. c. Each K-9 handler will maintain an individual logbook that will be stored in his/her safe. d. Entries regarding the receipt of narcotics and explosives and his/her use for training will be made in the logbook. e. E. Each usage of the training aid will be noted in the K9 handler’s logbook. TRAINING AIDS: 1. OBTAINING NARCOTICS AND EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AIDS: 14.12 a. All narcotics to be used as training aids by the Department K-9 handlers shall be obtained from the BRPSD evidence custodian, the Palm Beach County Crime Lab, or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). b. All explosives to be used as training aids shall be obtained through the Bomb Squad. c. The chief of police or his/her designee will be notified and approve all requests for narcotics and explosive materials for training. d. Presumptive testing and weighing shall be performed on any narcotics used for canine training, unless the sample is obtained from any pre-approved organization or agency. e. If a sample is obtained from a pre-approved organization, the narcotics should be weighed in the original packaging to confirm the weight specified matches the weight received. f. Samples obtained from a pre-approved organization shall not be opened or tampered with to preserve the integrity of the sample. g. The procedure for obtaining narcotics from the Department evidence custodian is as follows: i. The K-9 handler must submit a written request through his/her immediate supervisor for the specific narcotic and amount needed through the chain of command to the chief of police or his/her designee. ii. The K-9 handler and supervisor will take possession of the narcotic after a copy of the approved request is provided to the evidence custodian and a property receipt is completed and signed. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 4 of 12 iii. The evidence custodian will maintain a record of the transaction and provide the K-9 Unit supervisor with a copy of the property receipt. iv. The K-9 handler will record the receipt of the narcotic in his/her logbook. v. The K-9 Unit supervisor will record the inspection on the electronic Employee Inspection form. vi. A copy of the Property Receipt for the narcotic will be kept secure in the receiving K-9 handler’s safe. h. The procedure for obtaining narcotics from the Palm Beach County Crime Lab or the DEA is as follows: i. The K-9 handler must submit a written request through the chain of command to the chief of police or his/her designee for the specific narcotic and the amount requested. ii. The narcotic training aid requested will be obtained from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO) Crime Lab or the DEA in accordance with their policies and procedures. iii. When the narcotics are received at the Department, the K-9 handler's supervisor will inspect the narcotics, verify receipt of the training aids, and record the inspection in the supervisor's logbook. iv. A copy of the Property Receipt for the narcotic will be kept secure in the receiving K-9 handler’s safe. 2. STORAGE/SECURITY OF NARCOTIC AND EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AIDS: 14.12 a. Narcotic and explosive training aids shall be stored in safes, provided by the Department. i. Each K-9 handler will have a safe for storage of training aids. Each training aid will be stored in containers inside the safe to maintain the integrity of the training aid. ii. Presumptive testing may be done at the discretion of the K-9 Unit supervisor if it appears packaging has been damaged or altered. iii. Training aids will be kept in locked boxes during transport in the K-9 vehicle. iv. Only the individual K-9 handler will have the combination to the safe(s) under his/her control. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 5 of 12 v. Only the K-9 handlers and the K-9 Unit supervisor will have the key to the kennel where the safes are stored. vi. The K-9 handlers will give the safe combinations in a sealed evidence envelope to the evidence custodian, who will store them in the evidence room safe. vii. Only the chief of police or his/her designee will be authorized to open the safe(s) in the absence of the K-9 handler. b. Except for assisting in training, no other individual except the K-9 handler is authorized to possess any narcotic or explosive training aid. 3. K-9 UNIT SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES: a. At least once a month, the K-9 Unit supervisor shall conduct an unannounced inspection of each handler’s safe(s). 14.12 i. Each safe is to be opened and its contents checked and accounted for. ii. The K-9 handler's narcotics or explosives logbook is to be inspected and documented on the electronic Employee Inspection form to verify that the proper entries have been made. b. The Special Services Bureau (SSB) commander will be notified immediately of any discrepancy in the kind or weight of any narcotic listed as received by the K-9 handler. The SSB commander will notify the chief of police through the chain of command. 