To establish clear and consistent procedures for the safe transport and handling of police service dogs within department-issued K-9 vehicles. These policies ensure the welfare of the animal, the safety of personnel, and the preservation of equipment integrity during all vehicle operations.
Cage Use
- All K-9s shall be secured in the designated rear passenger cage area when the vehicle is in motion.
- The divider door must remain closed and latched at all times to prevent the K-9 from entering the driver or front passenger compartment.
- The cage shall be inspected at the start of each shift for structural integrity, locking function, and cleanliness.
- Any defect, damage, or malfunction must be reported immediately to supervision and the vehicle removed from service until repaired.
Loading & Unloading Procedures
- Prior to loading or unloading, handlers must ensure the K-9 is calm, under control, and leashed.
- The leash shall be secured before opening the cage door to prevent accidental escape.
- Handlers shall conduct a 360° situational awareness check for nearby vehicular traffic, pedestrians, or other distractions before releasing or loading the dog.
- The K-9 shall exit and enter the vehicle only on command and in a controlled manner.
- No officer or civilian shall stand directly in the dog’s path during loading or unloading.
Authorized Use & Access
- Access to the K-9 cage or vehicle compartment is restricted to:
- Certified and assigned K-9 handlers.
- Senior K-9 Officers or K-9 Supervisors conducting inspections.
- Licensed veterinary personnel working under direct handler supervision.
- Unauthorized access to the K-9 cage, K-9 compartment, or patrol vehicle is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action.
- The handler retains sole authority and responsibility for the dog at all times, including during maintenance, refueling, or emergency stops.
Vehicle Temperature Monitoring & Safety
- Handlers shall check and record the vehicle’s internal temperature before each shift and periodically during duty hours.
- If equipped, automated temperature monitoring and alarm systems must remain active at all times while the dog is present.
- When the K-9 must remain in the vehicle:
- The engine, air conditioning, or climate control must remain engaged.
- The temperature alert system must be operational and armed.
- The handler must return within 15 minutes to conduct a welfare check.
- If the temperature alarm activates or environmental conditions become unsafe, the handler shall immediately remove the K-9 and notify a supervisor.
Supervisor Use Exception
- A Patrol Lieutenant or Captain may temporarily use the full K-9 rear seating area only under the following circumstances:
- The K-9 is not present in the vehicle, or
- The K-9 has been secured in the rear cage and the space is required for emergency transport of a downed officer or critical equipment.
- The handler must document the use in the end-of-shift report and notify either a Senior K-9 Officer or the Head of K-9 Personnel for administrative recordkeeping.
- Supervisory use of a K-9 vehicle for non-emergency purposes is strictly prohibited.