City of Kennett, MO Article II Canine Program

Section 200.100 Creation Of Canine Program.

[R.O. 1997 § 200.110; Ord. No. 2387 § 1, 5-17-1994]

There is hereby created a Canine Program in the City of Kennett, Missouri, Police Department for the purpose of effectively combating violent crime in the community by utilizing police dogs and handlers that are specially trained in crime scene search, suspect apprehension techniques, crowd control and drug detection.

Section 200.110 Purpose.

[R.O. 1997 § 200.120; Ord. No. 2387 § 2(I), 5-17-1994]

The Canine Program is designed to effectively combat violent crime in the community by utilizing police dogs and handlers that are specially trained in crime scene search, suspect apprehension techniques, crowd control and drug detection.

Section 200.120 Organizational Structure.

[R.O. 1997 § 200.130; Ord. No. 2387 § 2(II), 5-17-1994]

The Canine Officer(s) will be under the control and supervision of the on-duty shift commander unless they have been assigned to a special detail.

Section 200.130 Operating Policies.

[R.O. 1997 § 200.140; Ord. No. 2387 § 2(III), 5-17-1994]

A. General Policies.

1. Canine team will consist of handler and K-9.

2. Canine team will patrol in modified, specially equipped vehicle designed for such duty and clearly marked "POLICE K-9."

3. The decision to apply a police dog to a specific police operation shall remain with the dog handler concerned. When requested to apply a dog to a specific problem, the handler shall first evaluate the situation to determine if, in fact, the use of his/her dog is feasible. In those cases where the decision is made not to use the dog, the handler will stand by, if requested to give other police assistance.

4. All mutual aid request shall be coordinated through the on-duty shift commander, however the decision to apply or not to apply the dog to a specific operation will remain with the dog handler.

B. Patrol Area Assignments.

1. Canine team(s) when at all possible, should not be assigned to a special patrol area, but shall be allowed to roam free throughout the jurisdiction responding to silent and audible alarms or radio calls at the discretion of the handler or by the direction of the shift commander or the dispatcher.

2. When canine team must be assigned to a specific area, they will be given the latitude of responding to any of the calls as designated in Response Priorities [Subsection (C)], or at the direction of the shift commander or dispatcher. The canine handler will notify the dispatcher of his/her intent to respond to any specific event.

C. Response Priorities.

1. In order for the canine program to function properly, canine team should not normally be assigned report calls unless absolutely necessary. When calls for service are backlogged, canine team can be assigned to non-report calls to ease the load on patrol.

2. Canine team shall be specifically assigned as backup unit for the following calls for service:

a. All burglary in progress calls, intrusion and robbery alarms, events in progress or just occurred.

b. Felony and misdemeanor crimes or offenses where the suspect is on foot and a possible area or building search is eminent.

c. Any major disturbance, parties or crowds.

d. Any other call where in an officer's opinion, a canine team would be an asset as a backup or primary unit.

D. Patrol Procedures — Specific.

1. Prisoner Transportation. Canine units should not be used to transport prisoners. A canine handler making an arrest shall request a second unit for the purpose of transporting the prisoner or prisoners.

2. Building And Area Containment Searches. In order to achieve maximum effective utilization of the Police canine team, field officers should be aware of the following:

a. Officers should maintain containment of any area or building to be searched by a canine team.

b. Officers should, if possible, avoid contamination of the search scene prior to the canine team arrival.

c. If officers have entered a search area or building prior to the canine team's arrival, they should make sure that all personnel are out of the area prior to the search.

d. When a canine team enters a building or is conducting an area search, another officer will be assigned to accompany the handler. This second officer is to provide safety for the handler as the handler's attention will be primarily with the dog.

E. Canines And The Use Of Force.

1. The handler will use good judgment when the possibility exists that the canine will be used against a suspect.

a. The handler will not use the dog in bite situation for any summary offenses.

b. The handler will not use the dog in a bite situation for any non-aggravated or non-violent misdemeanors or ordinance violations. This does not include attempted assaults on an officer.

2. Departmental Policy. In any instance where the handler encourages his/her dog to take any unjustified bite on any person or takes part in any activity which might bring discredit upon the canine program, he/she will be subject to proper departmental disciplinary action and/or elimination from the canine program.

F. Dog Bite Reporting.

1. Whenever a canine attacks or bites a suspect the following shall apply:

a. Officer shall provide proper medical attention to anyone injured by a canine.

b. The bite area shall be examined and photographed. Proper photographs will show actual injuries sustained by an individual.

c. The handler and at least one (1) other officer, preferably the shift commander, shall observe the injuries sustained.

d. The injuries will be carefully documented in writing and include in the incident reports submitted by the handler and supervisor and/or witness.

e. A copy of the report shall be furnished to the Chief of Police.

