Attachment_G_-_CSP_s_K-9_Policy_Lexipol_319.pdf

Policy

California Department of Parks and Recreation

Policy Manual

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Canine Program

319.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The Canine Program was established to augment law enforcement services to California State Parks. Highly skilled and trained teams of handlers and canines have evolved from the program and are used to supplement park operations to locate individuals, contraband and to apprehend criminal offenders.

All personnel assigned to the Canine Program shall abide by the guidelines and procedures established in the Canine Program Handbook and in this Canine Program Policy

319.1.1 AUTHORITY OF SUPERVISION

Throughout this policy, authority is given to the handler’s chain of command and/or the Canine Program Coordinator. In addition, the chain of command shall be notified when the Canine is deployed for use other than routine patrol and evidence detection. The Canine Program Coordinator may select a “designee” to act in their absence. The designee shall be a Supervisory or above State Park Peace Officer with prior Canine handling experience.

319.2 GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF CANINES

A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect if the canine handler reasonably believes that the individual has either committed or threatened to commit any serious offense and if any of the following conditions exist:

(a) There is a reasonable belief that the individual poses an imminent threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any officer, or the handler.

(b) The individual is physically resisting or threatening to resist arrest and the use of a canine reasonably appears to be necessary to overcome such resistance.

(c) The individual(s) is/are believed to be concealed in an area where entry by other than the canine would pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public.

It is recognized that situations may arise that do not fall within the provisions set forth in this policy.

In any such case, a standard of objective reasonableness shall be used to review the decision to use a canine in view of the totality of the circumstances.

Absent reasonable belief that an individual has committed or threatened to commit a serious offense, mere flight from pursuing officer(s) shall not serve as good cause for the use of a canine to apprehend the individual.

Once the individual has been located and no longer reasonably appears to represent a threat or risk of escape, the canine should be placed in a down-stay or otherwise secured as soon as it becomes reasonably practical.

California Department of Parks and Recreation Policy Manual

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319.2.1 PREPARATION FOR UTILIZING A CANINE

Prior to the use of a canine to search for or apprehend any individual, the canine handler and/or the supervisor on scene shall carefully consider all pertinent information that is reasonably available at the time. The information should include, but is not limited to the following:

(a) The individual's age or estimate thereof.

(b) The nature of the suspected offense.

(c) Any potential danger to the public and/or other officers at the scene if the canine is released.

(d) The degree of resistance or threatened resistance, if any, the subject has shown.

(e) The potential for escape or flight if the police dog is not utilized.

(f) The potential for injury to officers or the public caused by the suspect if the canine is not utilized.

As circumstances permit, the canine handler should make every reasonable effort to communicate and coordinate with other involved personnel to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

A canine handler shall have the ultimate authority not to deploy the dog. The handler will evaluate each situation and determine if the use of a canine is technically feasible. Generally, the decision whether to deploy the dog shall remain with the handler. However, a supervisor sufficiently apprised of the situation may decide not to deploy the dog.

319.2.2 WARNINGS GIVEN TO ANNOUNCE THE USE OF A CANINE

Unless it would otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape, a clearly audible warning to announce that a canine will be released if the person does not come forth, shall be made prior to releasing a canine. The canine handler, when practical, shall first advise the supervisor of his/her decision if a verbal warning is not given prior to releasing the canine. In the event of an apprehension, the handler shall document in any related report whether or not a verbal warning was given and, if none was given, the reasons why.

319.2.3 USE OF NARCOTIC-DETECTION CANINES

A narcotic-detection-trained canine may be used in accordance with current law under the following circumstances:

(a) To assist in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service.

(b) To obtain a search warrant by using the detection canine in support of probable cause.

(c) To search vehicles, buildings, bags and any other articles deemed necessary.

(d) A narcotic-detection canine will not be used to search a person for narcotics.

