APD.SOP.5141 Narcotic Detection Canines

It is the policy of the Atlanta Police Department to provide trained and certified police narcotics detection and tracking canine (K-9) teams for the purpose of detecting illegal contraband and for searching and finding lost or missing persons in the City of Atlanta. (CALEA 41.1.4a)

3. RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 The Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Commander will be responsible for the successful and consistent implementation of this standard operating procedure. He or she will monitor the use and training of Narcotics & Tracking Canines (K-9) and their handlers.

3.2 The Special Enforcement Section (SES) and APEX Unit commanders will be responsible for monitoring the successful and consistent implementation of the narcotics and tracking canines (K-9) policies, procedures, and training. He or she will recommend administrative decisions such as, but not limited to, acquiring appropriate canines and the selection of canine handlers.

3.3 Supervisors and personnel assigned to the K-9 Unit will seek continuing training courses to remain certified and improve operations.

3.4 The Police Canine training coordinator will be responsible for, but not limited to:

1. Assisting in the selection process of prospective handlers;

2. Testing and selecting prospective canines for use by the unit;

3. Training prospective canines and handlers to meet the required performance standards set forth by the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) and/or the National Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) and/or the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA).

4. Ensuring that the certified teams maintain the performance standards;

5. Identifying any deficient areas of the unit teams and initiating any corrective or remedial training;

6. Properly maintaining the department’s canine facilities and equipment;

7. Adhering to the state and federal protocol for obtaining, storing, handling, and record keeping for all narcotics (CALEA 41.1.4); and

8. Documenting and recommending any adjustments needed to keep the K-9 Unit operating at the highest operational level.

3.5 Police Canine Handler

1. The Police Canine Handler will be responsible for, but not limited to, his or her availability for service calls requiring a narcotics detection/tracking canine, staying current on all training as required by the performance standards, the care and training of their canine partner, and the maintenance of their city-issued vehicle used to transport their canine. (CALEA 41.1.4b)

2. The police canine handler will be available for service calls under the conditions specified by the unit supervisor.

3. The police canine handler will ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, affection, and living conditions. The handler will be responsible for the following:

a. Maintaining all department equipment under his or her control in a clean and serviceable condition. The basic equipment includes:

(a) Kennel and surrounding area including the fence, gate, and lock;

(b) Collar and leash;

(d) Food, water, bowls.

4. A transport utility vehicle will be assigned to each handler for the transportation and safety of the canine. The handler will be responsible for the vehicle assigned to them and will take the vehicle home with them after each tour of duty. This vehicle will be equipped with heat sensors and an alarm.

5. When a handler takes a vacation or extended amount of leave, the canine will be maintained at the Atlanta Police Department’s canine training and kennel facility or at a kennel designated by the department. In those situations, the handler will give reasonable notice to the unit supervisor to ensure that the appropriate arrangements can be made.

6. The handler will permit the unit supervisor to conduct periodic on-site inspections of affected areas at their residence as well as the areas maintained at the department’s kennel and the department’s vehicle to verify that conditions and equipment conform to this policy. These inspections will be documented as outlined in APD SOP 1090 “Inspections” and included in the unit’s file.

7. Any changes in the living status of the handler that may affect the lodging or environment of the canine will be reported to the unit supervisor immediately.

8. When off-duty, canines will be maintained in the kennels provided by the department at the homes of their handlers. When a canine is kenneled at the handler’s home, the gate will be secured with a lock and the kennel should be out of public view. When off-duty, canines may be let out of their kennels while under the direct supervision of only their handler.

9. Under no circumstances will the canine be lodged at another location unless approved by the unit supervisor.

10. When off-duty, handlers will not involve the canine in any activity or conduct unless approved in advance by the unit supervisor.

