Eden Consulting Group

International Consultation and Canine Services Exclusively to Law Enforcement

K-9 Training Standards and Qualification Requirements for New Jersey Law Enforcement

Issued December 1992

Revised July 1995

INTRODUCTION

Currently, no statewide standard exists for training K-9 teams, that is, police officer handler-police dog teams, utilized in New Jersey law enforcement. Recognizing this, an Advisory Group was established by the Attorney General in April 1992. This group, comprised of K-9 officers and representatives from various types of law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey, was to examine relevant training issues and suggest recommendations for a uniform, statewide training standard.

K-9 teams are of significant value in law enforcement in detecting evidence, in tracking persons who are lost, in tracking suspects sought by police, and in protecting police officers and deterring criminal activity. A statewide survey reveals that K-9 units or teams exist in all 21 counties. There are 85 K-9 units operating in law enforcement agencies statewide. In addition to 68 municipal police departments, 14 sheriff's departments, two prosecutor's offices and one county police department maintain K- 9 units. K-9 units are also maintained by some correctional facilities and transit authorities.

The proper and effective use of K-9 teams in police work and law enforcement is grounded in a basic training program which encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize the police dog in the field. In-service training is then needed to ensure that required basic skills are maintained. For these reasons, minimum statewide training standards have been developed for implementation by law enforcement agency executives in those agencies that have K-9 units or teams. These standards pertain to basic K-9 training and qualification, in-service training and re-evaluation, K-9 instructor qualifications, and K-9 training sites or facilities. Compliance with these standards is the responsibility of the chief executive officer of the agency sponsoring the training and the chief executive officer of the agency conducting or utilizing K-9 operations.

Basic and in-service training standards have been established as performance objectives which relate to actual duties and tasks to be performed on the job. Performance objectives represent the goals of the training and are used to determine if the training has been successful by indicating whether trainees have achieved what is intended. (An overview of the Performance Objective System of Training is provided in Appendix A.)

In addition to the training standards established herein, law enforcement agencies with K-9 units or teams should establish clear policy and issue standard operating procedures on the use of police dogs. Individual agency policy, which provides practical guidelines for K-9 operations, establishes a system which will assist in ensuring the effective use of K-9 teams.

DEFINITIONS

Agility Training. Training during which the police dog must surmount or overcome obstacles, such as walls and tunnels, which are likely to be confronted while working.

Apprehension with Gunfire. The ability of the police patrol dog to apprehend the "suspect" and not be distracted by gunfire.

Article Search. A search by the police dog to locate various articles or types of evidence within a designated area.

Building Search. A search of a structure by the police dog in which the dog follows the freshest scent to locate a "suspect" or "subject" hiding in the structure.

Box Search. A training exercise, during which the police dog enters a field with several boxes, tents or other objects containing or concealing one or more "suspect" or subject. The police dog follows the freshest scent to locate and indicate the hidden suspect(s) or subject(s).

Criminal Apprehension. An exercise during which the police patrol dog physically apprehends (bites and holds) the "suspect" until the "suspect" is taken into custody (and a release command is issued).

Distance Control . The police dog is trained to respond to voice commands or hand signals given from a distance by the police officer handler.

False Start. Should the suspect begin to flee, the police patrol dog will remain in a sit position.

Field Search (Marsh Search or Wood Search). A search of a field or other designated area, during which the police dog conducts a quarter search of the area to locate and indicate the "suspect" or subject.

Handler Protection. The police patrol dog is trained to stay in a watch position unless commanded by the officer or the officer's safety is threatened.

Heel Work. The police dog is trained to respond to various commands while walking at the police officer handler's side.

K-9 Team. A K-9 team is comprised of the police officer handler and the police dog.

K-9 Patrol Team. A team consisting of a police officer handler and police dog used in law enforcement for routine patrol work.

K-9 Specialty Team. A team consisting of a police officer handler and specialty dog used in law enforcement specifically for scent work, detection or tracking work. Specialty teams are used for narcotics detection, arson detection, explosive detection, tracking or cadaver detection.

K-9 Trainer. The K-9 trainer is qualified to conduct basic and in-service training for police officer handler-police dog teams and must meet the qualification requirements set forth herein.

K-9 Training Site or Facility . Training sites or facilities which satisfy the criteria set forth herein.

Law Enforcement Agency. Law enforcement agency means any police force or organization functioning within this state or any other state which has by statute or ordinance the responsibility of detecting crime and enforcing the criminal or penal laws of this state or any other state.

