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POLICE CANINE TRAINING STANDARD
PREPARED BY
NEW YORK STATE
DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
BUREAU FOR MUNICIPAL POLICE
Approved by the NYS
Municipal Police Training Council
June 5, 1991
Definitions
When used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated:
a) Basic Police Canine Training Course means the original fundamental course of police canine training, as approved by the Commissioner.
b) Police Patrol Canine means the police canine satisfactorily completing all mandatory phases of the original fundamental course of Police Canine Training.
c) Police Tracking Canine means the police canine satisfactorily completing all phases of the fundamental course of Police Tracking Canine Training.
d) Article Search/Scent Detection Canine means the police satisfactorily completing all phases of the fundamental of Article Search/Scent Detection Canine Training.
e) Police Narcotics Detection Canine means the police satisfactorily completing all phases of the fundamental of Police Narcotics Detection Canine Training.
f) Police Explosives Detection Canine means the police satisfactorily completing all phases of the fundamental of Police Explosives Detection Canine Training.
g) Commissioner means the Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services or his designee.
h) Council means the Municipal Police Training Council.
i) Director means the director or other head of a police training school.
j) In-Service Police Canine Training Program means a series or sequence of periodic "in-service" training courses, as approved by the Commissioner.
k) Municipality means any county, city, town, park commissioner, village or police district in the State.
l) Police Officer means a person as defined in Section 1.20-34 of the Criminal Procedure Law of New York.
m) School means any training school held exclusively for police officers as approved by the Commissioner.
Section 1 - Scope and Purpose of Standards
It shall be clearly understood that the course of training herein described in designed as the absolute minimum acceptable program. Police department and trainers are encouraged to exceed this minimum program wherever possible.
b) Nothing in this standard shall limit, or be construed as limiting, the power of any police department or any other agency or department of any municipality, to enact rules and regulations which establish a higher standard of training above the minimum required herein.
Section 2 - General Requirements for Certification
a) Approval of Courses - A director seeking certification for a proposed Basic Police Canine Training Course an In-Service Police Canine Training Program shall file with the Commissioner, at least 45 days in advance of the first training session, a copy of the program listing the location of the school, the subjects comprising the curriculum, and a list identifying the instructors for each subject. All instructors must be qualified by background, training and experience. The Commissioner may require additional information to establish the competence of an instructor or for any other pertinent purpose.
The Commissioner shall forward written approval for a school when in his judgement the information furnished justifies such action as per these standards.
b) Class Size - In order for a Police Canine Training Course for pre-trained K-9's to be eligible for approval, one State-Certified Police Canine Trainer must be assigned for every seven canine/handler teams. For untrained K-9's, one certified police canine trainer must be assigned for every four canine/handler teams.
c) Attendance - Attendance shall be required of each police officer at all sessions of training except for valid reason. The director of a police canine training course is authorized to determine the validity of and excuse absences of not more than ten percent of the hours of instruction. An absentee from any scheduled class session shall make up such absence as required by the director.
Pursuant to the provisions of the New York State Executive Law, the Commissioner of the Division of Criminal Justice Services is empowered to issue certificates to police officers attesting to their satisfactory completion of advanced police training programs. Certificates shall be issued at the discretion of the Commissioner.
The director shall be responsible for maintaining an accurate record of attendance for each police officer attending the course. These records shall be retained for a period as specified by the State Education Department pursuant to Section 65-b of the Public Officer Law, or in any event for a period of not less than ten years, during which time they shall be available for the inspection of the members of the Council, the Commissioner, or his designee.
The director of an approved police canine training course shall, in addition to attendance records, maintain accurate records pertaining to the ongoing performance of each police canine team during each phase of training. Additionally, final performance evaluation records, in a form approved by the Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC), must be generated and retained for each team. These records shall be retained for a period as specified by the, State Education Department pursuant to Section 65-b of the Public Officer Law, or in any event for a period of not less than ten years, during which time they shall be available for the inspection of the members of the Council, the Commissioner, or his designee.
Section 3 - Certification of Existing Teams and Trainers
a) As necessary (using criteria outlined in Section 5 below) the Commissioner will arrange to train a group of police canine examiners/evaluators.
b) Using these evaluators, the Commissioner will schedule, as necessary, examination of existing police canine teams in order to determine which teams successfully meet the minimum acceptable level of performance as hereafter established.
Section 4 - Trainer
All persons applying to the Commissioner for certification as a police canine trainer, shall meet the following criteria.
Each person must:
possess a minimum of three years experience as a police canine handler, (the Commissioner may grant approval to substitute an approved canine instructors course for one years experience); and
Have successfully completed an instructor development program, or its equivalent, as approved by the Commissioner; and
obtain a written recommendation from 3 State-Certified Police Canine Trainers, attesting to his knowledge and expertise in the proper application and deployment of police! canines. Their recommendation will be considered by at least two (2) examiners, chosen by the Commissioner, or his designee; and upon written prior approval by the Commissioner, as an apprentice trainer, have successfully completed (as attested to by a state-certified trainer) a police canine training course approved by the Commissioner and presented by that trainer; and offer a police canine training course, the content of which meets or exceeds the minimum criteria as established by the MPTC; and trained two (2) police canine teams, one of which may be his own, which have successfully achieved the minimum acceptable level of performance as established by the MPTC.
