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K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers (2002)

Chapter: Appendix G - Sample General Order

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Page 95
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 95
Page 96
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 97
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 97
Page 98
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 98
Page 99
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 99
Page 100
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 100
Page 101
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 101
Page 102
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
×
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Page 103
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 104
Suggested Citation:"Appendix G - Sample General Order." National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2002. K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/24721.
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Page 104

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95 APPENDIX G: SAMPLE GENERAL ORDER10 I. PURPOSE This order establishes guidelines for the handling, care, training and use of the canines used by the [NAME OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AGENCY POLICE/SECURITY DEPARTMENT]. II. POLICY The Department will utilize specially trained patrol, narcotics detection and explosives detection canines to enhance the agency’s security and emergency preparedness capabilities. III. DEFINITIONS Canine – A dog assigned to the Department Canine Unit. Canine Bite – Any injury caused by a canine’s teeth or mouth. Canine Coordinator – An official appointed by the Chief of Police [OR OTHER EXECUTIVE] to oversee the Department’s Canine Program. Canine Team – A canine and the assigned handler who have received specialized training in patrol, narcotics detection, and/or explosives detection duties. Handler – A sworn Police Department [OR OTHER] officer assigned to the Canine Unit who successfully completes a selection process and is appointed by the Chief of Police [OR OTHER EXECUTIVE] to train and handle a departmental canine. Member – A member of the Police Department. Trainer – Departmental, contracted, or mutual aid trainer used to train the K9 team and supervise the team’s in-service training. IV. PHILOSOPHY The Department’s Canine Unit is intended to supplement patrol functions in specific areas where a canine can be used in place of, or in addition to, an officer. It is the purpose of this policy to provide guidelines for the management of the teams and use of the canines in field operations. V. FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY K9 teams were created to assist police personnel in searching for hidden suspects, lost or missing persons, narcotics, explosives, stolen property, and other articles. A K9 team, trained in these areas, can greatly reduce officer downtime and improve officer safety. 10 This sample general order was produced by the MTA Research Team as part of this project to provide a guide to the reader.

96 K9 teams are available on a 24-hour, on-call basis to: ❐ conduct building searches for offenders in hiding; ❐ assist in the arrest or prevent the escape of serious or violent offenders; ❐ protect officers or others from death or serious injury; ❐ track suspects or locate lost or missing persons; ❐ locate hidden instrumentalities or evidence of a crime; and ❐ detect the presence of concealed narcotics or explosives. VI. COMMAND STRUCTURE The Canine Unit is included within the Uniformed Patrol Bureau (UPB), which is under the command of the Chief of Police [OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE]. The Canine Unit is directly supervised by the Canine Coordinator, who is supervised by the Patrol Support Section (PSS) lieutenant [OR OTHER SUPERVISORY STRUCTURE]. During daily patrol operation, K9 teams are under the functional supervision of the Watch Commander [OR OTHER FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE]. VII. HANDLER SELECTION The Transit Police Department has established procedures for selection of canine handlers. The Chief of Police [OR OTHER EXECUTIVE] must approve each handler selection. Assignment to the Canine Unit will be voluntary and open to sworn officers of the Department who must pass administrative review in the following areas: ❐ evaluations; ❐ disciplinary action; ❐ commendations; ❐ use of force incidents; ❐ use of firearms incidents; ❐ auto accidents; ❐ training schools attended; and ❐ work history [sick use, punctuality, and work habits]. After administrative review, the officers, if selected, will submit a written proposal explaining why they should be a canine handler to the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police will make the final decision on which officer will be selected for the position.

97 VIII. REPORTING Each canine officer will complete the Canine Officer's Daily Activity Report form. This form is used to document the officer's activity during the course of a shift. The form will be completed each day and will be turned in by the end of the next shift worked. Each canine officer will complete the Canine Officer's Monthly Activity Report form. This form is used to total the information recorded on the daily report. The monthly report will be completed by the officer on his or her last workday of the month and turned in to the Canine Coordinator, who will complete the monthly recap, which is due by the fifth day of the following month. This monthly recap will include one paper copy and one electronic copy. IX. OWNERSHIP Canines used by the Department are the sole property of the Department. Police canines will not be used for breeding, participation in shows, field trials, exhibitions or other demonstrations, or for off-duty employment unless authorized by the Canine Coordinator. In the event that a canine escapes, runs away, or is unaccounted for, the handler will immediately notify the shift supervisor and the Canine Coordinator. Upon approval from the Canine Coordinator or other appropriate official, a canine handler may apply to take possession of the dog when: ❐ the dog is retired from duty or relieved because of injury; and ❐ the handler is transferred, promoted, or retires and a decision is made not to retain the dog for another handler. The handler who takes possession of a dog must sign suitable releases, which give him or her sole liability for any future conduct of the dog and also releases the city and Department from future liability. The Department will not accept a donated animal for use as a police canine. X. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This section specifies what is expected of each person involved in the Canine Program. THE CANINE HANDLER Only officers trained and qualified should handle a canine or canine vehicle, except under emergency conditions.

