> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dpssop.equinoxroleplay.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 7.15 - Appendices / Forms / Checklists

> Standardized K-9 checklists, logs, forms, exam guidance, and best practices.

**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.

***

### 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: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***

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

| Date | Shift | Weather | Deployment Type | Location | Duration | Outcome | Notes |
| ---- | ----- | ------- | --------------- | -------- | -------- | ------- | ----- |
|      |       |         |                 |          |          |         |       |

***

## 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:**

| Stat      | Base Tick Interval                   | Decrease Per Tick | Notification Interval | Recovery Source      |
| --------- | ------------------------------------ | ----------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- |
| Appetite  | Every 20 min                         | -1                | Every 60 min          | Feeding              |
| Hydration | Every 15 min                         | -1                | Every 45 min          | Water break          |
| Stamina   | Every 10 min (activity)              | -2                | Every 30 min          | Sleep/rest           |
| Happiness | Passive decay -1/hr                  | -                 | Every 2 hrs           | Cuddle/reward        |
| Loyalty   | Passive decay -1/2hr (no engagement) | -                 | Every 1 hr            | Interaction/training |

***

### C. Vehicle / Cage Inspection Form

To be completed at start and end of each shift.

| Item                       | Condition                       | Action Required |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------- | --------------- |
| Divider & cage latch       | ☐ Good ☐ Needs repair           |                 |
| Ventilation / AC           | ☐ Operational ☐ Faulty          |                 |
| Temperature alarm          | ☐ Active ☐ Inactive             |                 |
| Interior cleanliness       | ☐ Satisfactory ☐ Clean required |                 |
| Door locks & window guards | ☐ Intact ☐ Replace              |                 |

Signature: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_  Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***

### 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: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***

### E. Veterinary Health Check Form

**Frequency:** Monthly or as needed following injury or illness.

| Exam Item                | Findings | Notes / Treatment |
| ------------------------ | -------- | ----------------- |
| Weight / Body Condition  |          |                   |
| Ears / Eyes / Mouth      |          |                   |
| Coat / Skin              |          |                   |
| Paws / Pads              |          |                   |
| Heart / Lungs            |          |                   |
| Joints / Hips / Mobility |          |                   |
| Dental                   |          |                   |
| Medications / Vaccines   |          |                   |

***

### 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: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***

### 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?

***

### 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.)

***

### 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).