The trainer certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issuance, unless revoked by the Commissioner prior to expiration.
The certification will be renewed upon verification that the individual trainer has: offered a police canine training course, the content of which meets or exceeds the minimum criteria as established by the MPTC; and trained at least one additional new police canine team, other than his own, which has successfully achieved the minimum acceptable level of performance as established by the MPTC.
The trainer shall train only that type of K-9 team for which the trainers certification was issued, attesting to that trainers area of expertise. (e.g., trainer, maintenance trainer, trainer patrol/narcotics, maintenance trainer patrol/narcotics etc.)
Section 5 - Examiner
All persons applying to the Commissioner for certification as police canine examiner/evaluator shall meet the following criteria.
Each person must:
be a state-certified police canine trainer (using criteria outlined in Section 4 above), in the area in which he is applying for; and satisfactorily complete a police canine examiners training program as established by the Commissioner, in the area in which he is applying for; and
- OR -
be eligible (using criteria outlined in Section 4 above), for certification as a police canine trainer, in the area in which he is applying for; and satisfactorily complete a police canine examiners training program as established by the Commissioner, in the area in which he is applying for; and
OR -
possess a minimum of three years experience as a police canine handler in the area in which he is applying for; and obtain a written recommendation from at least three State-Certified Police Canine Trainers attesting to his knowledge and expertise in the proper application and deployment of police canines, in the area in which he is applying for; and satisfactorily complete a police canine examiners training program as established by the Commissioner, in the area in which he is applying for.
Upon written prior approval by the Commissioner, as an apprentice examiner, obtain a written recommendation from each participating State-Certified Police Canine Examiner at each of two different state-certified police canine training courses, attesting to his knowledge and proficiency, not only in the proper application and deployment of police canines, but also in the background, intent and proper conduct of each examination.
The examiner certification shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance unless revoked by the Commissioner.
The certification shall be renewed at the discretion of the Commissioner.
Section 6 - Course Content: Subjects and Time Allotments
No Basic Police Canine Training Program will be approved by the Commissioner unless the content of that course meets or exceeds the minimum criteria for police canine training, as established by the MPTC, and the trainer for that course is certified by the Commissioner as a police canine trainer.
I. POLICE PATROL CANINE
(a) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted for the police canine and handler, neither of which has received prior training, shall consist of not less than 360 hours of instruction in subjects and time allotments as hereafter prescribed.
Phase I: OBEDIENCE
80 Hours
The team will be instructed in both on-lead and off-lead obedience, encompassing heel work at varied paces. The handler must learn how to establish and maintain complete control of his canine.
Phase II: AGILITY
40 Hours
The team will be instructed in both on-lead and off-lead agility. The canine must be taught to surmount various obstacles such as, but not limited to, fences, ladders, tunnels and walls. The handler must learn that his canine will surmount these obstacles with confidence and proficiency.
Phase III: BUILDING SEARCH
80 Hours
The team will be instructed in proper methods of conducting a building search for a concealed subject(s). Handlers must learn officer safety, search patterns, possible interior hazards, departmental policy and safety of the public. The canine must be taught to perform off-lead searches, to locate, alert to and/or apprehend a subject concealed in a building. Handlers must be instructed in issuance of warning before deploying canine off lead.
Phase IV: AREA SEARCH
40 Hours
The team will be instructed in the use of outside area searches to locate person when no known starting point exists. Teams will be taught the use of wind and scent availability. The handler must learn how to "read" his canine and control his range of mobility. Handlers must be instructed in issuance of warnings before deploying canine off-lead.
In addition, on or after January 1, 1992 all "new" dogs, seeking their first patrol certification, will have to search an area for a non-aggressive subject who is assessable to the dog. The canine must locate, but not engage the passive subject.
Phase V: CRIMINAL APPREHENSION
100 Hours
On-lead and off-lead criminal apprehension. Canines will be taught to apprehend on command of the handler, protect the handler from attack, stop to apprehension on command of the handler, and recall on command of the handler. Canines will be trained to apprehend under a variety of conditions including apprehension while under gunfire by the criminal. Canines will be taught to be non-aggressive on command of the handler.
Phase VI: RELATED TOPICS
20 Hours
Legal Aspects - The handler will be instructed in the justifiable use of physical force as outlined in Article 35 of the New York State Penal Law, and related case law, especially as it pertains to the use of force by police canine teams.
Included in this section shall be a discussion of proper training record keeping procedures, and policy, rules and regulation, with special reference to their impact on courtroom testimony.
The Legal Aspects section shall consist of not less than 10 hours of instruction.
