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Purpose:
To provide standardized forms, templates, and procedural checklists for handlers, supervisors, and support staff to ensure consistent documentation, safety, and accountability throughout all phases of K-9 operations.

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A. Pre-Deployment K-9 Checklist

Handlers shall complete this checklist before every operational deployment:
  • Leash, collar, harness, and muzzle inspected and secured.
  • Vehicle cage locked and ventilation operational.
  • Temperature monitoring system tested and active.
  • First-aid kit, water, and bowl on board.
  • Dog health verified (hydration, energy, attitude).
  • Radio and body camera operational.
  • Deployment orders or area search plan confirmed.
  • Backup officers briefed on safety and positioning.
Handler signature: ____________________ Date: _______________

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B. Daily K-9 Handler Log Template (Excerpt)

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Stat Maintenance Procedures

The Department’s K-9 performance system employs “tick-based” stat decay to simulate physiological needs. Handlers must manage these metrics actively to prevent fatigue, stress, or disobedience. Guidelines:
  • After each deployment, handlers shall check remaining stamina, hydration, and appetite levels.
  • Provide food, water, or rest immediately if thresholds fall below 50%.
  • On non-deployment days, conduct low-intensity training to allow natural stat recovery.
  • Sleep restores stamina automatically per system tick.
  • Positive interactions (/petcuddle, fetch, follow) restore happiness and loyalty values.
  • If loyalty drops below 75, certain advanced skills (e.g., attack or track) may be temporarily disabled until morale improves.
Recommended Tick Schedule:

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C. Vehicle / Cage Inspection Form

To be completed at start and end of each shift. Signature: ____________________ Date: ____________

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D. Training Session Plan Template

Session Type: Detection / Obedience / Apprehension / Tracking / Agility
Objectives: ____________________________________________
Location: ______________________ Duration: __________
Performance Goals: _____________________________________
Evaluation: Pass / Needs Improvement / Retrain Trainer Signature: ____________________ Handler: ____________________

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E. Veterinary Health Check Form

Frequency: Monthly or as needed following injury or illness.

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F. Incident / Accident Report Form

Type of Incident: ☐ Bite ☐ Injury ☐ Equipment Failure ☐ Other
Date/Time: ____________________
Location: _______________________
Involved Parties: _______________________
Description of Incident: __________________________________________
Immediate Actions Taken: _________________________________________
Notifications Made: ______________________________________________
Follow-Up Required: ☐ Yes ☐ No Handler Signature: ____________________ Supervisor: ____________________

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G. Certification Exam Bank (Excerpt)

The K-9 Certification Exam includes both written and practical components:
  • Obedience (10 pts)
  • Detection Accuracy (15 pts)
  • Handler Control (10 pts)
  • Search Pattern (10 pts)
  • Bite / Release (10 pts)
  • Safety & Equipment (10 pts)
  • Knowledge Test (30 pts)
    Passing Score: 85% Minimum (Written + Practical Combined)
Sample Questions:
  1. What is the correct procedure after a K-9 alert?
  2. How often must a vehicle temperature system be checked?
  3. Who authorizes K-9 withdrawal from service?

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H. Search Area Sketch Template

Case #: ____________________
Date/Time: ____________________
Location: ____________________
Handler: ____________________
K-9: ____________________
Search Type: ____________________ Sketch / Diagram Area:
(Include entry/exit points, scent cone, wind direction, indication location, and evidence recovery.)

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Additional Notes & Best Practices

  • Always emphasize safety and redundancy — the handler maintains leash control at all times; backup officers must be present; veterinary care must be readily available.
  • Conduct regular audits of logs, training hours, and performance metrics.
  • Provide mental stimulation through enrichment: toys, scent games, and non-duty bonding time.
  • Rotate search environments to prevent pattern learning and maintain adaptability.
  • Use body-worn and vehicle cameras whenever possible to document training and real deployments.
  • Conduct after-action reviews (AARs) following deployments to identify successes, challenges, and corrective opportunities.
  • Ensure all K-9 deployments meet legal and ethical standards (probable cause, consent, warrant, or exigency).