NCJ Number
165673
Date Published
1995
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The ability of properly trained drug detection canines to detect the odor of controlled substances is widely acknowledged in the scientific and legal communities.
Abstract
A canine's ability to locate controlled substances depends on its ability to locate a source for the scent. An alert by a drug canine has historically provided the probable cause necessary to search or arrest. In recent years, however, while accepting the admissibility of such evidence, courts are challenging the weight given to testimony based on canine evidence. Canine handlers and prosecutors can take certain steps to strengthen the impact of canine-based testimony in court. Each time an alert is made, the canine handler should be prepared to document and describe the alert in court. Likewise, the prosecutor should expect a defense challenge to a positive canine alert and should be prepared to meet the challenge. Guidelines to help canine handlers and prosecutors give the greatest possible weight to canine-based evidence are offered in four areas: (1) training, certification, and recertification; (2) effective use of drug canines; (3) case law-established parameters governing canine use; and (4) preparing for trials in which canine evidence is central. Appendixes contain a drug canine utilization report, a drug canine alert report, and a non-seized currency screening log. 36 footnotes