To define the duties, authority, and boundaries of K-9 handlers and their supervisors in order to ensure accountability, professionalism, and operational safety in all K-9-related activities.
Handlers
Certified K-9 handlers are the backbone of the K-9 Division and bear complete responsibility for the care, control, and deployment of their assigned police service dog. Handlers shall:- Successfully complete approved classroom, field, and practical training before being certified for operational deployment.
- Maintain complete control and accountability for their assigned K-9 at all times — during duty hours, transport, off-duty housing, and rest periods.
- Deploy the K-9 only when justified by law, departmental policy, or a lawful supervisory order.
- Be personally responsible for the K-9’s physical welfare, emotional well-being, and professional development, including:
- Proper feeding, hydration, and exercise.
- Regular grooming and kennel maintenance.
- Medical checkups, vaccinations, and treatment documentation.
- Maintenance of all K-9 training logs and deployment records.
- Maintain proficiency in obedience, scent detection, agility, control, apprehension, and tactical deployment through ongoing training and annual recertification.
- Ensure that every K-9 action is properly documented, including successful detections, non-productive alerts, accidental bites, or injuries to suspects, officers, or civilians.
- Immediately report any incident involving injury, equipment malfunction, or deviation from standard procedure to their immediate supervisor.
- Treat the assigned K-9 as departmental property and partner, not as personal property. Any mistreatment, neglect, or misuse of the K-9 shall result in disciplinary action.
Supervisors
Supervisors overseeing K-9 operations are responsible for maintaining oversight, ensuring compliance with departmental policy, and safeguarding the welfare of both handler and K-9. Supervisors shall:- Not deploy, command, or handle any K-9 unless they have completed handler certification and current operational training.
- Intervene only in emergencies where the handler is incapacitated, unavailable, or a safety threat is imminent.
- Operate or ride in K-9 vehicles only under authorized and necessary conditions, such as downed-officer transport, administrative inspections, or equipment audits.
- Conduct routine reviews of deployment reports, training logs, and incident summaries to ensure handler accountability and adherence to standards.
- Facilitate debriefs after significant deployments or critical incidents, ensuring corrective actions and retraining where necessary.
- Support and evaluate handlers fairly, providing mentorship and guidance while ensuring compliance with operational directives.
- Not override a handler’s operational decision unless:
- An immediate safety concern exists, or
- A clear violation of law or departmental policy is occurring.
- Maintain proper command structure and communication channels when addressing or escalating K-9-related issues.
- Ensure that all K-9 activities are properly logged, reviewed, and archived according to department retention policy.