Law Enforcement Officer. Law enforcement officer means any employee of a law enforcement agency, not including a civilian employee, any member of a fire department or force who is assigned to an arson investigation unit pursuant to Public Law 1981, Chapter 409, and any corrections officer or juvenile detention officer.

Off Lead Obedience. A series of obedience exercises where the police dog is trained to heel alongside the officer and make left, right, and about turns while off lead.

On Lead Obedience. A series of obedience exercises where the police dog is trained to heel alongside the officer and make left, right, and about turns while on lead.

Police Dog. A dog used for law enforcement purposes or any law enforcement related activities or duties.

Police Officer Handler. A law enforcement officer who officially utilizes a police dog in his assigned duties and responsibilities.

Recall. This exercise shows that the police officer handler has complete voice control over the dog in all situations and that the police dog will return to the officer handler, on command, prior to making a physical apprehension.

Scent Work. Exercises whereby the police dog conducts searches to locate a "suspect," other subject, evidence or other articles within buildings, other types of interior structures, or exterior areas.

Semi-Annual Re-Evaluation . A re-evaluation program consisting of two prescribed evaluation sessions within a 12-month period, with at least three months between each evaluation.

Specialty Dog . A police dog used specifically for specialty work or specialized scent work such as detection and tracking in law enforcement, that is, narcotics detection, arson detection, explosive detection, tracking and cadaver detection.

Supervising K-9 Trainer. Supervising K-9 trainers, in addition to conducting basic and in-service K-9 training as well as qualifying exercises, would be responsible for supervising K-9 handlers who assist with any K-9 training. Supervising K-9 trainers must meet the qualification requirements set forth herein.

Walking Control. While heeling alongside the police officer handler, the police dog will sit, down or stand upon the command of the officer and remain in that position as the officer walks away from the dog.

BASIC TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION

Basic training and qualification standards have been developed for police K-9 patrol teams as well as K-9 specialty teams used for specialized scent work, detection work or tracking in law enforcement. These standards include performance objectives for the police officer handler and the police officer- police dog team. To qualify for operation as a K-9 patrol team or specialty team in New Jersey law enforcement, the established standards must be demonstrated to the satisfaction of a K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer meeting the criteria set forth herein.

The performance objectives represent the intended outcome or goal of the training and should be used to evaluate and qualify police officer handlers and police dogs upon completion of training. The performance objectives established for basic training and qualification are intended to represent the minimum skills and training to be completed. Additional training may be incorporated in the basic K-9 training and is, in fact, encouraged.

All basic K-9 training programs should include a segment on the importance of K-9 policy and procedure. This training should discuss the significance of written policy and procedure, the purpose of such policy, as well as the general types of information to be included and issues to be addressed in such policy.

A detailed schedule and lesson plan should be developed for all basic training programs conducted for K-9 patrol teams or K-9 specialty teams. Copies of both the schedule and lesson plan along with initial training evaluation and qualification records should be maintained at the training facility, as well as the employing agency of the K-9 team.

K-9 patrol team and K-9 specialty team training should be conducted by a K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer who satisfies the criteria set forth herein. K-9 trainers or supervising K-9 trainers would be responsible for the overall K-9 training program, in particular, those areas which involve or pertain to the police officer-police dog team training. However, specialists in fields such as veterinary medicine and canine care, law, and tracking or scent work should be utilized, as appropriate, to conduct training in their respective field. Training by specialists should be at the discretion of the K-9 trainer, supervising K-9 trainer, or agency executive.

K-9 training should be conducted at a training site as described herein or a law enforcement agency outside this state, and should take place under conditions which are similar to those which will exist in the field during actual assignment or when otherwise deployed or utilized.

To be eligible for participation in K-9 officer training, the trainee must be a certified law enforcement officer, employed by a law enforcement agency. Approval to participate in training must be granted by the agency executive and the officer should be assigned full-time to training for the duration of the training program.

K-9 Patrol Teams

The areas of training to be covered in the basic program for police K-9 patrol teams are listed below. Performance objectives have been developed for each of these areas of training and are outlined in Appendix B. Moreover, a sample basic training evaluation and qualification inventory based on these performance objectives is provided in Appendix C.