319.2.4 USE OF BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION DOGS

Because of the high risk of danger to the public and officers when a bomb or other explosive device is suspected, the use of a trained explosive detection dog team may be warranted. When

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Canine Program - 3 available, a trained explosive detection dog team may be used in accordance with current law and under the following circumstances:

(a) To assist in the search of a building, structure, area, vehicle or article where an actual or suspected explosive device has been reported or located.

(b) To conduct preventative searches at locations such as special events, VIP visits, official buildings and other restricted areas. Because a dog sniff may be considered a search, such searches of individuals should remain minimally intrusive and shall be strictly limited to the purpose of detecting explosives.

(c) To assist with searches at transportation facilities and vehicles (e.g., buses, airplanes and trains).

(d) To assist in the search of scenes where an explosion has occurred and an explosive device or secondary explosive device is suspected.

(e) At no time will a detection dog be used to render a suspected device safe or clear.

319.2.5 GUIDELINES FOR NON-APPREHENSION USE

Because canines have senses far superior to those of humans, they may often be effectively utilized to track or search for non-criminals (e.g. lost children, individuals who may be disoriented or in need of medical attention) or even suspects wanted for minor criminal offenses. In such circumstances, it will be necessary for the handler to evaluate the conditions and ability of the canine to determine the feasibility of such an application.

(a) Absent a change in circumstances that present an imminent threat to officers, the canine or the public, such applications should be conducted on leash or under such conditions that will minimize the likelihood that the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual.

(b) Throughout the deployment of the canine in such circumstances, the handler should consider issuing periodic verbal assurances that the canine will not bite or hurt the person.

(c) Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting personnel should take direction from the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.

319.2.6 REPORTING CANINE USE, BITES AND INJURIES

Whenever the canine is deployed, a Canine Use Report (DPR 19) shall be completed by the handler and turned in to the Handler’s Supervisor.

Whenever the use of the canine results in a bite or any injury a Canine Use Report (DPR 19) Form and Use of Force Notification and Review (DPR 157) shall be completed and included with any related incident report.

The injured party should be transported to an appropriate medical facility if the injury requires medical attention beyond first aid. If the injured party is in custody an officer should remain with the suspect until treatment has been rendered.

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Photographs shall be taken of the bite or injury as soon as practicable after tending to the immediate needs of the injured party. Photographs shall be retained as evidence in accordance with current department evidence procedures. It shall be the responsibility of the Canine Program Coordinator to ensure that such photographs are retained until the potential need for use in any related civil proceeding has expired.

If a subject alleges an injury that is not visible, a supervisor shall be notified and the location of the alleged injury should be photographed as described above.

Any unintended bite or injury caused by the canine during deployments, operations, training, presentations or under any other circumstances, either on- or off-duty, shall be promptly reported to the Canine Program Coordinator. Unintended bites or injuries caused by the canine should be documented in an Incident Report, not on a Canine Use Report (DPR 19).

The Canine Program Coordinator will maintain liaison with Animal Control Departments as necessary to ensure that information regarding canine bites is not retained by the offices. Canines used by law enforcement agencies are exempt from impoundment and reporting requirements to the Animal Control Department (Food and Agriculture Code§ 31609(b)).

319.2.7 REPORTING CANINE INJURIES

In the event that a canine is injured, the injury will be immediately reported to the Handler’s Supervisor. If the injury is significant and requires emergency medical attention, the Canine Program Coordinator will also be notified.

Medical care for any injured canine shall follow the protocol established in § 319.6 et seq. The injury will be documented on the Canine Monthly Training Log.

319.2.8 ASSIGNMENT OF CANINES

The canine teams shall be assigned to the State Park Districts at the discretion of the District Superintendent.

319.3 REQUEST FOR USE OF CANINE TEAMS

Personnel within the Department are encouraged to freely solicit the use of the canines. Requests for a canine team from outside of the District shall go through the Canine Program Coordinator.

319.3.1 REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER AGENCIES

The handler’s supervisory chain of command must approve all requests for canine assistance from outside agencies, subject to the following provisions:

(a) Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.