2. The Department will keep health records and shots of animal(s) up to date. These reports will be available to bite victims should the Department deem it advisable.

G. Field Officer Conduct. Field officer(s) should avoid:

1. Horseplay with the handler or dog.

2. Feeding a canine.

3. Reaching into the canine unit with the dog inside.

H. Public Relations.

1. All requests for canine team participation in community relation programs or demonstrations shall be made through the canine handler or Chief of Police.

2. Request should be made at least two (2) weeks in advance of the desired appearance.

3. Request will be honored whenever possible without placing the program's efficiency in jeopardy.

I. Canine Vehicle.

1. The canine vehicle will be used for canine duty assignment only. In the event of extenuating circumstances, the shift commander may temporarily place the unit into regular service.

2. Canine units are to be kept in good operating order. The interior will be regularly cleaned and disinfected. All other department regulations pertaining to proper maintenance of City vehicles shall apply. Canine unit is the responsibility of the K-9 handler.

3. Training and handling equipment will be maintained in the trunk of the canine unit.

J. Canine Equipment.

1. Canine handlers are responsible for the care and condition of all equipment issued to them for training and control of their canine.

2. Any miscellaneous equipment, such as leashes, shall be approved prior to their use by canine team.

K. Training And Care Of Canine.

1. General.

a. The animal is the responsibility of the handler and shall not be allowed to roam at will. The animal must be under the direct supervision of the handler.

b. The responsibility for grooming and general care of the animal on a daily basis rests with the handler.

c. Canine handlers shall utilize constant training techniques as recommended by Durham Haus Working Dogs in order to keep their dog(s) trained to their fullest abilities.

d. Handlers shall use approved training equipment during aggression training.

2. Medical Care.

a. The handler will ensure that his/her canine receives proper and prompt medical attention in the event of injury or illness.

b. Medical examinations will be conducted every six (6) months or as needed.

c. The handler will be responsible for administering medications (when applicable) as prescribed by the veterinarian.

d. In the event of any injury or illness to a canine, the handler will advise the Chief of Police in writing.

3. Licensing. The canine will be licensed in accordance with any and all local and State dog laws. It will be the responsibility of the handler to ensure that the license is current.

4. Boarding. In the event that the officer/handler is going to be absent from his/her residence for an extended amount of time, the canine may be kept at a responsible kennel. This practice should be kept at a minimum and it must be used only on a temporary basis.

5. Training. Officer(s) selected for canine assignment must successfully complete formal training before being assigned a canine. Training will be of a course approved by Durham Haus Working Dogs.

L. Financial Responsibilities. The Department will assume certain financial responsibilities involving the care and use of canine. They are as follows:

1. All medical expenses;

2. Nutritional and food supplies;

3. Boarding cost;

4. Grooming and supplies;

5. Licensing;

6. Handling and training gear; and

7. All other materials needed to facilitate the operation of the canine unit.

M. Canine Length Of Service. At an age when the canine becomes disabled due to injuries, illness or age, he/she may be retired. The average range is eight (8) to ten (10) years of age. If desired, the handler may take permanent possession of the dog for his/her personal pet after the K-9 is retired. If the handler takes possession of the canine, he/she must agree in writing that he/she will not use the dog for any financial gain.

N. Officer Selection — Applicant Requirements.

1. Officer must have a minimum of one (1) year of service with the Department.

2. Officer selected will be required to remain in the canine unit for a minimum of three (3) years.

3. The officer residence must be capable of housing the canine and/or have adequate space for the construction of a kennel, as the officer will be required to keep the canine at his/her residence.

4. In the event that the applicant does not own his/her own property, he/she must obtain written permission from said property owner allowing for the housing of the dog and/or the construction of a kennel.

O. Selection Process.

1. Officers will be advised of openings within the canine unit.

2. Officers interested in the position of canine handler must submit a written request to the Chief.

3. Officers submitting applications will be assigned to a canine for a minimum of twelve (12) hours of patrol duty, at which time the applicant will be advised of the advantages and disadvantages of being a canine handler.

4. The Chief and present handler will interview neighbors of the applicant to determine if there are any objections to the presence of a canine.

5. The Chief and present handler will make a written report of their findings.

6. An oral interview will be conducted by the Chief and present handler.

7. Final selection will be made by the Chief.

8. Applicants will be advised, in writing by the Chief of selection results.

9. Officer selected for canine assignment must successfully complete formal training before being assigned a canine.