4. LOST, DAMAGED, OR MISPLACED NARCOTIC OR EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AID: 14.12 a. In the event a narcotic or explosive training aid is lost or cannot be accounted for, the K-9 handler shall immediately notify the K-9 Unit supervisor, who will notify the chief of police through the chain of command. b. If any narcotic or explosive training aid is damaged, an attempt must be made to recover as much spillage as possible. i. Any narcotic that cannot be recovered, if applicable, must be destroyed or otherwise rendered unfit for use. ii. Any explosive that is damaged or rendered unfit for use, must be turned over to the Bomb Squad. The K-9 Unit supervisor will submit a memorandum through the chain of command detailing the transfer of custody of the explosive. A copy of the property receipt will be attached to the memorandum. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 6 of 12 c. If a training aid is lost, cannot be accounted for, or is damaged, prior to the end of his/her shift, the K-9 Unit supervisor shall submit a report to the chief of police through the chain of command regarding the circumstances. If the K-9 handler’s supervisor is not available, the Special Operations Section commander will be notified and will submit the report. 5. TRAINING AID RETURN AND DISPOSAL: 14.12 a. Any training aid obtained through the Department, PBSO, or the DEA will be returned to the Department’s evidence custodian for destruction when it is no longer needed as a training aid. b. All narcotics will be weighed and tested, and all discrepancies shall be reported in writing. c. Narcotics acquired through the DEA and later destroyed must adhere to additional DEA destruction reporting requirements. d. New narcotic training aids will be issued as needed, but at least once every three (3) years. F. PROVISION OF SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT: 1. The City of Boca Raton will provide the following services for the care and maintenance of an active Department canine: a. All veterinary bills and associated dog medications and supplies. b. All dog food. c. All flea and tick pest extermination for the interior and exterior of each K-9 handler's residence. d. All supplies needed for the grooming and upkeep of the dog. e. Kenneling costs when the K-9 handler is out of town. f. All equipment for training and handling the dog, e.g., leashes, collars, and bite sleeves. G. SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT: 1. Each K-9 handler will be issued the following equipment at a minimum: a. Five (5) authorized training shirts b. Black boots c. Cellular telephone Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 7 of 12 d. Six-foot leash e. Traffic lead f. Fifteen and thirty-foot tracking leash g. Miscellaneous collars Miscellaneous harnesses h. Two water containers and a food bowl i. Food storage container j. Canine comb and brush k. Muzzle l. Kennel m. Bite sleeve n. Canine first aid kit o. Canine bed p. Canine warning/caution signs (quantity as needed) q. Canine hygiene supplies (shampoo, ear solution, etc.) 2. When any equipment is damaged or becomes nonfunctional due to wear, the K9 handler shall report that the equipment is defective to the K-9 Unit supervisor who will ensure that the equipment is replaced in accordance with City purchasing procedures. 3. The K-9 handler shall be required to have the equipment immediately available for use while on duty. 4. The K-9 Unit supervisor will perform a monthly inspection on the specialized equipment and document it in the electronic inspection program. H. CANINES: 1. GENERAL GUIDELINES: a. The K-9 handler shall use the veterinarian designated by the City of Boca Raton when the canine is sick or injured and for vaccinations, examinations, etc. with the following exceptions: i. The veterinarian is out of town or unavailable in which case he/she will recommend a replacement veterinarian. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 8 of 12 ii. In emergency situations where the primary veterinarian is unavailable or unable to respond in a timely manner, the canine will be taken to the nearest emergency clinic. iii. The canine is out of jurisdiction or the sickness or injury is serious enough to warrant taking the canine to the closest veterinarian. Through the chain of command, the K-9 handler shall notify the Special Services Bureau commander. b. If the canine suffers any injury that renders the dog unavailable for service, on-duty or off-duty, the injury shall be reported as soon as possible to the handler’s supervisor. c. The K-9 handler shall document the injury on a property damage report through the chain of command detailing the occurrence that caused the canine to be injured. d. Food and maintenance supplies will be obtained from designated vendors. e. The K-9 handler shall always be in command of the canine and not allow the dog to roam freely unless in a fenced-in area that is plainly marked with BAD DOG signs at all entrances. 