(b) The handler has the ultimate authority to decide whether the canine should be used for any specific assignment.

(c) Canine teams shall not be called out while off-duty unless authorized by the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

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(d) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to coordinate with outside agency personnel in order to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

319.3.2 REQUEST FOR PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS

All public requests for a canine team shall be approved by the handler’s supervisory chain of command prior to making any commitment. Handlers shall not demonstrate any apprehension work to the public unless authorized to do so by the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

319.4 SELECTION OF CANINE HANDLERS

(a) Filling Canine Handler Positions

1. Canine Handler Positions will be filled on a case-by-case basis. Vacancies will be open to current Canine Handlers who have completed one year in the initial assigned district. Incumbents will fill the position on a seniority basis. If no Canine Handlers apply for the vacancy, then the vacancy will be advertised and all qualified Ranger/Lifeguards may submit applications for their respective classifications.

(b) Canine Handler Selection

1. Canine Handler Selection will be made by a three-person panel consisting of:

(a) The District Superintendent, or his/her supervisory peace officer designee, where the vacancy has occurred

(b) The Department Canine Coordinator or their designee (the designee must be at a supervisory level and have had canine handling experience)

(c) A current Ranger/Lifeguard Canine Handler selected by CSLEA and the Department alternatively striking names of the existing Canine handlers one name at a time until only one name remains. The Department will strike the first name.

(c) All applicants must submit the following:

1. Canine Application

2. Last year of Range and Defensive Tactics qualification reports.

3. One accident report and one crime report written by the candidate. The crime report must be one report in which the candidate made a physical arrest.

(d) A review of the applications and reports to screen candidates not meeting minimum requirements will be conducted prior to the interview process.

(e) The ranking of the applicants will be based on the following statistical rating categories:

1. Law enforcement/canine experience

2. Report Writing Skills

3. Defensive Tactics and Range Experience

4. Interview

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5. Each panel member will individually rate candidates immediately after their interview.

(f) Once the evaluation has been completed, the candidates will be placed into three categories based upon a Statistical Rating Report using a point system. The categories will be as follows:

1. Well-Qualified = 3 Points

2. Standard = 2 Points

3. Below Standard = 1 Point

4. Final rating shall be the average of the total scores of all panel members.

5. The most senior candidate from the Well-Qualified category will be offered the position. If that person does not accept the position, then the next senior person in that category will be offered the position and so on until that category is exhausted. The most senior person in the Standard Rank will then be offered the position and so on until that rank is exhausted. This process will continue through the standard category until an applicant accepts the position. If a candidate does not accept the position in the first two categories, then the position will be advertised again and a new selection process will be initiated.

(g) The successful candidate will agree to remain in the Canine Handler Program for the training status period plus three years and at the initial assignment for one year.

Candidates will not be bound by this agreement in the event of a promotion.

(h) The Canine Program and annual qualifications are contained in the Canine Handler’s Handbook. Changes in the qualification procedures based on updated law enforcement training and techniques may occur from time to time.

(i) All requirements and standards for canine assignments are described in the Canine Handler’s Handbook and will be initially available to all applicants. Changes in the handbook based on updated law enforcement training and techniques may occur from time to time.

(j) The successful candidate will be on training status for six months following completion of the formal patrol training class. The candidate will receive 16 hours of additional formal training prior to the beginning of the fifth month of training status. He/she must qualify with the canine within that six-month period or be returned to their former position or a comparable position in the same division, at the candidate's expense.

Department of Parks and Recreation delays in providing training shall not count toward the six-month training period. The Department Canine Handler’s Probation committee will review individual cases of non-qualifying candidate/trainee handlers to determine appropriate actions. Training documents need to be sent to the Program Coordinator in order to keep records up-to-date.

(k) Patrol with the canine will not be permitted until the new handler has passed the POST Canine Qualifications at the formal patrol canine training class.