Canine Maintenance- The handler will be instructed in the various aspects of canine maintenance including, but not limited to, first aid, general health care, and the importance of regular exercise and in-service training.
(b) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted for the previously trained handler with an untrained canine shall consist generally of not less than 340 hours of instruction in subjects and time allotments as hereafter prescribed, except that the trainer may, at his discretion, reduce by 10% the number of hours of instruction in subjects and time allotments when the canine team demonstrates and acceptable level of proficiency without further instruction.
Phase I: OBEDIENCE
80 Hours
Phase II: AGILITY
40 Hours
Phase III: BUILDING SEARCH
80 Hours
Phase IV: AREA SEARCH
40 Hours
Phase V: CRIMINAL APPREHENSION
100 Hours
*Note - Descriptions of these Phases are found in subdivision I(a) above.
(c) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted for the previously trained or untrained handler receiving a previously trained canine shall consist generally of not less than 120 hours of instruction in subjects and time allotments as hereafter prescribed, except that exemption may be given from the Related Topics ' Phase of training for the previously trained handler.
Phase I: OBEDIENCE
20 Hours
Phase II: AGILITY
10 Hours
Phase III: BUILDING SEARCH
20 Hours
Phase IV: AREA SEARCH
10 Hours
Phase V: CRIMINAL APPREHENSION
40 Hours
Phase VI: RELATED TOPICS
20 Hours
*Note - Descriptions of these Phases are found in subdivision I(a) above.
II. POLICE TRACKING CANINE
a) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted to the handler and canine with no prior training shall consist of not less than 120 hours of instruction as hereafter prescribed.
TRACKING
The team will be instructed how to track a subject from a known starting point to an unknown point, following the available scent left by the subject. The handler must learn the properties of scent and conditions adverse to it. Instructional areas to be covered must include wind, time of day, terrain, surface changes, weather conditions, age of the track and cross tracks.
b) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted to the handler with previous training and a canine with no prior training shall consist of not less than l20 hours of instruction in tracking, as described in subdivision II(a) above.
c) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted to the handler with or without prior training receiving a canine with previous training shall consist of not less than 30 hours of instruction in tracking, as described in subdivision II(a) above.
III. ARTICLE SEARCH/SCENT DETECTION CANINE
a) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted to the handler and canine with no prior training shall consist of not less than 60 hours of instruction in subjects as here after prescribed.
SCENT DETECTION: EVIDENCE
The team will be instructed, both on lead and off lead, to locate and alert to articles containing human scent in outside areas. Handlers must learn that they have complete control over their canine by being able to contain and direct their search pattern. Handlers must also learn scent properties, wind usage and indications given by their dog.
b) The minimum amount of basic training for which approval will be granted to the handler with previous training and a canine with no prior training shall consist of not less than 10 hours of instruction in Scent Detection (Evidence), as described in subdivision III (a) above.
IV. POLICE NARCOTICS DETECTION CANINE
a) The minimum amount of Narcotics Training for which approval will be granted to the handler and canine with no Prior training shall consist of not less than 160 hours.
b) The minimum amount of Narcotics Training for which approval will be granted to the untrained handler with a pre-trained Narcotics dog shall consist of not less than 80 hours.
c) The minimum amount of Narcotics training for which approval will be granted to the pre-trained handler with a pre-trained Narcotic dog shall consist of not less than 40 hours.
d) The minimum amount of Basic/Narcotics Training for which approval will be granted to the Untrained handler with a pre-trained, multipurpose dog, to include Narcotics detection, tracking and Article Search/Scent, shall consist of not less than 240 hours.
The minimum amount of Basic/Narcotics training for which approval will be granted to the pre-trained handler with a pre-trained, multipurpose dog, to include Narcotics Detection, Tracking and Article Search/Scent, shall consist of not less than 200 hours.
Standards:
1. The team must successfully execute a search by locating a certified substance concealed by the examiner, unknown to the team handler, in multiple environments and multiple locations within each environment.
Normal distractions will be present in each environment being used for certification.
b) Unknown responses by the dog will be noted in the remarks section of the evaluation sheet on any given exercise to determine how many of these responses the canine had during the examination.
The minimum acceptable standard for the teams' performance (dog & handler) during the examination will be recorded as "Pass" or "Fail", based upon the following:
Number/Type of Substance Must Locate of # Hides
2 Substances 6 8
1 Marijuana
1 Cocaine
The following for Advanced Certification: In addition to the basiccertification, the team must find at least one (1) of two (2) hides per additional substance.
Number/Type of OPtiona1 Substance(s) Must Locate of # Hides
1 Optional (Hash, Meth, Heroin, 1 2
Peyote, etc.)
2 Optional (Hash, Meth, Heroin, 2 4
Peyote, etc.)
d) No examiner will examine more than five (5) dogs per day.
e) An examiner may refuse to evaluate any dog, which in the examiners opinion, poses a threat to the safety of those present.
f) A handler requesting an examination must notify the examiner, a minimum of seven (7) workdays in advance, of the schedule of drugs needed for the examination.