Basic training for K-9 patrol team officer handlers should cover the following units of instruction:

• · The Role and Use of the Police Patrol Dog
• · Techniques and Field Procedures
• · Policy, Procedures, and Legal Issues
• · Report Writing
• · Record Keeping
• · The Care and Handling of the Police Patrol Dog

• Basic training for police officer handler-police dog patrol teams should cover:

• · Obedience
• · Agility
• · Scent Work
• · Criminal Apprehension
• · Handler Protection

• K-9 Specialty Teams

The basic training for K-9 specialty team officer handlers covers:

• · The Role and Use of the Police Specialty Dog
• · Techniques and Field Procedures
• · Policy, Procedures, and Legal Issues
• · Report Writing
• · Record Keeping
• · The Care and Handling of the Police Specialty Dog

• K-9 specialty team training concentrates on the following three instructional areas:

• · Obedience
• · Agility
• · Scent Work

• Performance objectives developed specifically for K-9 specialty teams used in law enforcement are outlined in Appendix D. Also, a sample training and evaluation inventory for use in qualifying K-9 specialty teams is provided in Appendix E. The evaluation inventory is based on the performance objectives developed for K-9 specialty teams.

IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND RE-EVALUATION

In-service training is necessary for K-9 patrol teams and K- 9 specialty teams to maintain proficiency in basic skills and to ensure continued effective performance. After initially qualifying as a K-9 patrol team or K-9 specialty team, the police officer handler and police dog team should be re-evaluated semi- annually. During this re-evaluation, K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of a K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer, their ability to perform basic skills. K-9 patrol team re-evaluation should cover obedience, agility, scent work, criminal apprehension and handler protection skills. K-9 specialty team re-evaluations should concentrate on obedience, agility, and scent work skills. Sample in-service training and re-evaluation inventories, listing specific performance indicators for K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams are provided in Appendices F and G, respectively.

K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams should complete in- service field training exercises in order to maintain skills which must be performed during re-evaluations. While it would be beneficial to conduct such training monthly, the frequency and content of such training is at the discretion of the agency executive. At least twice a year, either as part of the re- evaluation process or as a component of in-service training, classroom instruction should be conducted to provide police officer handlers with a review and update of use of force policy and other policies, applicable statutes and case law, and court rules which are relevant to K-9 operations.

In-service training and re-evaluation records should include information concerning the content of the training or re- evaluation program, who participated in the training or re- evaluation, when and where the training or re-evaluation took place, and who instructed the training or conducted the K-9 team re-evaluation.

In-service training for K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams should be conducted by K-9 trainers or supervising K-9 trainers who satisfy the criteria established herein or other persons determined to be qualified to offer instruction in areas deemed appropriate. While K-9 trainers or supervising trainers should be responsible for the overall in-service training, specialists should be utilized, as appropriate, to conduct specialty training in their areas of expertise. Training by specialists or other instructors should be at the discretion of the K-9 trainer, supervising K-9 trainer or agency executive.

Semi-annual re-evaluations should be conducted at a training site or facility which satisfies the requirements described herein. When appropriate, K-9 team re-evaluations should take place under conditions which are similar to those which exist during actual assignments or when otherwise deployed or utilized. In-service field training exercises and classroom instruction may be conducted at a training site which satisfies the established criteria or some other location deemed appropriate.

The twice a year re-evaluation standard represents the minimum requirements necessary to maintain basic skills and does not preclude departments or agencies from conducting additional re-evaluation exercises. Agencies are, in fact, encouraged to conduct in-service training as often as possible and to engage in re-evaluation exercises beyond the minimum required.

INSTRUCTOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Specific qualification requirements have been established for both K-9 trainers and supervising K-9 trainers. K-9 trainers would be responsible for conducting basic K-9 training and qualification as well as re-evaluating police officer handler- police dog teams. Supervising K-9 trainers, in addition to conducting actual K-9 training and qualifying exercises, would be responsible for supervising K-9 handlers who assist with any K-9 training.

K-9 Trainers

K-9 trainers must satisfy all of the following criteria.

