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Purpose:
To establish standardized procedures for managing, documenting, and validating all K-9 indications, searches, and evidence recoveries. These guidelines ensure lawful search practices, accurate reporting, and preservation of evidentiary integrity consistent with state and federal standards.

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Types of Indications

Police service dogs are trained to recognize and alert to specific odors. The following categories are authorized for active duty use:
  1. Drugs/Narcotics: Controlled substances as defined under state and federal law.
  2. Weapons/Firearms: Metallic or chemical odor profiles associated with firearms, ammunition, or explosive residue.
  3. Currency: Odors consistent with high-denomination or narcotic-contaminated money as approved by training certification.
Handlers must know their dog’s trained odor library and maintain accurate training logs for each detection category.

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Search Protocols

  • Upon arrival at a search scene, the handler shall define the search area, confirm consent or legal justification, and brief supporting officers.
  • The handler will deploy the K-9 under full control, systematically covering the area using a consistent search pattern.
  • When the K-9 indicates, the handler shall:
    • Announce the indication verbally to backup officers.
    • Withdraw or restrain the dog before any physical verification or evidence handling occurs.
    • Ensure visual or physical confirmation of the source by the handler or assisting officers.
  • At no time may the handler assume the presence of contraband based solely on the K-9’s behavior without verification.
  • All evidence recovered as a result of a K-9 indication shall follow the department’s chain of custody procedures, including:
    • Tagging, bagging, and labeling of items.
    • Recording collection time, location, and officer(s) present.
    • Proper transfer to an evidence technician or secure facility.
  • Body-worn cameras or in-car video shall be used whenever available to document the search, handler commands, and the K-9’s indication behavior.

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Documentation Requirements

Every K-9 search must be thoroughly recorded in the handler’s log and corresponding case report, including:
  • Date, time, and location of search.
  • Type of search (vehicle, building, open area, parcel, etc.).
  • K-9’s behavior and indication type (passive/active).
  • Results of the search (items found or none).
  • Names of all assisting personnel and witnesses.
  • Reference number for related incident or case file.
All reports shall be submitted to a supervisor within the prescribed reporting window and retained per evidence policy.

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False Indications & Quality Control

A false indication is defined as a K-9 alert where no verified target odor or contraband is located. These incidents shall not be viewed as disciplinary failures but as opportunities for review and improvement.
  • Each false indication must be documented in full, including search environment, weather, and potential contamination factors.
  • Supervisors and trainers shall review all false alerts to identify contributing causes such as handler cueing, distraction, or residual odor.
  • The K-9 and handler may be assigned refresher training before resuming field operations if performance concerns persist.
  • Patterns of repeated false indications shall trigger a formal retraining and evaluation process.