(l) A review of the handler's progress may be made during or after the initial formal patrol training class by the Department's Canine Program Coordinator. A Handler's

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Probation Review Committee will review cases that may require termination from the canine program predicated on the Program Coordinator's recommendations. This committee will be comprised of:

1. The Department Canine Program Coordinator or designee as defined in item "b" above in this section.

2. The Department Canine Trainer

3. The candidate/trainee’s District Superintendent or supervisory peace officer designee.

(m) Serious qualification problems by a candidate/trainee, once reviewed by this committee may be cause for the Canine Program Coordinator to terminate the candidate's assignment as a Canine Handler Trainee. The committee may also recommend other administrative action such as time extension and/or remedial procedures as they deem appropriate to the problem/circumstances.

(n) Incumbents will receive canine differential pay upon assignment of the patrol canine.

(o) Prior to the assignment as a canine handler, the candidate must demonstrate that they reside in an adequately secured, single family residence.

(p) Canine Handlers must live within 60-minute response time from the handler’s reporting location or as agreed upon by the District Superintendent.

(q) Upon the retirement of a patrol dog, the handler must provide a written request within two weeks to the District Superintendent and the Canine Program Coordinator stating their intentions to stay in the handler position and be assigned another patrol dog or requesting to discontinue being a handler. If the handler requests to stay in their position and be assigned another patrol dog, the District Superintendent and Canine Program Coordinator will evaluate the handler’s performance during their time as a handler and determine whether to assign a new patrol dog to the handler or advertise the position to other interested candidates. If the position is advertised to all interested candidates, the handler will be allowed to apply and compete for the position. If the handler chooses to not be assigned another patrol dog or the District Superintendent and Canine Program Coordinator choose to advertise the position to all interested candidates and the handler is not selected, the handler will be placed into a non-canine handler SPPO position within the same geographical area.

319.5 CANINE HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES

319.5.1 CARE FOR THE CANINE AND EQUIPMENT

The handler shall ultimately be responsible for the health and welfare of the canine and shall ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, affection, and living conditions. The handler will be responsible for the following:

(a) Unless required by a particular application, the handler shall not expose the canine to any foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm.

(b) The handler shall maintain all department equipment under his/her control in a clean and serviceable condition.

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(c) Handlers shall permit the Canine Program Coordinator to conduct spontaneous on-site inspections of affected areas of their residence as well as the canine unit, to verify that conditions and equipment conform to this policy.

(d) Any changes in the living status of the handler which may affect the lodging or environment of the canine shall be reported to the Canine Program Coordinator as soon as possible.

(e) When off-duty, canines shall be maintained in kennels, provided by the Department, at the homes of their handlers. When a canine is kenneled at the handler's home, the gate shall be secured with a lock. When off-duty, canines may be let out of their kennels while under the direct control of their handlers.

(f) The canine should be permitted to socialize in the home with the handler's family for short periods of time and under the direct supervision of the handler.

(g) Under no circumstances will the canine be lodged at another location unless approved by the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

(h) When off-duty, handlers shall not involve their canines in any activity or conduct unless approved in advance by the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

(i) Whenever a canine handler anticipates taking a vacation or an extended number of days off, it may be necessary to temporarily kennel the canine. In those situations, the handler shall give reasonable notice to the handler’s supervisory chain of command so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

319.5.2 CANINE IN PUBLIC PLACE

All canines shall be kept on a leash when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions would include specific law enforcement operations for which the canines are trained.

(a) Canines shall not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access.

(b) When the canine patrol vehicle is left unattended all windows and doors shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the dog. The handler shall also ensure that the unattended unit remains inhabitable for the canine.

319.5.3 HANDLER COMPENSATION

The canine handler shall be compensated for time spent in the care, feeding, grooming and other needs of the dog as provided in the Fair Labor Standards Act. The compensation shall be prescribed in the employee’s Memorandum of Understanding

319.6 MEDICAL CARE OF THE CANINE

All medical attention shall be rendered by the designated canine veterinarian, except during an emergency as provided in Policy Manual § 319.6.2.

