Policy
318
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 1 Canines
318.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Best Practice MODIFIED
The Canine Program was established to augment police services to the community. Highly skilled and trained teams of handlers and canines have evolved from the program and are used to supplement police operations to locate individuals, contraband and to apprehend criminal offenders.
318.2 ASSIGNMENT
Best Practice MODIFIED
Canine teams should be assigned to assist and supplement the Operations Bureau to function primarily in assist or cover assignments. However, they may be assigned by the Watch Commander to other functions, such as routine calls for service, based on the current operational needs. The canine teams are assigned to the patrol division, and will choose their shift based on seniority in the unit from the choices identified by the staffing lieutenant. Canine teams may be assigned to normal patrol duties as a beat officer as needed due to operational or staffing requirements.
Canine teams should generally not be assigned to handle routine matters that will take them out of service for extended periods of time. If such assignment is necessary, it should only be made with the approval of the .
318.3 CANINE SUPERVISOR
Agency Content
The Canine Supervisor shall be appointed by the Canine Commander, with the approval of the Bureau of Field Services Operations Captain and the Chief of Police. The Canine Supervisor shall be a sergeant who has supervisory responsibility for the Canine Program.
The responsibilities of the Canine Supervisor include, but are not limited to:
(a) Verifying deployment, vehicle mileage and training logs are being completed accurately.
(b) Conducting periodic reviews of the handler's equipment and canine to verify their care and condition.
(c) Attending canine training quarterly to verify the training's suitability and quality. (d) Scheduling canine related activities.
(e) Scheduling periodic in-house canine training to increase patrol familiarity with the canines.
(f) Conducting an initial review of all canine deployments to verify compliance with policy/ training/guidelines.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 2 318.4 CANINE COMMANDER
Best Practice MODIFIED
The c Canine C ommander coordinator shall be appointed by and directly responsible to the Bureau of Field Services O perations Captain or the authorized designee. The Canine C ommander coordinator shall be a lieutenant who has command responsibility of the Canine Program.
The responsibilities of the Canine Commander coordinator include, but are not limited to:
(a) Reviewing all canine deployments use reports to ensure compliance with policy and to identify training issues and other needs of the program. (b) Maintaining a liaison with the training vendor kennel. (c) Maintaining a liaison with command staff and functional supervisors. (d) Maintaining a liaison with other agency canine coordinators. (e) Maintaining accurate records to document canine activities. (f) Recommending and overseeing the procurement of equipment and services for the teams of handlers and canines.Scheduling all canine-related activities. (g) Verifying Ensuring the canine teams are scheduled for regular training to maximize their capabilities.
318.5 REQUESTS FOR CANINE TEAMS
Best Practice MODIFIED
Operations Bureau members are encouraged to request the use of a canine. Requests for a canine team from [department/office] units outside of the Operations Bureau shall be reviewed by the on duty Watch Commander.
318.5.1 OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUEST
Best Practice MODIFIED
All requests for canine assistance from outside agencies must be approved by the on duty/ on call commander and are subject to the following:
(a) Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.
(b) The canine handler shall have the authority to decline a request for any specific assignment that he/she deems unsuitable.
(c) Calling out off-duty canine teams is discouraged, but may be authorized at the discretion of the on duty watch commander.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to coordinate operations with agency personnel in order to minimize the risk of unintended injury. (e) Canine teams deploying to an outside agency for a call involving a potential suspect apprehension will be accompanied by at least one other uniformed officer and a supervisor. If a supervisor is unavailable to respond, the request shall be declined.
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Canines
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 3 (f) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to complete all necessary reports or as directed.
318.5.2 PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION
Best Practice MODIFIED
All public requests for a canine team shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, approved by the ca Canine C ommander coordinator prior to making any resource commitment. The c Canine C ommander coordinator is responsible for obtaining resources and coordinating involvement in the demonstration to include proper safety protocols. Canine handlers shall not demonstrate any apprehension work unless authorized to do so by the c Canine C ommander coordinator. 318.6 APPREHENSION GUIDELINES
Best Practice MODIFIED
A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect , with supervisor and/or commander approval, if the canine handler reasonably believes that the individual has either committed, is committing or threatening to commit any armed violent felony serious criminal offense and if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) There is a reasonable belief the suspect poses an imminent threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any officer or the handler. (b) The suspect 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 suspect is 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.
