NCJ Number
54081
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1979) Pages: 52,54,56,60,62,64,66,93
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
PROCEDURES ADOPTED BY THE POLICE WORKING DOG PROGRAM OF THE LAKEWOOD, COLO., DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY ARE DESCRIBED. THE REGULATIONS WERE DEVELOPED TO PROTECT THE POLICE OFFICERS AGAINST CIVIL LIABILITY.
Abstract
THE USE OF A POLICE DOG BY ITS HANDLER IN THE PERFORMANCE OF POLICE DUTY MAY, DEPENDING UPON THE CIRCUMSTANCES, BE CONSIDERED A USE OF FORCE. AS SUCH, IT NEEDS TO FOLLOW ESTABLISHED RULES DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, THE OFFENDER, FELLOW POLICE OFFICERS, AND THE HANDLER. THE LAKEWOOD RULES ARE SUMMARIZED OR, IN SOME CASES, ARE REPRINTED DIRECTLY FROM THE PROGRAM MANUAL. THEY COVER REQUESTS FOR K-9 TEAM RESPONSE, APPROPRIATE APPLICATIONS OF A K-9 TEAM, K-9 TEAM RELATIONSHIP TO GENERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT, RULES FOR UTILIZATION OF A K-9 TEAM, GENERAL RULES FOR K-9 PERSONNEL AND FOR THE HANDLERS, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING FOR HANDLERS, AND TESTS WHICH BOTH DOGS AND HANDLERS MUST PASS BEFORE BEING ASSIGNED TO DUTY. THESE TESTS COVER OBEDIENCE, AGILITY, STRENGTH, ABILITY TO SEARCH FOR ARTICLES, THE ABILITY TO SEARCH FOR SUBJECTS CONCEALED IN BOXES, ATTACK TESTS WITH AND WITHOUT GUNFIRE, AND TRACKING. EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR A K-9 PROGRAM IS ALSO LISTED, BOTH FOOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE DOG AND TRAINING EQUIPMENT. (GLR)