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Purpose:
To establish standardized procedures for the safe, lawful, and effective deployment of K-9 units during law enforcement operations. These guidelines ensure that all deployments are conducted with maximum control, accountability, and regard for public safety, officer safety, and animal welfare.

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Pre-Deployment Check

Before any deployment, the handler shall perform a full readiness inspection to confirm both equipment functionality and the K-9’s operational condition.
  • Verify the K-9’s physical state, including hydration, rest, and responsiveness.
  • Inspect leash, collar, harness, and muzzle for damage or malfunction.
  • Ensure communication devices (radio, GPS tracker, body cam) are operational.
  • Review mission details and verify legal justification for deployment.
  • Confirm presence of adequate backup officers prior to arrival on scene.
  • If any physical or behavioral abnormalities are observed, the K-9 shall not be deployed until cleared.

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On-Scene Deployment

The K-9 handler is solely responsible for the K-9’s actions once on scene.
  • The handler shall maintain physical control of the K-9 at all times via leash or approved restraint device unless authorized to release.
  • The handler shall lead all K-9 movements and ensure a safe operating distance is maintained between the dog, officers, and civilians.
  • Backup officers must remain aware of the K-9’s position and avoid crossing the leash line during movement or apprehension.
  • The handler shall communicate clearly with scene command regarding deployment intent and search parameters.
  • Deployment shall be suspended immediately if the handler loses visual or physical control of the K-9.

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Search Procedures

Effective and controlled search operations are critical for safety and evidence preservation.
  • The handler will define and announce search zones, entry points, and exit routes prior to beginning the search.
  • Officers assisting shall maintain a minimum safe distance and remain behind the handler.
  • The handler must continuously monitor the K-9’s body language and signals for signs of detection or alert.
  • Upon indication, the handler shall mark the location, withdraw the K-9 if necessary, and conduct a visual confirmation.
  • Only trained personnel shall handle or collect evidence discovered during the search.
  • All searches must be documented with time, area searched, and results.

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Indication Handling

When the K-9 provides an indication (alert) to odor, the handler must follow standardized response protocols.
  • The type of indication (passive or active) shall be clearly understood and documented.
  • The handler must validate the alert area through inspection and communication with supporting officers.
  • No officer shall reach into a potential detection area (e.g., bag, vehicle compartment) until the K-9 is secured and withdrawn.
  • Handlers must adhere to strict safety protocols when dealing with narcotics, weapons, or explosive detections.

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Suspect Apprehension

The use of a K-9 for apprehension is considered a use of force and must be guided by necessity, proportionality, and control.
  • The handler shall give loud and clear K-9 warnings prior to deployment, unless doing so would present a tactical risk.
  • The K-9 may only be commanded to engage when:
    1. The suspect is actively resisting, fleeing, or posing a threat.
    2. The deployment is consistent with department use-of-force policy.
  • A backup officer must be present before any apprehension is initiated.
  • The handler shall maintain continuous voice and leash control and immediately recall the K-9 once the suspect is secured or compliance is achieved.
  • Following apprehension, the handler will assess the suspect for injuries, provide first aid if needed, and notify medical and supervisory personnel immediately.

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Emergency Procedures

Emergency incidents involving the K-9 or handler require immediate action and notification.
  • In the event of injury to the K-9, the handler shall remove the dog from the scene, render basic first aid, and transport to the designated emergency veterinarian.
  • If the handler becomes incapacitated, backup officers shall secure the K-9 by keeping distance and waiting for a certified K-9 handler or supervisor.
  • In the event of a runaway or escaped K-9, all officers in the vicinity shall be notified by radio; the handler will take immediate steps to locate and safely recover the dog.
  • During environmental hazards (e.g., heat, toxic substances, unstable ground), the handler must withdraw the K-9 immediately and report the hazard.
  • De-escalation shall be prioritized in all encounters. The handler must recall and restrain the K-9 at the first indication of suspect compliance or surrender.