• · Satisfactory completion of K-9 training equivalent to that set forth herein.
• · Three years experience as a police dog handler.
• · Must be either a full-time law enforcement officer assigned to trainer's duties by the employing law enforcement agency or a former law enforcement officer who is retained by a law enforcement agency as a trainer.
• · Satisfactory completion of a Methods of Instruction Course approved by the Police Training Commission or an equivalent course.
• · Must have experience assisting a supervising K-9 trainer in the delivery of one or more basic K-9 training courses satisfying the requirements set forth herein or courses having substantially equivalent requirements, during which a minimum of ten K-9 teams were successfully trained and qualified.
• · Supervising K-9 Trainers
• · Supervising K-9 trainers must meet the following criteria.
• · Must satisfy the following requirements established for K-9 team trainers:
• · Satisfactory completion of K-9 training equivalent to that set forth herein.
• · Must be either a full-time law enforcement officer assigned to trainer's duties by the employing law enforcement agency or a former law enforcement officer who is retained by a law enforcement agency as a trainer.
• · Satisfactory completion of a Methods of Instruction Course approved by the Police Training Commission or an equivalent course.
• · Five years experience as a police dog handler or trainer.
• · Must have experience in conducting a basic K-9 training course satisfying the requirements set forth herein (with the exception of those areas of instruction appropriately conducted by qualified specialists) or a course having substantially equivalent requirements, thereby successfully training and qualifying a minimum of 20 K-9 teams.
• · To maintain those skills necessary to function properly, a K- 9 team trainer or supervising K-9 trainer must conduct or assist in the delivery of one or more basic K-9 training courses which satisfy the requirements set forth herein, or other K-9 training which has substantially equivalent requirements, every three years.
• · While K-9 trainers or supervising K-9 trainers would be responsible for the overall K-9 training program, in particular, those areas which involve police officer handler-police dog team training and relevant areas of classroom instruction, specialists should be utilized, as appropriate, to conduct specialty training in their areas of expertise. The K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer should have the discretion to identify those areas which are appropriately instructed by specialists or other instructors and the responsibility for determining whether the background or knowledge of the specialist or other instructor is sufficient. Specialty training would include, for example, veterinary medicine and canine care, law, and tracking or scent work.

• TRAINING, QUALIFICATION AND RE-EVALUATION RECORDS

The maintenance of proper training records is an important responsibility of both the training school or agency and the trainee's employing agency. Individual officers may also maintain copies of their training records. Complete records should reflect all K-9 training, qualification and re-evaluation activities, as well as the performance and proficiency of the police officer handler-police K-9 patrol team or K-9 specialty team during such activities. Copies of all training course schedules and lesson plans should be maintained along with the records of individual trainees. Training records should be maintained as a permanent employee record consistent with policy regarding personnel files. Training records should be reviewed by the K-9 team supervising officer, agency training supervisor, or agency executive.

An individual written record, as prescribed herein, should be maintained on each police officer handler-police dog patrol team or specialty team participating in K-9 training, qualification and re-evaluation activities. In addition to this written record of training, when possible, training, qualification and re-evaluation sessions should be videotaped and maintained as a complete record of the K-9 teams's performance.

Basic Training and Qualification Records

Basic training and qualification records should minimally include the following information:

• · The name and rank or title of the police officer handler.
• · The name and address of the employing law enforcement agency.
• · The name and a description of the police dog.
• · The name and employing agency of the K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer.
• · The dates, type and location of training and qualification activities.
• · A description of all training objectives covered or qualification exercises conducted.
• · An evaluation based on the performance objectives set forth herein for the police officer handler-police dog team which indicates whether training was satisfactorily completed.
• · A summary of any problems observed and any corrective measures taken and the outcome of those measures.
• · A course schedule and detailed lesson plan.
• · Sample training evaluation and qualification inventories, which provide indicators for all required performance objectives for K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams, are provided in Appendices C and E.

• In-Service Training and Re-Evaluation Records

In general, in-service records should minimally include the same information as that provided in basic training records. The in-service performance evaluation for police K-9 teams should cover those performance objectives or indicators which are relevant to in-service training. Sample in-service training and re-evaluation inventories for K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams are included in Appendices F and G.

TRAINING SITE OR FACILITY REQUIREMENTS

K-9 training sites or facilities must be managed and directed by a law enforcement agency and must be under the direct supervision of a K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer. The training site or facility must provide the environment necessary to conduct all aspects of the training set forth herein, including appropriate simulation exercises. The area used must be adequate to accommodate an agility course as well as various types of searches. Also, suitable buildings and other structures for use in conducting searches and scent work exercises must be available as well as areas appropriate for tracking exercises. Areas for tracking should include a diversity of terrains or geographical conditions. Secure areas should be used, as appropriate, to conduct training and simulation exercises.

FAMILIARIZATION TRAINING FOR SUPERVISORS AND OTHER OFFICERS

Familiarization training should be conducted for those superior officers who are responsible for supervising or overseeing K-9 teams and operations as well as for other officers and recruits within the agency. This training should minimally consist of familiarization with the capabilities of agency K-9 patrol teams and K-9 specialty teams, procedures to be followed in conjunction with the utilization of K-9 teams, and proper conduct around K-9 teams. The course should be conducted by a K-9 trainer or supervising K-9 trainer.