98 Each handler is responsible for maintaining the proficiency of the dog. Handlers are not permitted to train their dogs in methods, techniques, or activities contrary to the accepted method used by the Canine Unit and the contracted or mutual aid law enforcement trainer. Each handler will: ❐ maintain control of his or her canine at all times; ❐ when not engaged in specialized canine duty, perform the duties of a patrol officer; ❐ ensure that prisoners are not transported within canine vehicles; ❐ complete daily and monthly activity reports and maintain a log book documenting the history of their K9 team, including training records, schools attended, competitions entered, veterinary medical records, and legal court records; ❐ maintain records documenting the use and proficiency of their canine; ❐ ensure that requests for canine services received from other agencies are forwarded to the Watch Commander for approval; and ❐ be removed from the program if unable to successfully complete training, when performance upon completion of training is unsatisfactory, or at the discretion of the Chief of Police. THE CANINE COORDINATOR ❐ recommends training, public relations programs, and special events regarding the canine program; ❐ makes recommendations to supervising officers and management regarding the acquisition and retirement of canines and, if a canine is retired for medical reasons, ensures that a recommendation by a veterinarian accompanies the report; ❐ ensures, in coordination with the Commander and training department, that all certification and training levels are maintained in accordance with the [CERTIFICATION BOARD STANDARD] and/or with standards established by the police agency training the canine; ❐ maintains written records of program costs and canine medical histories; ❐ investigates canine bites; and ❐ maintains canine equipment needs. THE SUPERVISOR Watch Commanders will ensure that adequate on-duty training time is allotted to the K9 teams. Supervisors will consult with handlers prior to directing the tactical use of K9 teams. When the physical capability of an individual canine is at issue, supervisors will be guided by the recommendation of the handler.

99 If a supervisor is available, he/she should respond to the scene prior to the deployment of a patrol canine to ensure: ❐ a coordinated effort; ❐ the prompt notification of the Communications Division regarding the progress and outcome of the canine activity; and ❐ the assignment of prisoner-booking responsibilities to another member when feasible. MEMBERS ❐ Patrol canines are trained to apprehend individuals on command. Members confronted by a patrol canine should remain still, as any sudden movement or attempt to flee may cause the dog to react. When a patrol canine has been deployed to apprehend, members will use extreme caution. ❐ Members will not engage in horseplay in the presence of a canine, nor will they engage in any activity likely to agitate the canine unless it is for training. Physical behavior of this type may be perceived by the canine as an attack on the handler. ❐ Absent an emergency situation, no individual other than another handler will give commands to the canine, or in any way attempt to direct or control the canine, unless specifically authorized by the handler. ❐ An officer in violation of the above paragraphs shall be subjected to disciplinary action. XI. TRAINING AND RECERTIFICATION Canine handlers will be selected, trained, and qualified using Department-approved guidelines. Basic training and qualification standards have been developed for the canine patrol and detection functions. These standards are on file with the Canine Coordinator, and include performance objectives for the handler and the K9 team. The performance objectives established for basic training and qualification are intended to represent the minimum skills and training to be completed. Additional training may be incorporated in the basic K9 training and is, in fact, encouraged. K9 teams must obtain and maintain certification in good standing from the certification agency selected by the Department. The handler shall continually train and work with the dog to ensure the highest level of proficiency. Upon completion of basic training, the handler must work with the Canine Coordinator to develop a program for in-service training and special training to be conducted by the handler and/ or a departmentally approved and accredited K9 trainer.

100 The handler will conduct weekly in-service training one day a week, in 2- to 4-hour blocks, or 1 hour a day. The handler will complete a training report. If any problems develop during any phase of the training process, the Canine Coordinator will be notified as soon as possible to alleviate the problem. Training schedules for the K9 unit will be modified depending on workloads and calls for services. The use of any building, dwelling, vehicle, field, or other structures, where K9 training may be conducted, must first be approved by the person(s) who own or who are in legal control of such property. The Canine Unit is responsible for scheduling recertification and for maintaining documentation on all certification activity: ❐ An annual recertification will be conducted by an outside contracted trainer or certifying agency. ❐ This annual recertification will test each team’s proficiency in obedience, control, apprehension, and agility and detection proficiency, as appropriate. ❐ Each team will be required to recertify with a passing proficiency. ❐ If a team fails the recertification, remedial work will be done until the team can successfully pass. XII. CANINE USE Police canines will be used: ❐ to protect the handler, other officers, and citizens from injury or death; ❐ to search for suspects in buildings and open areas; ❐ to search for evidence or articles; ❐ for narcotics detection; ❐ for explosives detection; ❐ to locate lost persons; ❐ for SWAT team assists; and ❐ public safety demonstrations. XIII. PATROL CANINE TEAMS The primary functions of the patrol K9 teams are to track and apprehend suspects, search for evidence, conduct security checks, and disrupt criminal behavior. Patrol K9 teams may be used for crowd control when authorized by an appropriate official. They will not be used as a deterrent at peaceful demonstrations. Prior to the deployment of a patrol canine, members will ensure that a reasonable containment perimeter is established to prevent the escape of suspects or the intrusion