319.6.1 NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Non-emergency medical care will be coordinated through the canine handler’s supervisory chain of command.

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Any indication that a canine is not in good physical condition shall be reported to the handler’s supervisory chain of command and Canine Program Coordinator as soon as practical.

All records of medical treatment shall be maintained by the canine handler, with summaries of the medical treatment sent to the Canine Program Coordinator in their monthly logs.

319.6.2 EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

The handler shall notify the handler’s supervisory chain of command and the Canine Program Coordinator as soon as practical when emergency medical care for the canine is required.

Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, the canine shall either be treated by the designated veterinarian or transported to a designated emergency medical facility for treatment.

If the handler and dog are out of the area, the handler may use the nearest available veterinarian.

319.6.3 NARCAN DEPLOYMENT FOR CANINE USE

Department issued canines have a high potential of being exposed to deadly drugs in the course of their work, opioids being of particular concern. Each department canine handler will be issued two 4mg Naloxone (NARCAN) brand nasal spray doses prescribed by a veterinarian for canine use only. Canine handlers shall carry two 4mg NARCAN nasal spray doses while on duty to be administered only to their department issued canine pursuant to their training.

Any use of NARCAN on a department issued canine shall be immediately reported to the Canine Program Coordinator and documented on the canine monthly training record. All unused doses shall be returned to the Canine Program Coordinator at the expiration date and new doses will be issued. If any of the doses have been stolen or lost, the canine handler that had custody of the NARCAN shall complete a Public Safety Report. In addition to the normal distribution, copies of the reports shall be forwarded to the LEES Division Canine Superintendent.

Prior to issuance of NARCAN, training will be provided. Each dose will be carried and stored in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines listed on the package.

319.7 TRAINING

Before assignment to the field, each canine team shall be trained and certified to meet current POST patrol standards. Cross-trained canine teams trained for the detection of narcotics and/or explosives shall be trained and certified to meet the standards established for such detection dogs by Peace Officers Standards of Training (POST).

319.7.1 CONTINUED TRAINING

Each canine team shall thereafter be recertified to current POST standards. Additional training considerations are as follows:

(a) Canine teams shall receive training as defined in the current contract with the Department’s canine training provider.

(b) Canine handlers are encouraged to engage in additional training with approval of the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

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(c) To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler, trainer, or outside vendor is authorized to train to a standard that is contrary to the policies of the California State Parks.

(d) All canine training shall be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise approved by the handler’s supervisory chain of command.

319.7.2 FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE POST TRAINING

Any dog team failing POST patrol canine certification shall not be deployed in the field until certification is achieved. When practical, pending successful certification, the canine handler shall be temporarily reassigned to regular patrol duties. Any canine team failing POST detection canine certification shall not be deployed for detection assignments until certification is achieved but shall be allowed to continue canine patrol if certified for patrol.

Failure to Certify

Upon notification from the Canine Program Coordinator of an annual certification failure by a State Park Canine Handler, the District Superintendent will temporarily remove the patrol canine from patrol and/or detection duties. Failure for purposes of annual certification constitutes a failing score in any section.

The Canine Handler who fails to successfully qualify during the annual certification shall be required to comply with the following remediation process:

(a) During the next quarter the handler will be given a maximum of 16 hours of training by a Department-designated trainer in order to qualify.

(b) The Department’s Canine Program Coordinator or other qualified Department personnel will be made available to provide on-going, focused training in the problem area.

(c) If, upon completion of the remediation training, the handler qualifies in the failed section(s) the Canine Program Coordinator will notify the District Superintendent to authorize the patrol and/or detection canine to be put back in service.

(d) Should the handler, after completion of the prescribed training, fail to remediate by the end of the quarter, the Canine Program Coordinator will notify the District Superintendent. The District Superintendent will convene the Handler Probation Review Committee. The Committee will determine a course of action such as remediation, extension or decertification.