Familiarization training is appropriate not only for recruits, veteran officers and supervising officers who are employed by an agency which operates a K-9 unit, but also for recruits, veteran officers and supervising officers whose employing agencies do not operate K-9 units, should the agency call for K-9 assistance from a neighboring community.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES

While agency policy should be established and standard operating procedures should be issued to accurately address the needs of individual jurisdictions, there are general issues which should be covered in all agency K-9 policies and procedures. The existence of clearly written policy and procedures will establish standards for the appropriate use of K-9 teams and provide a practical aid for effective K-9 operations. General areas to be covered by such policy and procedures include:

• · The circumstances or conditions under which K-9 teams may and may not be utilized.
• · The deployment and use of K-9 teams and services within and outside the local jurisdiction under various circumstances.
• · The role and responsibilities of the police officer handler, supervisory personnel and other officers in conjunction with K-9 teams and the use of K-9 teams.
• · Reporting requirements and record keeping.
• · The training, qualification and re-evaluation of K-9 teams, including trainee selection, instructor qualifications and training site selection.
• · The care, handling and maintenance of police dogs.

• APPENDIX A

The Performance Objective System of Training - An Overview

Performance objectives are explicit statements of the action or task the trainee is expected to achieve after instruction. Performance objectives are stated in terms of what the trainee is expected to do in order to demonstrate understanding and competency. The performance objective system of training relates specific training lessons to actual duties and tasks to be performed on the job. In general, performance objectives prescribe the curriculum, serve as a resource document, and provide a comprehensive view of the course.

Closely related performance objectives are grouped to form instructional units. Instructional units are then grouped into major subject categories called functional areas. A decimal numbering system is used to identify functional areas, instructional units, and performance objectives. Functional areas are identified by the first number; instructional units are identified by the second number; and performance objectives are identified by the third number (eg., 1.2.3).

APPENDIX B

Basic Training for K-9 Patrol Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement
(Performance Objectives)

Goal: The police officer handler and police dog will demonstrate proper operational skill in law enforcement related work and techniques.

Description: Police K-9 training encompasses police dog obedience, agility, scent work, criminal apprehension and handler protection, and socialization. Police handler training encompasses report writing, record keeping, issues dealing with policy and procedure, legal issues, field procedures and proper care and handling of the police dog.

1. POLICE OFFICER HANDLER TRAINING

1.1 THE ROLE AND USE OF THE POLICE DOG

Goal: The police officer handler will be knowledgeable about the use of the police dog in law enforcement in the present and the past.

1.1.1 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the historical use of canines in law enforcement.

1.1.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge concerning the current uses of police dogs and dogs in law enforcement in general.

1.2 TECHNIQUES AND FIELD PROCEDURES

Goal: The police officer handler will be familiar with the commands, skills and procedures used for K-9 training and operations.

1.2.1 The police officer handler will identify the basic obedience commands and skills and their proper use.

1.2.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the major phases of obedience training (heel work, distance control and walking control) and the significance of these phases of training.

1.2.3 The police officer handler will identify procedures and commands used in police dog socialization.

1.2.4 The police officer handler will identify the five types of scent work (article searches; searches involving boxes, tents or other similar objects; field, wood, or marsh searches; building searches; and searches involving tracking).

1.2.5 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the procedures and commands to be used for various types of scent work and searches utilizing a police dog.

1.2.6 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the procedures and commands used during agility exercises.

1.2.7 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the major phases of criminal apprehension training, including false start, recall, straight apprehension, standing crowd, moving or running crowd.

1.2.8 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the procedures and commands to be used before and during criminal apprehensions utilizing a police dog.

1.2.9 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the major phases of handler protection training.

1.2.10 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the procedures and commands used during handler protection with a police dog.

1.2.11 The police officer handler will identify acceptable indication signs or signals given by the police dog.

1.3 POLICY, PROCEDURES AND LEGAL ISSUES

Goal: The police officer handler will be familiar with legal issues and concerns involving the use of a police dog, in particular, the use of a police dog as a force option as well as issues dealing with policy and procedure and the need for clear policy regarding the use of a police dog.

1.3.1 The police officer handler will list sanctions a law enforcement officer may face as a result of the improper use of a police dog, including departmental liability, criminal liability, and civil liability.

1.3.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of when it is proper to use a police dog, including identifying the conditions that must be met before using a police dog to conduct searches and criminal apprehensions.

1.3.3 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the proper use of the police dog as a force option.