In a situation where a suspect is wanted for an armed violent felony Serious criminal offenseincludes any crime of violence or potential for violence such as building searches and other searches and/or a felony warrant, involving violence. A a mere advisement of a potential felony warrant alone does not justify a canine apprehension deployment. constitute a serious criminal offense. The warrant's validity and criminal offense must be verified prior to deploying the canine, absent an exigent circumstance (i.e. deployment in the defense of the canine handler's life).
A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect, with commander approval, if the canine handler reasonably believes that the individual has either committed, is committing or threatening to commit any felony criminal offense or violent misdemeanor offense, when there are specific articulable facts to indicate the suspect is armed and if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) There is a reasonable belief the suspect poses an imminent threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any officer or the handler. (b) The suspect 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 suspect is 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.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 4 For the purposes of this section, "armed" is defined as the suspect is armed with, or threatening that they are armed with, any weapon or object that has the potential to cause serious bodily injury or death.
It is recognized that situations may arise that do not fall within the provisions set forth in this policy. Such events require consideration of the totality of the circumstances and the use of an objective reasonableness standard applied to the decision to use a canine . Absent exigent circumstances, all deployments of a canine team for apprehension require supervisor and/or commander approval.
Absent a reasonable belief that a suspect has committed, is committing or is threatening to commit an armed violent felony serious offense, mere flight from a pursuing officer, without any of the above conditions, shall not serve as the basis for the use of a canine to apprehend a suspect.
All canines teams shall be equipped with an electronic collar. The canine teams shall be trained on the use of the electronic collar and the canine shall be equipped with a functional electronic collar when performing apprehension work. The electronic collar shall be tested for functionality prior to deploying the canine, absent an exigent circumstance. Whenever possible, the canine teams shall utilize on-leash tactics or the electronic collar to conduct controlled systematic searches with the canine. Canine teams are discouraged from conducting off leash searches where the canine is out of the handlers visual/auditory range, unless it presents an unnecessary risk to the safety of the involved officers. The specific articulable facts justifying the necessity of an off lead, or off electronic collar, search shall be documented in the report for the deployment.
Use of a canine to locate and apprehend a suspect wanted for a lesser criminal offense than those identified above requires approval from the . Absent a change in circumstances that present an imminent threat to , the canine or the public , such canine use should be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual.
In all applications, once the suspect has been located and no longer reasonably appears to present a threat or risk of escape, the handler should secure the canine as soon as it becomes reasonably practicable.
If the canine has apprehended the suspect with a secure bite, and the handler believes that the suspect no longer poses a threat, the handler should promptly command the canine to release the suspect. After the canine has secured a bite on the suspect, the handler shall continually reassess the threat level of the suspect. Once the handler believes the suspect no longer poses a threat, the canine will be commanded to release the bite.
318.6.1 PREPARATION FOR DEPLOYMENT
Best Practice MODIFIED
Prior to the use of a canine to search for or apprehend any suspect, the canine handler and /or the supervisor on-scene should carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably available at the time. The information should include but is not limited to:
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 5 (a) The nature and seriousness of the suspected offense.The nature and seriousness of the offense meet the guidelines for an apprehension deployment listed in 318.6 above. (b) Whether violence or weapons were used or are anticipated. (c) The degree of resistance or threatened resistance, if any, the suspect has shown. (d) The suspect’s known or perceived age.
(e) The potential for injury to officers or the public caused by the suspect if the canine is not utilized.
(f) Any potential danger to the public and/or other officers at the scene if the canine is released.
(g) The potential for the suspect to escape or flee , and be a threat to the safety of the public, if the canine is not utilized.
As circumstances permit, the canine handler should make every reasonable effort to communicate and coordinate with other involved members to minimize the risk of unintended injury.
