NCJ Number
151700
Date Published
1993
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This study describes police canine training programs operated by bureaus of the U.S. Treasury Department, namely the U.S. Customs Service, U.S. Secret Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and compares them to four other canine training programs run by the U.S. Air Force, Connecticut State Police, U.S. Capitol Police, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Abstract
The comparative analysis of canine training programs focuses on program missions, program size, costs of training facilities and programs, training protocols, and the effectiveness and efficiency of these programs. The study found that there is little scientific testing of law enforcement canine performance, no research which evaluates and compares various reinforcement protocols, and insufficient cost data available on the many variables involved in law enforcement canine training and field activities. This study concludes that analysis of the advantages and drawbacks of initiating or consolidating law enforcement canine training programs must address cost and capacity, as well as the unique mission-based needs of that particular agency. 10 tables, 4 figures, 44 notes, and 6 appendixes