1.3.4 The police officer handler will identify the significance and purpose of K-9 policy and procedure.

1.3.5 The police officer handler will identify the general types of information to be included in a departmental K-9 policy, including:

• · the circumstances or conditions under which K-9 teams may and may not be utilized;
• · the deployment and use of K-9 teams and services;
• · the role and responsibilities of the police officer handler, supervisory personnel and other officers;
• · reporting requirements and record keeping;
• · the training, qualification and re-evaluation of K-9 teams; and
• · the care, handling and maintenance of police dogs.

• 1.3.6 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with agency policy and procedures pertaining to the use of police dogs.

1.4 REPORT WRITING

Goal: The police officer handler trainee will have the knowledge to properly complete a police report for any given situation requiring the use of a police dog.

1.4.1 The police officer handler will list the qualities of a good police report for situations which required the use of a police dog.

1.4.2 The police officer handler will list the types of information to be included in an incident report, offense report or use of force report dealing with the use of a police dog.

1.4.3 The police officer handler will be familiar with individual agency requirements for reports and records pertaining to operations or activities involving police dogs.

1.5 RECORD KEEPING

Goal: The police officer handler will be familiar with all record keeping requirements and informational needs concerning K-9 operations.

1.5.1 The police officer handler will identify the types of records that should be kept regarding the use of police dogs, including training records, incident reports and health reports.

1.5.2 The police officer handler will identify the information items to be included in records or reports which pertain to K-9 operations or activities.

1.6 THE CARE AND HANDLING OF THE POLICE DOG

Goal: The police officer handler will have the knowledge necessary to properly care and handle the police dog under routine conditions and emergency care situations.

1.6.1 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the methods and procedures for selecting, evaluating and preparing police dogs for training.

1.6.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with K-9 equipment and the proper use of that equipment.

1.6.3 The police officer handler will list the requirements of proper routine care of a police dog, to include daily health check inspections, routine health care and veterinarian visits, feeding, grooming, and housing.

1.6.4 The police officer handler will identify the proper techniques, procedures and equipment to be used in the emergency care situations, including heat stroke, bloating, trauma, poisoning.

2. POLICE OFFICER HANDLER - POLICE DOG TEAM TRAINING

2.1 OBEDIENCE

Goal: The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to obey basic and advanced obedience commands.

2.1.1 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler (using verbal commands or hand signals) will demonstrate the ability to respond to basic commands: sit, down, stand, stay, heel and come.

2.1.2 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to walk in a heel position, both on lead and off lead, at a slow, fast and normal pace while completing left, right and about turns (heel work).

2.1.3 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to respond to distance control commands, including the following voice commands and hand signals: sit, down, stand, stay and come.

2.1.4 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to respond to a heel or come command, either a voice command or hand signal, stopping the dog with a sit, down or stand command.

2.1.5 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to take and hold a position until the handler returns and orders the dog to heel.

2.1.6 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to maintain a position as the handler moves away, returns to and passes by the dog (walking control).

2.1.7 The police dog will demonstrate the ability, on and off lead, to move through groups of people in a non- aggressive manner, displaying a tolerance for people (socialization).

2.1.8 The police dog will demonstrate the ability, on and off lead, to remain in a stay position (stand, sit, or down) while people pass by (socialization).

2.1.9 The police dog will demonstrate the ability to properly respond to obedience commands, from the police officer handler, while under gunfire.

2.2 AGILITY

Goal: The police dog will demonstrate agility.

2.2.1 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to surmount or overcome a variety of different obstacles which are likely to be confronted while working.

2.3 SCENT WORK

Goal: The police dog and police officer handler team will demonstrate the ability to conduct proper searches to locate a "suspect," "subject," or "evidence" within buildings, interior structures and extended, exterior areas of various terrains.

2.3.1 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate, both on lead and off lead at the discretion of the handler, the ability to properly search, find, and indicate or retrieve a variety of articles with a human scent (such as clothing, a gun, a wallet, or a screwdriver) within a specified area, including buildings and interior structures and extended, exterior areas of various terrains.

2.3.2 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability, both on lead and off lead at the discretion of the handler, to properly search, find and indicate a "suspect" or "subject" within a specified area. Such searches are to include:

• · Building or dwelling search.
• · Box search, tent search or a search involving other similar objects.
• · Field, marsh or wood search.

• 2.3.3 The police officer handler will demonstrate the ability to recognize the alert signs given by the police dog.

2.3.4 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to track (follow) a human scent.

2.3.5 The police officer handler will demonstrate the ability to control the police dog during searches.

2.4 CRIMINAL APPREHENSION

Goal: The police dog will demonstrate the ability to apprehend a "suspect" and return to the handler on command.