It is the canine handler’s responsibility to evaluate each situation and determine whether the use of a canine is appropriate and reasonable. It is the supervisor's responsibility to assess the totality of the circumstances with the canine handler, and approve the use of the canine based on the factors listed above. The canine handler shall shall have the authority to decline recommend to the supervisor the use of t that the canine not be used whenever he/she deems deployment is unsuitable. A supervisor or commander who is sufficiently apprised of the situation may prohibit deploying the canine.
Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine. 318.6.2 WARNINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Best Practice MODIFIED
Unless it would greatly increase the risk of injury or escape, a clearly audible warning announcing that a canine will be used if the suspect does not surrender should be made prior to releasing a canine. The handler should also include an advisement that if the canine finds the suspect the canine may bite the suspect. The handler should allow a reasonable time for a suspect to surrender and should quiet the canine momentarily to listen for any verbal response to the warning. If feasible, other members should be in a location opposite the warning to verify that the announcement could be heard. Those hearing the announcement at the opposite location shall advise via the radio that the announcement could be heard from their location, and have their BWC active to capture the announcements. If available, warnings given in other languages should be used as necessary. If the structure or area is large enough that it is possible the initial announcement could not be heard, the canine handler should pause the search in a safe location, and give additional announcements and opportunities to surrender.
If a warning is not to be given, the canine handler, absent an exigent circumstance practicable, shall ould first advise receive approval from the supervisor or commander of his/her decision Alameda Police Department
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 6 before releasing the canine. In the event of an apprehension, the handler shall document in any related report how the warning was given and, if none was given, the reasons why. 318.6.3 REPORTING DEPLOYMENTS, BITES AND INJURIES
Best Practice MODIFIED
Whenever a canine deployment results in a bite or causes injury to an intended suspect, a supervisor should be promptly notified and the injuries documented in the appropriate police report a canine use report . All deployments shall be logged in the canine training and use tracking software. The injured person shall be promptly treated by Emergency Medical Services personnel and, if appropriate, transported to an appropriate medical facility for further treatment.
The deployment and injuries should also be included in any related incident or arrest report.
Any unintended bite or injury caused by a canine, whether on- or off-duty, shall be promptly reported to the c Canine C ommander coordinator. Unintended bites or injuries caused by a canine should be documented in an administrative report if off duty (memorandum explaining the circumstances), or a miscellaneous police report if they occur on duty. not in a canine use report.
If an individual alleges an injury, either visible or not visible, a supervisor shall be notified and both the individual’s injured and uninjured areas shall be photographed as soon as practicable after first tending to the immediate needs of the injured party. Photographs shall be retained as evidence in accordance with current department evidence procedures. The photographs shall be retained until the criminal proceeding is completed and the time for any related civil proceeding has expired.
Canines used by law enforcement agencies are generally exempt from impoundment and reporting requirements. However, the canine shall be made available for examination at any reasonable time if requested by the local health department. The canine handler shall also notify the local health department if the canine exhibits any abnormal behavior after a bite (Health and Safety Code § 121685).
318.7 NON-APPREHENSION GUIDELINES
Best Practice MODIFIED
Properly trained canines may be used to track or search for non-criminals (e.g., lost children, individuals who may be disoriented or in need of medical attention) with supervisor and/or commander approval. The canine handler is responsible for determining the canine’s suitability for such assignments based on the conditions and the particular abilities of the canine. When the canine is deployed in a search or other non-apprehension operation, the following guidelines apply:
(a) Absent a change in circumstances that presents an imminent threat to officers, the canine, or the public, such applications should be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual, if located.
(b) Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 7 (c) Throughout the deployment, the handler should periodically give verbal assurances that the canine will not bite or hurt the individual and encourage the individual to make him/herself known.