3.6 Responsibilities of a supervisor at the scene of a lost, missing person, or fleeing felon.

1. The supervisor requesting the tracking K-9 unit will ensure the officers on scene do the following:

a. Coordinate with dispatch the setting up of a perimeter as soon as it is established that a K-9 unit will be needed;

b. Stop and verify the location the subject was last seen;

c. Shut off all vehicle engines in the area, if possible;

d. Avoid vehicle or foot movement in the area where the subject was last seen, and do not follow the path or direction the subject is thought to have taken.

3.7 Responsibilities of officers and investigators at scene of lost, missing person, or fleeing felon:

1. Officers or investigators will not touch evidence, trace material, or other property that had likely been touched or left behind by the person being sought unless it is necessary to do so to make it safe.

2. If a motor vehicle that is suspected to have been driven or occupied by the subject is found and is empty of occupants and is not a hazard, then officers should refrain from entering the vehicle or walking around it.

3. Every effort must be made by officers and investigators at the scene to avoid contaminating the area with their scent. Unnecessary persons should be kept out of the area, including law enforcement officers.

4. A backup officer (preferably a K-9 officer) should be available to accompany the K-9 team on tracks. The backup officer will follow the instructions of the primary K-9 officer.

4. ACTION

4.1 Use of Narcotics Detection Canine Teams

(CALEA 41.1.4b-c)

4.1.1 A narcotics detection-trained canine may be used in accordance with current law to:

1. Assist in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service;

2. Obtain a search warrant by using the detection police canine in support of probable cause;

3. Search vehicles, buildings, bags, and any other articles deemed necessary.

4.1.2 Certified police narcotics detection and tracking canines will not be used to:

1. Search a person for narcotics;

2. Perform work they are not trained to do.

4.2 Use of Canine Tracking Teams

(CALEA 41.1.4b-c)

4.2.1 A tracking trained canine may be used in accordance with current law to:

1. Assist in the search for lost or missing people;

2. Search vehicles, buildings, and any other articles deemed necessary while searching for lost and/or missing people;

3. Search for fleeing felons.

4.2.2 A tracking trained canine will not be used to:

1. Perform work for which it has not been trained to do.

4.3 Responsibilities of supervisor at scene of lost, missing person, or fleeing felon:

1. The supervisor requesting the tracking K-9 team will ensure the officers on scene do the following:

a. Coordinate with dispatch the setting up of a perimeter as soon as it is established that a K-9 unit will be needed;

b. Stop and verify the location the subject was last seen;

c. Shut off all vehicle engines in the area, if possible;

d. Avoid vehicle or foot movement in the area where the subject was last seen, and do not follow the path or direction the subject is thought to have taken;

e. Officers or investigators will not touch evidence, trace material, or other property that had likely been touched or left behind by the person being sought unless it is necessary to do so to make it safe;

f. In instances whereby a suspect’s motor vehicle has been driven or occupied by the suspect and is found empty of occupants and determined not to be a hazard officers should refrain from entering the vehicle or walking around it;

g. Every effort must be made by officers and investigators at the scene to avoid contaminating the area with their scent. Unnecessary persons should be kept out of the area, including law enforcement officers; and

h. A backup officer (preferably a K-9 officer) should be available to accompany the K-9 team on tracks. The backup officer will follow the instructions of the primary K-9 officer.

4.4 Police Canine Team Function

1. Whenever the certified police narcotics detection or tracking canine team is deployed, a Police Canine Search Form APD 652 and/or an incident report will be completed by the handler and turned in to the unit supervisor before the end of their tour of duty. This form will be kept within the Apex Unit administrative files for three consecutive years.

2. The police canine teams will function primarily as support units; however, they may be assigned by their unit supervisor to other functions based on the needs of the unit and/or department.

3. The Police Canine Teams will not be assigned to handle matters that will take them out of service for extended periods of time without prior approval from the team’s unit supervisor.

4. Sworn employees within the department are encouraged to freely solicit the use of the Police Canine Teams when narcotic detection services are needed.

5. The teams’ supervisor must approve all requests for police canine assistance outside the department’s jurisdiction or from other law enforcement agencies.

6. Police canine teams will not be used outside of the Atlanta Police Department to perform any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.