14.11 2. KENNELING: a. When a K-9 handler goes on vacation, the canine will stay in an approved kennel or with a responsible individual who is familiar with the dog, has been designated by the K-9 handler, and approved by the K-9 Unit supervisor to care for the dog. 14.11 b. Unless in the immediate control of the handler, the dog shall be placed in a secured area that is not accessible to the public. c. The Department kennel may be used, at the K-9 handler's discretion, and the following procedures and guidelines adhered to when a K-9 handler is in court, giving a deposition, or at the station for any reason and must leave the dog unattended for a lengthy period of time: i. The kennel is intended as a temporary shelter and is not to be used unless the K-9 handler is on official business. ii. The K-9 handler will be responsible for the dog’s comfort and care while in the kennel and will clean the kennel when he/she removes his/her canine. 14.11 iii. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 The kennel is to be used by the Department work dogs only. K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 9 of 12 iv. At no time is anyone, other than the current Department K-9 Unit employees, to handle the dog while in the kennel. v. The SSB commander or his/her designee must authorize any exception to this policy. I. K-9 VEHICLES: 1. The purpose of the K-9 vehicle is to transport the K-9 handler, canine, and associated equipment during normal duties, demonstrations, and specialized applications. 2. Only K-9 handlers are authorized to operate K-9 vehicles and shall follow the guidelines in accordance with policies regulating operation of marked police units, with the following exceptions: a. Supervisors may authorize the use of the K-9 vehicles by others in special situations. b. A K-9 handler may authorize an employee to retrieve his/her vehicle following a distant track if there is no canine within the vehicle at the time of operation 3. J. The following equipment is installed in the K-9 vehicle: a. K-9 vehicle temperature/engine monitor b. K-9 vehicle emergency door opener mechanism c. Canine containment area CANINE BITES AND INJURY REPORTING: 1. If a canine bite occurs, the K-9 handler shall proceed as follows: a. The K-9 handler shall ensure that proper medical attention be administered to anyone injured by his/her canine. b. All injuries shall be examined by the K-9 handler and properly documented. c. The K-9 handler shall notify the K-9 Unit supervisor who, through the chain of command, will notify the Special Services Bureau commander. d. The K-9 handler shall ensure that the arresting LEO, or his/her designee, will remain with the detainee until released from treatment. Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 10 of 12 e. The K-9 handler shall take color photographs of the wound after treatment, in accordance with the agency’s use of force reporting procedures (Departmental Standards Directive 01.300 Response to Resistance). f. The K-9 handler will complete a Canine Usage Report detailing the facts of the incident. g. K. The K-9 Unit supervisor will document the following, if applicable: i. Use of Force Report ii. Medical treatment refused or administered iii. Names of attending physicians iv. Names of attending paramedics CANINE RETIREMENT: 1. The K-9 supervisor will submit a memorandum through his/her chain of command recommending retirement of the canine. The K-9 supervisor will include any medical or training documentation to support his/her recommendation. 2. The chief of police or his/her designee shall make the final decision as to whether to retire a canine. Factors to be considered may include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Age b. Health c. Agency needs d. Any combination of the above 3. If a canine is retired, the K-9 handler may submit a memorandum through the chain of command to request ownership of the K-9. 4. If the chief of police or his/her designee supports the request, he/she will ask for approval from city manager. 5. If the city manager approves the request, the following documents shall be completed to finalize the transfer of ownership: (see Appendix B Transfer Documentation) a. Police Canine Transfer Agreement and General Release b. Bill of Sale c. City of Boca Raton Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 11 of 12 d. City of Boca Raton Property/Asset Disposition Form i. The form shall document that the canine has no further value to the Department due to the factors considered for the decision to retire the canine. 6. If the K-9 handler does not request permanent ownership of the canine or the request is denied, the SSB commander shall submit recommendations to the chief of police or his/her designee regarding the disposition of the canine. Approved: Michele Miuccio Chief of Police Effective: August 20, 2003 Revised: May 27, 2021 Date: K-9 Unit SOP No. 41.10 Page 12 of 12