(e) Failure in the Annual Certification on any second occasion within a five-year period will result in an automatic review by the committee. The committee will examine all existing circumstances and decide upon a course of action.

(f) Remediation extensions should not normally be granted except under extenuating circumstances such as significant medical problems of the handler or canine.

(g) If the handler is to be decertified, they will receive written notice at least 5 calendar days in advance of the decertification. If the decertification requires additional action taken, such actions must be consistent with applicable DPA/SPB rules and contract provisions.

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319.7.3 TRAINING RECORDS

All canine training records shall be maintained by the canine handler and submitted monthly to the Canine Program Coordinator.

319.8 CANINE UNIT COORDINATOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The Canine Program Coordinator and/or designee shall be appointed by the Chief of LEESD and shall supervise the Canine Program. The Canine Program Coordinator reports to the Chief of LEESD. The Canine Program Coordinator shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

(a) Review all Canine Use Reports (DPR 19)and Canine Use of Force Reports (DPR 157) to insure compliance with policy and to identify training issues and other needs of the program.

(b) Maintain liaison with the vendor kennel.

(c) Maintain liaison with the handler’s supervisory chain of command. Maintain liaison with other agency canine coordinators.

(d) Maintain accurate records to document canine activities.

(e) Recommend and oversee the procurement of new canines, needed equipment, and services for the unit.

(f) (Be responsible for scheduling canine training.

(g) Ensure the canine teams are scheduled for continuous training to maximize the capabilities of the teams.

(h) Annual evaluation of canine teams to ensure adherence to POST and Departmental canine guidelines.

(i) Oversee the selection of new Canine Handlers

319.9 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AIDS

Controlled substance training aids are required to effectively train and maintain drug detecting dogs. Further, controlled substances can also be an effective training aid during training sessions for law enforcement personnel and the public.

Health & Safety Code § 11367.5 provides that any Sheriff, Chief of Police, the Chief of the Bureau of Controlled Substance Enforcement, or the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, or a designee thereof may, in his or her discretion, provide controlled substances in his or her possession for training purposes:

(a) To any duly authorized peace officer or civilian drug detection canine trainer working under the direction of a law enforcement agency.

(b) Provided the controlled substances are no longer needed as criminal evidence.

(c) Provided the person receiving the controlled substances, if required by the Drug Enforcement Administration, possesses a current and valid Drug Enforcement Administration registration that specifically authorizes the recipient to possess

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Canine Program - 12 controlled substances while providing substance abuse training to law enforcement or the community or while providing canine drug detection training.

319.9.1 PROCEDURES

Due to the responsibilities and liabilities involved with possessing readily usable amounts of controlled substances and the ever-present danger of accidental ingestion of these controlled substances by the canine, the following procedure shall be strictly followed:

(a) All necessary controlled substance training samples shall be acquired from the California State Parks Department's evidence personnel pursuant to the Post Evidence Guide Chapter 6, or from allied agencies authorized by Health & Safety Code §11367.5 to provide controlled substance training samples. All controlled substance training samples shall be weighed and tested prior to dispensing to the individual canine handler.

(b) The weight and test results shall be recorded and maintained by this Department in handler's monthly logs.

(c) Any person receiving controlled substance training samples pursuant to Health & Safety Code §11367.5 shall maintain custody and control of the controlled substances and shall keep records regarding any loss of, or damage to, those controlled substances.

(d) All controlled substance training samples will be inspected, weighed, and tested quarterly. The results of the quarterly testing shall be recorded and maintained by the canine coordinator with a copy forwarded to the dispensing agency.

(e) All controlled substance training samples will be stored in locked metal boxes at all times, except during training. The locked metal boxes shall be secured in the trunk of the canine handler's assigned patrol unit, or stored in a locked evidence locker. There are no exceptions to this procedure.

(f) The Canine Program Coordinator shall periodically inspect every controlled substance training sample for damage or tampering and take any appropriate action.

(g) Any unusable controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the Property and Evidence personnel or to the dispensing agency.