(d) Once the individual has been located, the handler should place the canine in a down- stay or otherwise secure it as soon as reasonably practicable. 318.7.1 ARTICLE DETECTION
Best Practice MODIFIED
A canine trained to find objects or property related to a person or crime may be used to locate or identify articles. A canine search shall ould be conducted on lead or electronic collar and in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of unintended bites or injuries. 318.7.2 NARCOTICS DETECTION
Best Practice MODIFIED
A canine trained in narcotics detection may be used in accordance with current law and under certain circumstances, including:
(a) The search of vehicles, buildings, bags and other articles. (b) Assisting in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service. (c) Obtaining a search warrant by using the narcotics-detection trained canine in support of probable cause.
A narcotics-detection trained canine will not be used to search a person for narcotics. A canine narcotics search shall be conducted on lead or electronic collar and in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of unintended bites or injuries.
318.7.3 BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION
Best Practice
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 canine team trained in explosive detection may be considered.
When available, an explosive-detection canine team may be used in accordance with current law and under certain circumstances, including:
(a) Assisting in the search of a building, structure, area, vehicle, or article where an actual or suspected explosive device has been reported or located. (b) Assisting with searches at transportation facilities and vehicles (e.g., buses, airplanes, trains).
(c) Preventive searches at special events, VIP visits, official buildings, and other restricted areas. Searches of individuals should remain minimally intrusive and shall be strictly limited to the purpose of detecting explosives.
(d) Assisting in the search of scenes where an explosion has occurred and an explosive device or secondary explosive device is suspected.
At no time will an explosive-detection trained canine be used to render a suspected device safe or clear.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/02/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 8 318.8 HANDLER SELECTION
Best Practice MODIFIED
The minimum qualifications for the assignment of canine handler include:
(a) An officer who is currently off probation.
(b) Residing in an adequately fenced, single-family residence (minimum 5-foot high fence with locking gates).
(c) Sufficient skill, critical thinking ability and maturity to handle the assignment. This should be assessed via an interview with the Canine Commander and an examination of past ratings.
(d) Agreeing to be assigned to the position for a minimum of three three two years. (e) Service beyond the initial three three -year contract may be approved at the end of the contract period at the discretion of the Chief of Police. (f) A recommendation for a year-to-year extension will be forwarded by the Canine Police Service Dog Commander to the Chief of Police for approval. 318.9 HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES
Best Practice MODIFIED
The canine 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 canine handler will be responsible for the following:
(a) Except as required during appropriate deployment, 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.
(c) The canine handler will be provided high-quality dog food for his/her assigned canine. (d) Each canine team shall be provided a complement of canine equipment to ensure the proper handling and safekeeping of the canine.
(e) Handlers shall permit the c Canine C ommander or S upervisor coordinator to conduct spontaneous on-site inspections of affected areas of their homes as well as their canine vehicles to verify that conditions and equipment conform to this policy. (f) Any changes in the living status of the handler that may affect the lodging or environment of the canine shall be reported to the c Canine C ommander coordinator as soon as possible.
(g) When off-duty, the canine shall be in a kennel provided by the City at the home of the handler. When a canine is kenneled at the handler’s home, the gate shall be secured with a lock. When off-duty, the canine may be let out of the kennel while under the direct control of the handler.
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 9 (h) 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. At no time can anyone other than the handler allow the canine out of the kennel, or enter the kennel without the handler's direct supervision.
(i) Under no circumstances will the canine be lodged at another location unless approved by the c Canine c Commander or Watch Commander.
(j) When off-duty, the handler shall not involve the canine in any law enforcement activity or official conduct (absent an exigent circumstance such as the handler being the victim of a violent crime while with the canine) unless approved in advance by the c Canine C ommander coordinator or on duty/on call commander. (k) Whenever a canine handler is off-duty for an extended number of days, it may be necessary to temporarily relocate the canine. In those situations, the handler shall give reasonable notice to the c Canine coordinator Commander so that appropriate arrangements can be made. If and when commercial boarding is necessary for the safekeeping of the canine in the handler's absence, it shall be at the expense of the department.
(l) All items assigned to the handler shall be returned to the unit at the end of his/ her assignment, except those items which may be purchased by the handler with department approval, should the handler elect to purchase them. Some items, such as the kennel and shelter provided for the canine, have a service life similar in length to the assignment. The handler will have the option of keeping those items at the termination of the contract.