9) The handler must specifically indicate to the examiner, prior to the test, whether the dog's indication o1 a find will be "Active or Passive".
h) The handler must verbally notify the examiner to the dog's alert.
i) During an examination, the examiner may ask. the handler to "detail"; in those instances where, in the examiner's opinion, the alert is called on an odor, rather than a source. When an examiner calls "detail", the handler must be more specific in locating the source or aid.
j) The examination may be terminated, if, in the opinion of the examiner, the dog is no longer actively searching for narcotics. 2. Substance(s): Basic Examination: (Marijuana and Cocaine)
Advanced Examination: Basic (as above) plus one, two, or three other narcotics, as indicated in section 1(c).
a) Each substance will be of variable weights, with the minimum being one (1) gram.
b) One weight must be at least double the smallest weight used.
c) A minimum of two (2) exercises per substance, in each environment, must be conducted. The basic or core drug test shall be marijuana and cocaine.
Pseudo - narcotics will be allowed for canine training, however, certified narcotics will be used for the examination, which will consist of two (2) finds/hits on each substance in two (2) areas. Methamphetamine/Heroin test require two (2) finds/alerts in room search only.
1) The team must be evaluated in a minimum of two (2) different work environments:
a) A motor vehicle and b) a building.
2) In the vehicle environment, there must be at least one control vehicle, and one of the aids must be concealed in the vehicle's interior. No aids will be hidden in the engine compartment; however, the grill area is acceptable.
Substances used for examination will be furnished by the state certified examiner.
e) The substances shall be certified by a laboratory.
f) Variable packaging of the substances will be used; such as plastic, rubber, paper, etc.
9) No pseudo narcotics will be utilized for the certification test.
h) All testing materials must be stored in separate containers, to avoid contamination of said materials.
i). No reward containing the odor of a controlled substance shall be present during the test.
j) The safety of the detector dog shall be the sole responsibility of the handler; such as overdose.
k) The training aids will be placed by the examiner, in an area unknown to the handler. Rubber gloves will be worn to avoid contamination of the substances.
l) No aid will be placed at a height greater than five (5) feet from the floor.
m) The examiner will use discretion to avoid/eliminate overlapping odors.
3. The canine may be worked on or off-leash during the testing, but the team must use a search pattern designed to insure complete examination within that environment.
4. The examiner will evaluate the canine's performance in all the
following areas:
INTENT
Intent is demonstrated by the dog through the interest,
attitude and enthusiasm displayed while searching. Since
intent is the result of certain motivational factors instilled
through training and directly affects the thoroughness of the
examination, it becomes a critical factor. All other aspects
of performance are dependent upon this trait.
b) DETECTION
During the initial training process, the animal's instinctive reactions were channeled to achieve a positive response when the animal was exposed to a narcotic odor. This response is of primary importance in daily employment and is evaluated during training under the heading of "Detection". "Detection" is divided into three parts:
"ALERT", "INTEREST", and "RESPONSE".
1) Alert
The alert is an emotional reaction that results in a physically "readable" response from the dog when the narcotic substance is detected.
2) Interest
Interest, in this portion of the evaluation, pertains to the period of time after the alert, and is reflected by the enthusiasm and desire to dog displays to pinpoint and not leave the place of narcotic concealment.
3) Response
The response an animal displays, either passive or aggressive, toward the narcotic container is of paramount importance. The majority of motivational factors, influencing both training and performance, are related to this aspect of detection. A passive response is defined as a sitting or downing beside the narcotic container. An aggressive response is defined as biting and scratching at the container in an attempt to penetrate or destroy it.
5. At the same time the dog is being evaluated, the officer handling the dog will be evaluated on his/her performance. This will also be recorded on the evaluation form. The following rating scale will apply to the officer's performance.
a) Satisfactory - no more than two discrepancies.
b) Unsatisfactory - three discrepancies or more.
If the handler fails to use a search pattern designed to ensure complete examination within the area or does not interpret the dog's alert, then he/she will be automatically documented unsatisfactory.
7. Examples of discrepancies are as follows:
a) "Keyed" dog on narcotic.
b) Improper leash control.
c) Encouraged dog before responded to odor.
d) Did not direct dog to detail search.
e) Did not properly control dog.
f) Did not demonstrate confidence in dog.
8. Narcotic detector canine/handler teams must be re-certified annually.
V. POLICE EXPLOSIVES DETECTION CANINE
- Reserved for future use -
Section 7 - Performance Objectives
Following each phase of training, the canine team will satisfactorily complete each exercise concerned with each phase of training, outlined below, given the conditions described herein.
OBEDIENCE
Following this phase of training the team acceptable proficiency in the following areas: must demonstrate
a) Heeling - The canine will, off lead, on command, remain at heel until released by the handler. This exercise will consist of six legs, each approximately twenty paces long, and at least two right, two left, and two about turn, as well as two changes of pace, one slow, one fast and two halts.
