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Required deployment documentation

Each operational detection, tracking, search, or apprehension deployment shall be logged with:
  • Date, time, location, and type of deployment.
  • Assigned canine and handler; requesting and assisting personnel.
  • Related MDT incident, arrest, or case number.
  • Legal justification and authorized search area when applicable.
  • Canine behavior, trained indication type, and result, including no-find outcomes.
  • Evidence located, seizure details, and chain-of-custody references.
  • Force, injuries, medical or veterinary care, and necessary notifications.
Use of force involving a K-9 must also be reported according to the Full Use of Force Policy. Recording systems should document K-9 activity when available and required by DPS policy.

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Program records

K-9 leadership shall maintain:
  • Handler and canine certifications, evaluations, remedial training, and annual recertification status.
  • Deployment and incident reports.
  • Animal welfare, medical and veterinary records appropriate to the program.
  • Vehicle/cage and specialized equipment defects and inspections.
  • Training attendance and qualification records.
The prior manual called for daily care logs, monthly deployment reports, and quarterly performance reviews. Maintain those intervals where administratively feasible or as formally directed by command; do not substitute simulated game statistics for actual evidence of competence.

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Non-productive alerts and performance review

A non-productive K-9 indication is not automatically misconduct. Document the environment, behavior, apparent indication, and outcome. Repeated unexplained indications, loss of control, unsafe handling, or qualification deficiencies require review and may trigger additional instruction, restriction, or retesting.

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Incidents and corrective actions

Immediately notify a supervisor of any dog bite or injury, escape, equipment failure with safety implications, unauthorized deployment, or major policy deviation. Significant incidents should be reviewed by K-9 leadership and, where required, Professional Standards or DPS Command. Any personnel discipline follows the Department Accountability Program (DAPS), rather than a separate K-9 disciplinary scale.