(m) The canine handler shall be provided with critical incident specific safety and communications equipment appropriate to the assigned tactical mission in the event that a canine team is used for a CIRT operation.
(n) Vehicles assigned to the Canine Unit shall be equipped with safety features including automatic door pops, air conditioning, interior temperature monitoring, hood vents and rubber rear mats.
(o) All canine related expense receipts, including food, temporary shelter, equipment, and miscellaneous supplies, shall be routed through the c Canine C ommander coordinator for approval before being submitted for reimbursement or payment by the City.
318.9.1 CANINE IN PUBLIC AREAS
Best Practice MODIFIED
The canine should be kept on a leash when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions to this rule would include specific law enforcement operations for which the canine is trained. (a) A canine shall not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access. (b) When the canine vehicle is left unattended, all windows and doors shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the canine. The handler shall also ensure that the unattended vehicle remains inhabitable for the canine.This standard of care shall also apply to any privately owned vehicle in which the canine is stored or transported.
Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
Canines
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 10 318.10 HANDLER COMPENSATION
Federal MODIFIED
The canine handler shall be available for call-out under conditions specified by the c Canine Commander coordinator.
The canine handler shall be compensated for time spent in the care, feeding, grooming, and other needs of the canine in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (29 USC § 207). 318.11 TRAINING
Best Practice MODIFIED
Before assignment in the field, each canine team shall be trained and certified to meet current POST guidelines or other recognized and approved certification standards. Cross-trained canine teams or those canine teams trained exclusively for the detection of narcotics and/or explosives also shall be trained and certified by the California Narcotic Canine Association (CNCA) or other recognized and approved certification standards established for their particular skills.
The c Canine S upervisor coordinator shall be responsible for scheduling periodic training for all [department/office] members in order to familiarize them with how to conduct themselves in the presence of [department/office] canines. Because canines may be exposed to dangerous substances such as opioids, as resources are available, the canine coordinator should also schedule periodic training for the canine handlers about the risks of exposure and treatment for it.
All canine training shall be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise approved by the c Canine Commander coordinator or on duty/on call commander.
318.11.1 CONTINUED TRAINING
Best Practice MODIFIED
Each canine team shall thereafter be recertified to a current POST, CNCA, or other recognized and approved certification standards on an annual basis. Additional training considerations are as follows:
(a) Canine teams should receive training as defined in the current contract with the Alameda Police Department canine training provider.
(b) Canine handlers are encouraged to engage in additional training with approval of the c Canine Commander coordinator.
(c) To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler, trainer, or outside vendor is authorized to train to a standard that is not reviewed and approved by the [Department/ Office].
318.11.2 FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING
Best Practice
Any canine team failing to graduate or obtain certification shall not be deployed in the field for tasks the team is not certified to perform until graduation or certification is achieved. When reasonably Alameda Police Department
Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 11 practicable, pending successful certification, the canine handler shall be temporarily reassigned to regular patrol duties.
318.11.3 TRAINING RECORDS
Best Practice MODIFIED
All canine training records shall be maintained in the canine handler's and the canine's training file.Canine specific performance, training and duties shall be considered and included in the handler's performance evaluations. The Professional Standards/Training Unit shall also have access to K9 training records.
318.11.4 TRAINING AIDS
Federal
Training aids are required to effectively train and maintain the skills of canines.
Officers possessing, using or transporting controlled substances or explosives for canine training purposes must comply with federal and state requirements. Alternatively, the Alameda Police Department may work with outside trainers with the applicable licenses or permits. 318.11.5 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AIDS
Federal
Officers acting in the performance of their official duties may possess or transfer controlled substances for the purpose of narcotics-detection canine training in compliance with state and federal laws (Health & Safety Code § 11367.5; 21 USC § 823(f)).