7. Upon arrival at a scene, the canine handler has the ultimate decision as to whether or not the police canine will be used for a specific assignment.

8. Police canine teams will be on a scheduled rotation for callbacks. The canine handler will be responsible for notifying the unit supervisor as soon as possible upon receiving a callback.

9. All requests for a police canine team for public or static presentations will be submitted and approved by the unit supervisor prior to making any commitment.

10. Canine handlers will not demonstrate any “Search” work to the public unless authorized to do so by the unit supervisor.

4.5 Selection of Police Canine Handlers

4.5.1 The following are the minimum qualifications for the assignment of police narcotics detection handler and tracking canine handler:

1. A sworn employee with a minimum of three years on the department;

2. Personal character traits such as:

a. Maturity;

b. Patience;

c. Initiative;

d. Flexibility;

e. Dependability;

f. Enthusiasm;

g. Emotional stability;

h. Good verbal and written communication skills.

3. Good physical condition that will allow for training with the police canine and performing narcotics detection searches;

4. Have a good level of comfort and understanding of canines;

5. Good interpersonal skills with the public and other employees;

6. Home life should be compatible with training and maintaining a canine partner;

7. Reside in an adequately secured and fenced (minimum five-feet high fence with locking gate) single-family residence;

8. Have sufficient land space around the residence to accommodate the building of a kennel by the Atlanta Police Department;

9. Live within the allotted travel time as determined by the unit supervisor and remain within this response time while assigned to the unit;

10. Agree to be assigned to the position for a minimum of five years.

4.5.2 The Police Canine Handler will be compensated for time spent in the care, feeding, grooming, and other needs of the canine, also known as “Kennel Care,” by 16 hours of compensatory time per month.

4.6 Training

4.6.1 Before assignment in the field for narcotics detection and tracking, each police canine team will complete the minimum required standards for narcotics/tracking canine (K-9) training and be certified to meet current United States Police Canine Association (U.S.P.C.A.) standards and/or the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) and/or the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA).

4.6.2 Each police canine team will be re-certified to U.S.P.C.A. standards and/or National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) standards and/or to the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) standards on an annual basis. This annual recertification will be documented as to the team, date of training, and type of training. The training documentation shall be kept in the administrative files by the unit supervisor for a minimum period of three consecutive years.

4.6.3 Additional training considerations are as follows:

1. Police canine teams will receive weekly training by the Police Canine Training Coordinator;

2. Police canine handlers are encouraged to engage in additional training with the approval of the unit supervisor;

3. In order to ensure all training is consistent, no handler, trainer, nor outside vendor is authorized to train to a standard that is contrary to the policies of the Atlanta Police Department; and

4. All police canine training will be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise approved by the unit supervisor.

4.6.4 No police canine team failing U.S.P.C.A. or NAPWDA or the NNDDA certification will be deployed in the field until certification is achieved.

4.6.5 All Police Canine training records will be maintained in the Police Canine Handler’s training file.

4.6.6 The Police Canine Training Coordinator will possess the following qualifications:

1. Possess a minimum of five years experience as a Police Canine Handler; and

2. Be a law enforcement canine officer or former law enforcement canine officer.

4.6.7 The canine training and kennel facility (880 Cherokee Ave.) will be under the direct supervision of the Police Canine Training Coordinator and the management of the Police Canine Unit supervisor. The facility will be:

1. Approved for training purposes by the Atlanta Police Department;

2. Certified by the U.S.P.C.A.;

3. Equipped to provide the environment necessary to conduct various aspect of canine training as required by the U.S.P.C.A.;

4. Adequate to accommodate an agility course as well as various types of searches; and

5. Suitable offsite buildings and other structures for use in conducting searches, scent-work exercises, and secure areas for simulation exercises.

4.6.8 All police canines will be kept on a leash when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions to this policy would include specific police operations for which the canines are trained.

1. Police canines will not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access.

2. When the canine is left unattended in the police vehicle, all windows and doors will be secured and the alarm and heat sensor shall be activated.

