[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
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:
2.
Nutritional and food supplies;
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.