101 of others. If possible, a supervisor will be present at the scene; members present will be advised when the canine is off lead. A patrol canine will be unleashed only when engaged in a police action and/or when the Handler ensures that innocent people will not be placed in danger. XIV. APPREHENSION Canines also may be used to assist in effecting the arrest of suspects. In a misdemeanor, a canine may be used in locating concealed suspects who are non- violent, but this does not limit using the dog to apprehend the suspect if circumstances demand. In a felony, a canine may be used to assist in an arrest to the extent reasonably necessary. The canine handler is responsible for the dog and its actions. The handler is aware of the dog’s abilities, training, and temperament and has the ultimate decision on whether to use the dog in a particular situation. Any decision to overrule the handler must be approved by the Watch Commander. Canines involved in apprehension activities should not be placed in crowded or confined areas in which a hostile situation may develop. Therefore, taking canines into crowded public establishments should be avoided. If, however, it is necessary to take the dog into a crowded place, it will be kept on lead, and contact with people will be avoided as much as possible. A canine can be used to apprehend a fleeing suspect. Prior to releasing the dog, the handler will give a warning in a loud voice. This warning should identify the team as police and that the dog is being released. The warning need not be given if it would result in an increased risk to the handler, another officer, or the public. The dog should not be sent after a suspect who is being pursued by other officers. After releasing the dog, the handler will advise other officers that the dog has been deployed. XV. DETECTION Canine handlers working with a specially trained dog are responsible for maintaining the maximum efficiency of the animal. EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOGS Explosive detection dogs should be used in the following situations. ❐ Explosive detection dogs will be used to search for hidden explosives or explosive devices. ❐ Generally, explosive detection searching will be conducted after the area has been cleared of people.

102 ❐ The search should be concentrated on suspicious containers or objects, general public areas, or open areas. ❐ Once a device is found or an alert is made on an object, the appropriate explosive detection personnel will be summoned to handle the situation. ❐ The explosive detection dog handler will not attempt to disarm any device found or move any explosive material to another location. ❐ The explosive detection dog handler is responsible for the care and custody of training aids. ❐ These training aids are stored in the explosive magazine. Only the handler, Canine Coordinator, and Chief of Police have the key. ❐ When the training aids become worn or become unstable, a certified bomb unit will be contacted and requested to take possession of the aids for destruction. The handler will immediately make the Canine Coordinator aware of this circumstance. ❐ The explosive detection dog is trained to detect Black Powder, Time Fuse, Smokeless Powder, Sodium Chlorate, Detonation Cord, Potassium Chlorate, C-4 Plastic, Kine Pack, Dynamite, Data Sheet, TNT, and Water Gel. ❐ All explosive detection searches will be documented on a Canine Use Report. NARCOTICS DETECTION DOGS Narcotics detection dogs should be used in the following situations: ❐ search warrants; ❐ consent searches; ❐ exigent circumstance searches; and ❐ search incident to arrest. Narcotics detection dogs are trained to find: ❐ marijuana; ❐ cocaine; ❐ heroin; ❐ methamphetamine (speed); and ❐ derivatives of the above-listed items. A narcotics detection dog handler is permitted to store/possess special equipment and narcotics as authorized by the Chief of Police. Narcotics will be weighed, logged in/out, and stored in a separate secured box that will be further secured in a Departmental safe. Narcotics detection dogs will not be used to search people suspected of possessing narcotics. All narcotics detection searches will be documented on a Canine Use Report.

103 XVI. CANINE BITES All canine bites, on and off duty, will be reported to the Watch Commander who will make the appropriate notifications. Bites that occur during a training session will be reported to the Watch Commander and documented on a Supervisor’s Accident Report. When a subject is bitten, the handler will notify paramedics who will transport or administer aid to the subject. The injured subject’s name, date of birth, address, and business and home phone number will be included in the Canine Use Report. If the injured party is under arrest, medical treatment will be sought at a hospital before the suspect is booked into jail. If the subject refuses treatment, the reason for the refusal and any witnesses’ names (with their information) will be documented in the Canine Use Report. The bite and other injuries caused by the canine will be photographed in color after being cleaned at the hospital or by the paramedics. The handler will contact Rabies Control and provide them with the required information. A bite control number will be obtained from Rabies Control. This number, the person the handler spoke to, and time of notification will be included in the Canine Use Report. Prior to the end of the handler’s shift, the original report will be sent to Records, and a copy of the Canine Use Report and any other supplemental reports will be forwarded to appropriate supervisory staff.

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TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) Report 86: Public Transportation Security, Volume 2: K9 Units in Public Transportation: A Guide for Decision Makers offers information on current K9 deployment practices, K9 program establishment issues, and explosives detection.

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