2.4.1 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to physically apprehend (bite and hold) the "suspect" until the "suspect" is taken into custody (and a release command is issued) under the following circumstances:

• · No crowd.
• · Through a standing crowd.
• · Through a moving crowd.

• 2.4.2 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler or after a gunshot is fired, will demonstrate the ability to physically apprehend the "suspect" until the "suspect" is taken into custody (and a release command is issued).

2.4.3 The police dog, after physically apprehending the "suspect," will demonstrate the ability to release the "suspect" on command from the police officer handler.

2.4.4 The police dog will demonstrate the ability to terminate pursuit prior to physical apprehension when verbally recalled by the officer handler from a reasonable distance (minimum of 10 yards) under the following circumstances:

• · No crowd.
• · Through a standing crowd.
• · Through a moving crowd.

• 2.4.5 The police dog will demonstrate tolerance to gunfire while performing criminal apprehension exercises.

2.4.6 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to remain in a finish position when a "suspect" begins to flee (false start).

2.5 HANDLER PROTECTION

Goal: The police dog will demonstrate the ability to protect the handler when necessary.

2.5.1 The police dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to remain in a guard position while the police officer handler searches or questions a "suspect."

2.5.2 When the safety of the police officer handler is threatened, the police dog (without command) will demonstrate the ability to physically apprehend a "suspect" until the "suspect" is taken into custody (and a release command is issued).

2.5.3 When the "suspect" attempts to escape, the police dog (without command) will demonstrate the ability to physically apprehend the "suspect" until the "suspect" is taken into custody (and a release command is issued).

2.5.4 The police dog will demonstrate the ability to terminate pursuit of a "suspect" attempting to escape prior to physically apprehending the "suspect" when verbally recalled by the officer handler.

APPENDIX C

Basic Training Evaluation and Qualification Inventory for K-9 Patrol Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement

(FORM NOT INCLUDED)

APPENDIX D Basic Training for K-9 Specialty Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement (Performance Objectives)

Goal: The police officer handler and police specialty dog will demonstrate proper operational skill in law enforcement related work and techniques in the specialty field assigned.

Description : Police K-9 specialty dog training encompasses police dog obedience, agility, socialization and scent work in a particular specialty field. Specialty fields include narcotics detection, explosive detection, arson investigation, tracking and cadaver detection. Police handler training encompasses report writing, record keeping, issues dealing with policy and procedure, legal issues, field procedures, and proper care and handling of the police dog.

1. POLICE OFFICER HANDLER TRAINING

1.1 THE ROLE AND USE OF THE SPECIALTY POLICE DOG

Goal:The police officer handler will be knowledgeable about the use of the specialty police dog in law enforcement, in particular, that area in which the dog will be utilized (narcotics detection, arson detection, or explosive detection, tracking, or cadaver detection).

1.1.1 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the historical use of canines, in particular, in that area of law enforcement in which the specialty team will be utilized.

• · Narcotics detection.
• · Arson detection.
• · Explosive detection.
• · Tracking.
• · Cadaver detection.

• 1.1.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the current use of canines, in particular, in that area of law enforcement in which specialty team will be utilized.

• · Narcotics detection.
• · Arson detection.
• · Explosive detection.
• · Tracking.
• · Cadaver detection.

• 1.2 TECHNIQUES AND FIELD PROCEDURES

Goal: The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the commands, skills and procedures necessary to effectively utilize a police specialty dog in law enforcement.

1.2.1 The police officer handler will identify the basic obedience commands and skills used with specialty detection or tracking dogs and the proper use of these commands.

1.2.2 The police officer handler will identify procedures and commands used in police specialty dog socialization.

1.2.3 The police officer handler will identify relevant phases of specialized scent work, detection work or tracking.

1.2.4 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the procedures and commands to be used for scent work, tracking or searches utilizing a police specialty dog.

1.2.5 The police officer handler will identify acceptable indication signs or signals given by the police specialty dog.

1.2.6 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with the procedures and commands used during agility exercises for specialty dogs.

1.3 POLICY, PROCEDURES, AND LEGAL ISSUES

Goal: The police officer handler will be familiar with legal issues and concerns involving the use of a specialty detection dog in law enforcement, issues dealing with policy and procedure, and the need for clear policy regarding the use of a police specialty dog.

1.3.1 The police officer handler will list sanctions a law enforcement officer may face as a result of improper use of a police specialty dog, including departmental liability, criminal liability, and civil liability.