ACCEPTABLE: The canine heels on command and any errors made are corrected by means other than touching, i.e., verbal commands, hand or arm motions.
UNACCEPTABLE: The canine is unmanageable and the only means of control is by touching. Handler cannot carry ball, food, or throw chain.
b) Stay command - The canine will, off-lead, be placed in a stay command in any position at handler's discretion and remain in that position for 1 minute, while the handler walks in a circle around the canine at a distance of approximately 25 feet, and until commanded by the handler to return to the heel.
ACCEPTABLE The canine must remain in a "sit" or "down"
position for a period of one minute. The canine
may adjust position or lay down from a sit
position, but does not break the stay command.
The canine returns to the handler on command.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine breaks the command in less than one minute.
Distance Control - the canine will off-lead, given hand or voice commands, be controlled from a distance of approximately 50 feet. The canine will be left in a "sit" or "down" position for 30 seconds and from this position, change position, and then on command return to the heel.
ACCEPTABLE From a distance of 50 feet the canine may require more than one command but less than four commands to reach each desired position(s). The canine returns to the handler on command.
UNACCEPTABLE Four or more commands are required to make the canine reach each desired position, or the canine refuses to move to a desired position from a distance of 50 feet.
d) Social Exposure - The canine will, on lead, be placed in a "Stay Command" in either a "Sit or Down position and remain in that position while at least two persons pass by the dog in a non-threatening manner at a distance within two feet. A third person must stop and face handler and dog from a distance of 3 feet or less and maintain a conversation with handler in a normal voice - for a period of no less than 30 seconds. The handler must remain within reach and in complete control of the canine at all times during this exercise, in the event the canine shows aggression.
e) Gunfire during heeling (off lead) - During this phase, one gunshot will be discharged (blanks only) at a distance of approximately 100 feet from and away from the team.
ACCEPTABLE: The canine may show interest in, but no aggression toward, people.
UNACCEPTABLE: The canine shows uncontrollable aggression toward people in the area by growling, snapping, barking, breaking position toward people or running away. Muzzles are not allowed during this exercise.
AGILITY
Following this phase of training the team must, off lead, demonstrate acceptable proficiency in overcoming the following obstacles which may routinely be encountered during normal law enforcement operations.
a) Hurdles - The canine will, on command, jump over three (3) hurdles, three (3) feet high. The hurdles shall consist of a solid wall with an open window and either a picket fence, chain link fence, or a similarly constructed hurdle. Thereafter, the canine will, on command, return to heel.
ACCEPTABLE The canine jumps the three hurdles on command.
The canine may touch hurdles without "pushing
off" or knocking them over. (The canine shall
be allowed two (2) attempts to satisfactorily
complete this requirement)
UNACCEPTABLE - The canine refuses to jump or knocks over the hurdle.
b) Ladder Climb - The canine will, on command climb a ladder placed at approximately a 45 degree angle to a six-foot high platform and, on command, remain in any stay position on the platform. On command, the canine will descent from the platform on a ramp placed at approximately a 45 degree angle and once on the ground, on command, return to the heel.
ACCEPTABLE The handler may encourage and assist his canine, as needed, to climb. The canine returns to the handler on command.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine refuses to climb or jumps off.
c) Drain Pipe - The canine will, on command, crawl through a drain pipe approximately eight feet long and between 18" and 30" in diameter. Thereafter, the canine will, on command, return to the heel.
ACCEPTABLE The handler may use encouragement and move, as needed, with his canine withou1; touching. The canine returns to the handler on command.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine refuses to crawl through the pipe on command.
BUILDING SEARCH
Following this phase of training the team must, off lead, demonstrate acceptable proficiency in searching for, locating, alerting to, and/or apprehending a subject concealed inside a building. The handler must issue two (2) warnings indicating the deployment of police dogs.
ACCEPTABLE Off lead only, the canine shows adequate
interest, locates the subject in the allotted
time and works with handler. 1he canine alerts
vocally or physically as appropriate.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine exceeds time limit, shows lack of interest, fails to locate the subject, or does not alert.
One examiner may be the concealed subject.
b) The team must conduct a search, locate and alert to, or apprehend a subject inside a building containing at least 10,000 square feet of floor space. A time limit of one minute of search time for each 1,000 square feet of floor space must be applied.
The canine must give an obvious alert to a non-aggressive subject, or physically apprehend an aggressive subject. At the examiner's discretion, the helper may be accessible to the canine once found. If he chooses to be accessible, the helper will act aggressively toward the canine.
d) The handler must demonstrate that the canine is under his direction and control at all times.
e) Prior to this exercise one handler and canine must be walked through the area to be searched.
AREA SEARCH
Following this phase of training the team must, off lead, demonstrate acceptable proficiency in locating a subject hidden in an outdoor area, approximately the size of football field. The handler must issue two (Z) warnings indicating the deployment of police dogs.
