242 Canine (V4)

Question 1

Who will be responsible for contacting a search dog team over a PSD?

Answer 1

II. Hours of Operation and Callout / Notification Criteria
B. Search dog teams are available 24 hours a day on a call out basis. The police canine handlers can
advise an officer or supervisor when a search dog team would be more appropriate than one of the PSDs. In such a situation a Police Canine Unit Supervisor or higher authority shall request a
search dog team by contacting the appropriate Zone PECO. If a Police Canine Unit Supervisor is
not available, then an on duty Canine representative shall request a search dog.

Question 2

If there is conflict on a decision between a canine handler and a police supervisor, who will be notified and make final decision?

Answer 2

III. Policies & Procedures
A. Patrol/Detector Dog Protocols
1. The decision on when and how a police service dog will be deployed is the responsibility of
the canine handler. If a police supervisor questions the decision of the handler, a Canine
Unit Supervisor shall immediately be contacted and shall make the final determination on
when and how the PSD will be deployed.

Question 3

What requires a sergeant or higher authority when requesting a canine unit to respond?

Answer 3

13. Detection of Explosives
    a. All requests for an explosive detector dog must come from a sergeant or higher
    authority.

Question 4

When a search dog team is utilized, how many officers must stay with the handler?

Answer 4

B. Search Dog Protocols [CALEA 46.2.5]
1. If a search dog team is called to track, a minimum of two police officers shall stay with the
search dog handler.

Question 5

3. One of the most important factors in a successful search is response time to the scene.
   Officers should request the search dog team as soon as it is determined the need exists.
   Officers shall:
   a. Set up a perimeter around the area where the escapee/criminal suspect or missing
   person is believed to be;
   b. Secure the area, preventing all non-essential personnel and the general public from
   entering the area as much as possible;
   c. ____________________________________;
   d. Mark the spot where the escapee/criminal suspect or missing person was last seen;

Answer 5

3. One of the most important factors in a successful search is response time to the scene.
   Officers should request the search dog team as soon as it is determined the need exists.
   Officers shall:
   a. Set up a perimeter around the area where the escapee/criminal suspect or missing
   person is believed to be;
   b. Secure the area, preventing all non-essential personnel and the general public from
   entering the area as much as possible;
   c. Turn off their car’s engine to prevent contamination from carbon monoxide;
   d. Mark the spot where the escapee/criminal suspect or missing person was last seen;

Question 6

When a search dog protocol is enacted, what are the two responsibilities of the police supervisor?
1.
2.

Answer 6

B. Search Dog Protocols [CALEA 46.2.5]
4. The police supervisor at the scene shall ensure the search dog team has radio
communication and assistance prior to beginning a search.