1.3.2The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of when it is proper to use a police specialty dog and identify the conditions that must be met before using a police specialty dog for scent work, detection work or tracking.

1.3.3 The police officer handler will identify the types of issues to be addressed by a departmental K-9 policy dealing with specialty dogs, including when and how to utilize a police specialty dog, the role and responsibilities of the police officer handler, supervisory personnel and other officers, required report and record keeping procedures, and required training and qualification procedures and standards.

1.3.4 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with agency policy and procedures pertaining to the use of police specialty dogs.

1.4 REPORT WRITING

Goal: The police officer handler trainee will have the knowledge to properly complete a police report for any given situation requiring the use of a police specialty dog.

1.4.1The police officer handler will list the qualities of a good police report for situations which required the use of a police specialty dog.

1.4.2 The police officer handler will list the types of information to be included in an incident report dealing with the use of a police specialty dog.

1.4.3 The police officer handler will be familiar with individual agency requirements for reports and records pertaining to operations and activities involving police specialty dogs.

1.5 RECORD KEEPING

Goal:The police officer handler will be familiar with all record keeping requirements and informational needs concerning police specialty dog operations and activities.

1.5.1The police officer handler will identify the types of records that should be kept regarding the use of police specialty dogs, including training records, incident reports and health reports.

1.5.2 The police officer handler will identify the information items to be included in records which pertain to operations and activities involving police specialty dogs.

1.6 THE CARE AND HANDLING OF THE POLICE SPECIALTY DOG

GOAL: The police officer handler will have the knowledge necessary to properly care and handle the police specialty dog under routine conditions and emergency care situations.

1.6.1 The police officer handler will demonstrate knowledge of the methods and procedures for selecting, evaluating and preparing police specialty dogs for training.

1.6.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate familiarity with K-9 equipment used with police specialty dogs and the proper use of that equipment.

1.6.3 The police officer handler will list the requirements of proper routine care of a police specialty dog, to include daily health check inspections, routine health care and veterinarian visits, feeding, grooming, and housing.

1.6.4 The police officer handler will identify the proper techniques, procedures and equipment to be used in police specialty dog emergency care situations, to include heat stroke, bloating, trauma, poisoning.

2. POLICE OFFICER HANDLER - POLICE SPECIALTY DOG TEAM TRAINING

2.1 OBEDIENCE

Goal:The police specialty dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to obey basic obedience commands.

2.1.1The police specialty dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to respond appropriately to basic commands: come, sit.

2.1.2 The police specialty dog will demonstrate the ability, on and off lead, to move through groups of people in a non-aggressive manner, displaying a tolerance for people (socialization).

2.2 AGILITY

Goal: The police specialty dog will demonstrate the agility necessary to perform duties as a specialty dog.

2.2.1 The police specialty dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate the ability to surmount or overcome different obstacles which are likely to be confronted while working.

2.3 SCENT WORK

Goal: The police officer handler and police specialty dog team will demonstrate the ability to conduct proper searches to locate substances within the area of the dog's specialty, including narcotics detection, arson detection, or explosive detection, tracking or cadaver detection.

2.3.1 The police specialty dog, on command from the police officer handler, will demonstrate, both on and off lead, the ability to properly search, find, and indicate substances associated with a particular specialty.

• · Narcotics detection dogs will demonstrate the ability to search, find, and indicate marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other controlled dangerous substances deemed appropriate.
• · Arson detection dogs will demonstrate the ability to search, find, and indicate petroleum based products, alcohol based products, naturals (turpentine), and acetone.
• · Explosive detection dogs will demonstrate the ability to search, find, and indicate, in a non- aggressive manner, nitrates contained in explosives.
• · Tracking dogs will demonstrate the ability to track and find or indicate a human scent (e.g., a "suspect" or "subject," a lost child or a missing person).
• · Cadaver dogs will demonstrate the ability to search, find and indicate the remains of a human body.
• · 2.3.2 The police officer handler will demonstrate the ability to recognize the alert signs given by the police specialty dog.

• 2.3.3 The police officer handler will demonstrate the ability to properly control the police specialty dog during searches.

APPENDIX E

Basic Training Evaluation and Qualification Inventory for K-9 Specialty Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement

(FORM NOT INCLUDED)

APPENDIX F

In-Service Training and Re-Evaluation Inventory for K-9 Patrol Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement

(FORM NOT INCLUDED)

APPENDIX G

In-Service Training and Re-Evaluation Inventory for K-9 Specialty Teams in New Jersey Law Enforcement