ACCEPTABLE Off lead only, the handler deploys his canine
in the search area and covers the area. The
canine may require additional encouragement from
the handler to successfully complete the
exercise. The handler demonstrates the ability
to read the canine. The canine's alert must be
apparent to the examiner.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine is unable to locate the hidden subject.
a) Prior to V 1/92, for al7 existing canine teams one examiner may be the hidden subject. The helper, at: the examiners discretion, may be accessible to the canine once found. If he chooses to be accessible, the helper will act aggressively toward the canine.
b) The canine will, at the examiners discretion, be allowed to continue searching until the subject is located or the examiner is satisfied that the canine is unable to complete the exercise.
After 1/1/92, all new canine teams must give an obvious alert to an assessable, non-aggressive subject, without engaging same. It will be the option of the trainer or examiner to use:
1) Concealed sleeve. 2) Muzzle; OR 3) Bite suit for this phase of the examination; OR 4) Exposed bite sleeve.
d) The handler must demonstrate that the canine is under his direction and control at all times.
CRIMINAL APPREHENSION
Following this phase of training the team must, on and off lead, at the direction of the handler, demonstrate acceptable-e proficiency in protecting the handler, without command, when necessary.
a) While the K-9 is on line, a helper with a hidden, concealed bite sleeve, covered from view by an ordinary article or clothing, such as, coat, shirt, etc., will present him for a bite from said K-9. During this bite, helper will administer one stick to K-9 in a non-sensitive area of the body (e.g., sides, back.) K-9 shall maintain one full mouth bite and hold until told to out by handler.
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CRIMINAL APPREHENSION PHASES, ANY OF THE FOLLOWING MAY BE USED AT THE DISCRETION OF TRAINER AND EXAMINER, BEARING IN MIND, HELPER1S SAFETY.
1) Hidden/concealed sleeve
2) Muzzle
3) Bite suit
4) Exposed bite sleeve
b) The canine will, on command, pursue a fleeing "criminal" subject The teams must demonstrate the ability to terminate the apprehension without the canine engaging the fleeing subject.
ACCEPTABLE The canine gives chase and terminates the apprehension, with or without command.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine refuses to give chase; or engages the subject.
1) The subject will, from a distance of 75 feet, at the direction of the examiner, run away from the team for a distance of approximately 50 feet, at which point the subject will turn and "surrender." The examiner will ensure that the "surrender" does not occur until after the canine is sent.
2) At the direction of the examiner, the handler will command the canine to apprehend the subject.
3) The canine must travel a distance of at least 40 feet before being given the command to terminate the apprehension.
4) The team must demonstrate the ability to terminate the apprehension without the canine engaging the subject. This shall be accomplished by whatever means the handler deems necessary. The canine may be allowed to "bump" the subject, but under no circumstances shall he be allowed to bite the subject.
C) The canine will, on command, apprehend and hold a fleeing "criminal" subject. The canine will, on command, release the subject.
1) Immediately upon the dog's release, the subject will, from a distance of 75 feet, run away from the team, and **fire a gun, twice.
**Note** Under no circumstance will any firearm ever be pointed at a handler or any person, or discharged in such a manner as to endanger the handler, the canine, or any person.
Firearms used in the exercises must be .38 special caliber handguns loaded with BLANK AMMUNITION.
2) The canine must demonstrate the ability to apprehend and hold the subject.
ACCEPTABLE The canine, on command, gives chase, does not
retreat when the gun is fired by the subject,
apprehends and holds the subject, releases the
subject on command and remains under control
while in the guard position.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine refuses to give chase, does not apprehend the subject, will not release the subject on command, or re-bites the subject without cause after being placed in the guard position.
d) The canine will, on command, assume and remain in a guard position, while the handler searches the "criminal" subject.
1) Following the apprehension (see "(c)" above), at direction of the examiner, the handler will command canine to release the subject. No more than three commands will be allowed.
2)The handler will place his canine in a guard position.
3) The canine must remain in the guard position while handler begins to search the subject. Handler may reinforce guard position with verbal commands.
e) From the guard position the canine must respond, without
command, to an assault by the "criminal" subject, upon the handler.
ACCEPTABLE The canine, without command, engages the
subject when the handler is assaulted, and
releases the subject on command. The canine
remains under control of the handler during the
prisoner escort.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine does not engage the subject when the handler is assaulted, or will not release the subject, or cannot be controlled by the handler and shows constant aggression during the prisoner escort.
1)During the search, at the direction of the examiner, the subject will "assault" the handler.
2) The canine must apprehend the subject without command from the handler.
3) Following the apprehension, at the direction of the examiner, the handler will command the canine to release the subject and assume a guard position. No more than three out commands will be allowed.
4) The handler will place the canine on lead and command the canine to the heel.
5) The handler will direct the subject to walk in from of the canine and handler at a distance of approximately 10 feet, to a predetermined location.