(h) All controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the dispensing agency upon the conclusion of the training or upon demand by the dispensing agency.

319.9.2 IMMUNITY

All duly authorized peace officers acting in the performance of their official duties and any person working under their immediate direction, supervision or instruction are immune from prosecution under the Uniform Controlled Substance Act while providing substance abuse training or canine drug detection training (Health & Safety Code § 11367.5(b)).

319.10 EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AIDS

Explosive training aids are required to effectively train and maintain the skills of explosives detection dogs and can also provide effective training for law enforcement personnel and the public. Peace officers are permitted by law to possess, transport, store or use explosives or

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Canine Program - 13 destructive devices while acting within the scope and course of employment (Penal Code § 12302). Explosive training aids designed specifically for K-9 teams should be used Whenever feasible. Due to the safety concerns in the handling and transportation of explosives, inert or non-hazardous training aids should be employed whenever feasible. The use of explosives or destructive devices for training aids is subject to the following requirements:

(a) All explosive training aids, when not in use, shall be properly stored in a secure facility appropriate for the type of materials they contain.

(b) An inventory ledger shall be maintained to document the type and quantity of explosives training aids held by the Canine Unit.

(c) The Canine Program Coordinator shall be responsible to verify the explosives training aids on hand against the inventory ledger annually.

(d) Only members of the Canine Unit shall have access to the explosives training aid storage facility.

(e) A primary and secondary custodian will be designated to minimize the possibility of loss of explosive training aids during and after the training. Generally, the handler will be designated as the primary custodian while the Supervisor or second person on scene will be designated as the secondary custodian.

(f) Any lost or damaged explosives training aid shall be promptly reported to the Canine Program Coordinator in writing who will determine if any further action will be necessary. Any loss of explosives will be reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

319.11 E-COLLAR DEVICE

The use of an E-collar device shall be reviewed on a case by case basis. The determination if an E-collar’s use will benefit and enhance the canine’s ability to work effectively will be decided by unanimous consent of the current training vendor, the Department canine program coordinator (or designee) and the canine’s handler collectively. The E-collar is designed to be a communication and behavior shaping device to enhance the off-leash working relationship between the canine and the Handler. The E-collar accomplishes this through low-level stimulus that is intended to clear the canine’s head in order to better receive and respond to commands from the Handler.

The E-collar is not designed and not meant to be used as a punishment device for disobedience.

If a Handler is faced with a situation where the canine is being disobedient or is non-responsive to stimulus from the E-collar, the E-collar shall be turned off and the Handler should resort to manual and/or verbal correction.

319.11.1 STANDARD OF TRAINING BEFORE USE

The E-collar device is not a substitute for basic obedience training. Prior to introduction and use of the E-collar, all canines should be competent in basic obedience, to include releasing/”outing” the canine from a toy or a decoy and returning to the Handler using verbal commands.

Prior to use of the E-collar, all canines and Handlers shall attend a respected E-collar training course. The training course shall minimally address each of the topics stated in this policy.

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319.11.2 PROPER PLACEMENT OF THE E-COLLAR

The E-collar should be fully charged and checked for function prior to each use. The Handler shall insure that the E-collar prod contacts are of sufficient length to penetrate the coat of the canine and make good contact.

The receiver should be placed as low on the canine’s neck as possible and to the side nearest the Handler. Low placement reduces the chance of choking or interfering with the bite process. The collar should be tight enough to insure good prod contact with the canine’s neck. If the collar is too loose, inconsistent stimulus will occur.

The only acceptable placement of an E-collar on a canine is on the neck. Attaching an E-Collar to any other location other than the neck shall be a violation of policy and may be a violation of law.

319.11.3 WHEN TO WEAR THE E-COLLAR

The canine should be wearing the E-collar when the team is working. When the canine is not working, the E-collar should be removed. The Handler may decide during a situation that the E-collar is not suitable or desirable for use. These situations and decisions should be properly documented by the Handler if a canine deployment is made without an E-collar in place.