NCJ Number
203786
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 33 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2003 Pages: 26-29
Editor(s)
Karen E. Breseman
Date Published
November 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article identifies several campus agencies currently using trained canines and examines the written polices or directives that enable them to operate successfully.
Abstract
In an attempt to combat crime, many higher education institution administrators have begun to seek new campus policing methods. Once such method, that has been explored and employed has been the use of police canines. Canine units are an essential part of any modern metropolitan policing effort. This article identifies seven campus canine programs from the States of Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri, as well as their written policies or directives enabling them to operate. The intent is to assist higher education institutions interested in implementing a canine program. In reviewing the policies of the seven agencies, the majority of overlapping issues appeared within the high liability realm of this type of program, specifically the use of force. In more than half of the policies reviewed, several issues were considered: selection of the canine handler, patrol duties and functions of the canine teams, and demonstrations by the canine team. Each of these areas of policy should be considered by the campus police agency attempting to develop a canine program in an institutional environment. To avoid litigation and the courtroom, several consistent policies can be helpful: reporting and/or photographing of accidental or intentional dog bites, training requirements and training records, grooming and veterinary care for the animal, handler selections, and the duties of the canine team. A future article will develop and examine a sample policy that could be utilized by any department in starting a canine program. References