RELATED TOPICS
Following this phase of training the handler will, from memory, without reference to notes, demonstrate acceptable proficiency in his knowledge of the legal aspects of police canine activity and related topics.
ACCEPTABLE The handler correctly answers at least 21 questions of the written examination; at least eleven of which deal with the use of force.
UNACCEPTABLE
a) The handler correctly answers less than 21 questions of the written examination or less than eleven of those which deal with the use of force.
The handler must demonstrate this knowledge by correctly least 21 questions of a 30-question written examination.
b) The assembling of examination materials, the giving and supervision of the written examination and the grading of examination papers shall be the responsibility of the course director who shall retain all documentation pertaining to the examination for a period as specified by the! State Education Department pursuant to Section 65-b of the Public Officers Law, in any event for a period of not less than ten years, during which time they shall be available for the inspection of the members of the Council, the Commissioner, or his designee.
c) At least 15 of the 30 questions on the written examination shall pertain to the legal aspects of police canine activity, especially as it relates to Article 35 of the New York State Penal Law and the use of force by police canine teams. At least 11 of these 15 questions must be answered correctly.
TRACKING
Following this phase of training the team must, on lead, demonstrate acceptable proficiency in following a selected track.
ACCEPTABLE The canine works the track and follows it to a
satisfactory conclusion. The canine may have
some difficulty with turns or require additional
direction. The handler demonstrates the ability
to read the canine.
UNACCEPTABLE The canine shows lack of interest and enthusiasm and does not complete track satisfactorily. The handler does not demonstrate the ability to read the canine
a) One examiner may lay the track to be followed
b) The track must be approximately 300 yards long, containing two turns.
c) There must be an article containing the track layers scent located at the end of the track of the track layer. If the track layer is at end of track, there shall be no bite.
d) The track must begin in vegetation and be approximately 30 minutes old.
e) The canine must alert to the article containing the track layers scent or the track layer who is located down wind on the last leg of the track.
f) The canine will, at the examiner's discretion, be allowed to continue tracking until the exercise is completed or the examiner is satisfied that the canine is unable to satisfactorily complete the exercise.
SCENT DETECTION (Evidence)
Following this phase of training the team must off lead demonstrate proficiency in searching for and locating acceptable articles of evidence containing human scent.
ACCEPTABLE a. The canine shows willingness to search for evidence; and
b. may require some direction from the handler; and
c. within four minutes alerts to or retrieves at least two of the three articles; and
d. may leave area due to disinterest for a limited time and have to be directed back; and
e. in general, shows proper training and ability to complete the exercise.
UNACCEPTABLE
a. The canine shows no willingness to search; and
b. cannot be directed to search; and
c. does not alert or retrieve; and
d. in general, canine shows lack of training in the exercise.
Articles of evidence may include the following materials: wood, plastic, metal or paper. Articles will be taken from the following list and be changed before each canine is tested:
1) plastic credit card
2) paper match book
3) shotgun shell
4) leather wallet
5) screwdriver/4-6"
6) crumpled cigarette package (expended)
7) metal handgun
b) The canine must, within four minutes, locate and alert to (or retrieve) articles of evidence which are concealed from the handler's view in an are 30 feet x 30 feet which contains sufficient vegetation to fully conceal the articles.
c) The canine may alert in any manner (or retrieve); however, the handler must before the evaluation, identify for the examiner the manner of alert that will be used.
SECTION 8 - Performance Evaluations
1. No police canine team shall receive from the Commissioner a certification attesting to their satisfactory completion of an approved course in police canine training or successful achievement of the minimum acceptable performance standard, unless such team shall have successfully achieved the minimum acceptable level of performance as established by the MPTC and hereafter described, if at any time, the examiner determines the handler does not have control if the canine, the examination will be terminated.
a) In order to successfully achieve the minimum acceptable level of performance, each team must receive a rating of "acceptable" during each phase of evaluation.
1) The canine shall be exempted from the Agility Phase of re-training and re-certification upon written verification by a licensed veterinarian that such training would be detrimental to the health and well being of the canine. Such written verification shall be maintained by the director with the performance records of the canine team.
b) The written examination described in the Related Top1cs Phase is required during the evaluation following the basic canine training program only. Course content included in the Related Topics Phase must be covered during both Basic Training Courses and In-Service Training Programs.
c) All evaluations must be conducted by State certified examiners. Examiners for each training course must be approved, in writing, by the Commissioner or his designee. There must be at least one examiner assigned to conduct performance evaluations at each training course. Under no circumstances will an examiner evaluate canines under his training.
d) The following pages contain performance evaluation criteria specific to each phase of training. Certain phases contain more than one evaluated exercise.
e) Examiners are authorized to make final decisions with regard to adverse weather conditions as they impact: upon possible cancellation of evaluation exercises.
It shall be the responsibility of the school directors to make available adequate materials, equipment, manpower and facilities to conduct the evaluations hereafter described.