4.6.9 Bite or injury from use of police canine

1. If a bite or injury results from the use of the police canine, the handler’s supervisor will be notified as soon as practical, the incident will be documented on a Police Canine Search Form (APD form 652) and in an incident report. The report will include, at a minimum, the following:

a. Photographs of the bite or injury after first providing medical attention for the injured party. The photographs will be labeled “Police Canine Incident- Do Not Destroy,” and booked into the Property Control Unit as evidence. If the injury requires medical attention, the injured person should be transported to an appropriate medical facility. In the event an in-custody suspect requires medical attention, an officer shall follow arrest procedures for injured prisoners and standby with the suspect until treatment has been rendered (as outlined in APD SOP 3030 “Arrest Procedures”).

b. Whenever a bite results, the handler will notify the appropriate county Animal Control Office as soon, after the incident, as practical.

c. If a subject alleges an injury that is not visible, notification will be made to a supervisor and the location of the alleged injury will be photographed and documented in an incident report.

4.6.10 Canine Injury and Medical Treatment

1. In the event a police canine is injured, the injury will be immediately reported to the unit supervisor.

2. Depending on the severity of the injury, the canine will either be treated by the designated veterinarian or transported to a designated emergency medical facility for treatment. If the handler and the canine are out of the city limits, the handler may use the nearest available veterinarian.

3. An injury to a canine will be documented on a Canine Tracking/Search Log Form (APD form 652) and in an incident report with a case number.

4. The designated emergency medical treatment center or police canine veterinarian will render emergency treatment, if practical. The handler will notify the unit supervisor as soon as possible when emergency medical care for a canine is required.

5. Except during an emergency, the department-designated veterinarian will render all routine medical attention for police canines.

6. All police canines will have an annual physical check-up, including necessary shots, by the designated veterinarian. Non-emergency medical care of the police canine will be coordinated through the unit supervisor.

7. The handler will report any indication that a police canine is not in good physical condition to the unit supervisor as soon as possible.

8. All records of canine medical treatment will be maintained in the handler’s personnel file.

4.6.18 Canine Retirement

When a police canine is no longer useful to the department for police assignments, the canine will be offered to the handler. If the handler does not wish to maintain the canine, every attempt will be made to find the canine a good home. In the event that all efforts by the department fail to place the canine in a good home, the canine will be taken to the Atlanta Humane Society. Legislative approval of retirement will be obtained prior to the placement of the K-9.

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 Callbacks: A Police Canine Team that is on an “on-call” status in a scheduled rotation and subject to being called into service.

5.2 Canine Training Coordinator: A qualified person to conduct basic and in-service training for police narcotics/tracking canine (K-9) teams and must meet the qualification requirement set forth therein.

5.3 Certified Narcotics / Tracking Canine: A police canine that has been tested annually under the USPCA and/or NAPWDA and/or NNDDA standards and has achieved the desired rating therein.

5.4 In-Service Police Canine Training: Training conducted by a canine trainer to maintain skills that must be performed during re-evaluation.

5.5 Police Canine: A canine that has been trained by a canine trainer and is handled by a police officer handler in the performance of his/her duties used for law enforcement purposes or any law enforcement related activities.

5.6 Police Canine Team: A police canine and the handler (a sworn Atlanta police officer) who has satisfactorily completed all phases of the fundamentals of Police Narcotics Detection and/or Tracking Training.

5.7 Police Officer Handler: A law enforcement officer who officially utilizes a police canine in the course of assigned duties and responsibilities.

6. CANCELLATIONS

APD.SOP.5141 “Narcotics/tracking canine (K-9)”, issued July 1, 2010

7. REFERENCES

APD SOP 1090 “Inspections”, effective June 4, 2010

APD SOP 3030 “Arrest Procedures”, effective December 15, 2011

Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), 5^th Edition, Standards 41.1.4a-d

United States Police Canine Association (U.S.P.C.A.) standards