The Chief of Police or the authorized designee may authorize a member to seek a court order to allow controlled substances seized by the Alameda Police Department to be possessed by the member or a narcotics-detection canine trainer who is working under the direction of this [department/office] for training purposes, provided the controlled substances are no longer needed as criminal evidence.
As an alternative, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee may request narcotics training aids from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
These procedures are not required if the canine handler uses commercially available synthetic substances that are not controlled narcotics.
318.11.6 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PROCEDURES
Federal MODIFIED
Due to the responsibilities and liabilities involved with possessing readily usable amounts of controlled substances and the ever-present danger of the canine’s accidental ingestion of these controlled substances, the following procedures shall be strictly followed:
(a) All controlled substance training samples shall be weighed and tested prior to dispensing to the individual canine handler or trainer. (b) The weight and test results shall be recorded and maintained by this department.
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 12 (c) Any person possessing controlled substance training samples pursuant to court order or DEA registration 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 and the Program Watch Commander. The C anine Commander Program Watch Commander, along with the Professional Standards Inspectional Services Sergeant, will also audit the training aids annually (if applicable) when the Property audit is conducted as required by Lexipol 804.8.
(e) All controlled substance training samples will be stored in locked, airtight and watertight cases at all times, except during training. The locked cases shall be secured in the trunk of the canine handler’s assigned patrol vehicle during transport and stored in an appropriate locked container. There are no exceptions to this procedure. (f) The c Canine C ommander 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 Section 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. 318.11.7 EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AIDS
Federal MODIFIED
Officers may possess, transport, store, or use explosives or destructive devices in compliance with state and federal laws (Penal Code § 18800; 18 USC § 842; 27 CFR 555.41).
Explosive training aids designed specifically for canine 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 by canine teams is subject to the following:
(a) All explosive training aids, when not in use, shall be properly stored in a secure facility appropriate for the type of materials.
(b) An inventory ledger shall be maintained to document the type and quantity of explosive training aids that are stored.
(c) The c Canine C ommander coordinator shall be responsible for verifying the explosive training aids on hand against the inventory ledger once each quarter. (d) Only members of the canine team shall have access to the explosive training aids 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 trainer or authorized second person on-scene will be designated as the secondary custodian.
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Alameda Police Department Policy Manual
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Published with permission by Alameda Police Department ***DRAFT*** Canines - 13 (f) Any lost or damaged explosive training aids shall be promptly reported to the canine coordinator, 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).
318.12 CANINE INJURY AND MEDICAL CARE
Best Practice MODIFIED
In the event that a canine is injured, or there is an indication that the canine is not in good physical condition, the injury or condition will be reported to the c Canine Supervisor, Commander coordinator or on duty/on call commander as soon as practicable and appropriately documented.
All medical attention shall be rendered by the designated canine veterinarian, except during an emergency where treatment should be obtained from the nearest available veterinarian. All records of medical treatment shall be maintained in the handler’s personnel file. 318.13 CANINE VEHICLES
Agency Content
Effective upon approval of the Chief of Police, all Canine Handlers will be assigned an “Exclusive Use” City vehicle in accordance with Administrative Policies and Procedures regarding “Vehicle and Equipment Use Maintenance Policy.” The use of these vehicles includes necessary service, maintenance, and City gasoline for City business use subject to City and Department policies and practices.
The handlers will comply with the City’s Vehicle Use Policy and the Department’s Lexipol Policy.
The Lexipol Policy and Handler Contract will reflect the following points:
1. The vehicles will be used exclusively for official City business.
2. Handler’s issued vehicles will keep a mileage log that shall be audited by the C Canine S Supervisor and C Canine C Commander quarterly.
3. Handlers will park the vehicle in a locked garage. If the vehicle is not secured in a locked garage, the vehicle shall be parked off-street at the member’s residence and the AR-15 shall be secured at the Police Administration Building prior to driving home.
4. The Canine Supervisor will make a duty roster where one canine handler will be assigned duty each week. The duty handler will be responsible for responding to any request for a canine that has been approved by a watch commander.
5. An unexcused violation of the Vehicle Use Policy or related Lexipol Policy will be a terminable offense.