9) Examiners are authorized to make final decisions with regard to the adequacy of the evaluation site and necessary materials, equipment, manpower, facilities, etc., as they impact upon possible cancellations of evaluation exercises.
h) In the event an individual feels he has received an unfair evaluation, he may appeal said decision, in writing, to the Commissioner. The appeal must be forwarded to the Commissioner within 30 days after the evaluation. The Commissioner shall determine the validity of the appeal and notify in writing those persons impacted by his decision.
2. Video tapes
a) Although not mandated, the utilization of video taping equipment, during the patrol and narcotic detector phases of the examination, is recommended. The video will serve not only as a record of the team's level of achievement, but also as the best evidence available, should an appeal become necessary.
b) The tape will be turned over to the Examiner at the completion of the examination. The tape will be retained for a minimum period of 45 days, after which it will be destroyed, unless other arrangement have been made for its return to the person who originally provided the same.
Section 9 - Reevaluation and In-Service Training
Certificates awarded by the Commissioner attesting to the satisfactory completion of an approved course in police canine training, or successful achievement of the minimum acceptable performance standard, shall be valid for a period of one year.
A certificate may be re-validated annually if its holder demonstrates a minimum acceptable level of competency, as established by the MPTC for periodic reevaluation.
a) In order to demonstrate a minimum acceptable level of competency during reevaluation, a canine team must satisfactorily complete a Program of In-Service Training as approved by the Commissioner and described -below; and/or successfully achieve the minimum acceptable level of performance by receiving a rating of "acceptable'' during each phase of the evaluations applicable to their type of certification and described in Section 10 of this standard, as administered by a State-certified examiner.
b) No program of in-service training will be approved by the Commissioner unless the content of that program meets or exceeds the minimum criteria for in-service training, as established by the MPTC, and the trainer for that course is certified by the Commissioner as a police canine trainer.
**NOTE**: The scope of K-9 training offered shall be limited to the type of certification held. For example, the certified trainer of Article Search/Scent Detecting K-9's, and whose certificate indicates such, shall not be allowed to provide training outside his area of expertise.
c) The minimum amount of training for which approval will be granted shall consist of not less than 24 hours of instruction every three months in subjects as prescribed in Section 8 of this standard as applicable to specific types of certification, and time allotments as established by the trainer.
d) Any team which, for each of four consecutive three-month periods satisfactorily completes an In-Service Training Course, approved by the Commissioner, may upon submission of proper documentation, and without further evaluation, have its certificate of completion revalidated for a period of one year. Provided, however, that each team, so revalidated, must be reevaluated by a state-certified examiner once every three years.
e) Any team which fails to satisfactorily complete an In-Service Training Course, approved by the Commissioner, during any of four consecutive three-month periods, must be reevaluated annually, by a state-certified examiner.
f) Any team which receives a rating of "unacceptable" during any phase of evaluation shall be given the opportunity by the examiner, at his convenience, to be reevaluated in the specific phase(s) where an unacceptable rating was earned.
g) Teams which still received a rating of "unacceptable" during any phase of evaluation (as outlined in (f):above) may, within 90 days, apply to the Commissioner to be reevaluated in those specific phases where an unacceptable rating was earned. After 90 days, an entire reevaluation must be conducted.
h) All evaluations must be conducted by State-Certified Examiners. Examiners for each training course must be approved, in writing, by the Commissioner or his designee.
i) Examiners will forward to MPTC, within 72 hours of an evaluation, ALL evaluation sheets including those who failed.
Section 10 - Maintenance Trainer
All persons applying to the Commissioner for certification as a maintenance trainer shall meet the following criteria.
Each person must:
a) possess a minimum of three years experience as a police canine handler, (the Commissioner may grant approval to substitute an approved canine instructors course for one year; experience); and
b) have successfully completed an instructor development program, or its equivalent, as approved by the Commissioner; and
c) upon written prior approval by the Commissioner, as an apprentice maintenance trainer, have successfully completed (as attested to by a state-certified trainer) a police canine maintenance training course approved by the Commissioner and presented by that maintenance trainer9 and
d) offer a police canine maintenance training course, the content of which meets or exceeds the minimum criteria as established by the MPTC; and
e) maintenance train two (2) police canine teams, one of which may be his own, which have successfully achieved the minimum acceptable level of performance as established by the MPTC.
The maintenance trainer certificate will be valid for three years from the date of issuance, unless revoked by the Commissioner prior to expiration.
The certification will be renewed upon verification that the individual maintenance trainer has:
f) offered a police canine maintenance training course, the content of which meets or exceeds the minimum criteria as established by the MPTC; and
maintenance trained at least one additional police canine team, other than his own, which has successfully achieved the minimum acceptable level of performance as established by the MPTC.
The maintenance trainer shall train only that type of K-9 team for which the trainer's certification was issued, attesting to that trainers area of expertise. (e.g., maintenance trainer, maintenance trainer patrol/narcotics etc.)
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