I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under the authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish the position of Deputy Probation Officer III canine handler and to identify the duties of the position. This policy establishes operational responsibilities, management, and use of a narcotic and firearm detection canine to support community supervision.

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies directly to the DPO III and Supervising Deputy Probation Officer (SDPO) assigned to the canine detection program. It applies broadly to all personnel.

IV. BACKGROUND

The program is intended to improve the safety and effectiveness of officers and increase the level of public safety services provided to the county. The program will aid in locating narcotics, firearms, and ammunition in the possession of probation supervised persons or other justice involved individuals.

V. GENERAL POLICY

1. The primary role of the K9 DPO III shall be to assist with the supervision and searching of individuals who are under Probation Supervision.
   1. The K9 DPO III shall agree to and sign an acknowledgment to commit to a minimum of five (5) years as a canine handler, or the service life of the canine should it be less than five (5) years. The agreement may be renewed at the discretion of the Chief Probation Officer.
   2. The K9 DPO III shall be assigned to assist operations of the Adult Division, Juvenile Division, Juvenile Hall, and the Coastal Valley Academy. In addition, they may be assigned to other functions based on current operational needs or requests from outside agencies.
   3. A designated SDPO from the Adult Division is assigned as the Canine Detection Program Supervisor.
   4. The canine handler will be compensated for their time spent on the at-home care, upkeep, and maintenance of the canine (kennel maintenance, home care, food and supplies, veterinary service, daily training, physical exercise, grooming, cleaning waste, bathing, vehicle maintenance, mental stimulation, and play time) in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the County of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo County Probation Peace Officers Association.

2. The Chief Probation Officer may end the program, or replace/retire a canine, for reasons including but not limited to poor performance, old age, and/or injuries which prevent the canine from performing their duties.  
3. The Chief Probation Officer may replace and reassign a handler for reasons including but not limited to, poor performance, retirement, promotion, injury preventing handler from performing his/her duties, failure to maintain all training needs or Departmental needs.
4. The canine is permitted to socialize in the home with the handler’s family, or in the office for short periods of time under the direct supervision of the handler.
5. The canine is required to be housed in a department approved and provided kennel, crate, or vehicle. The canine should be kept on a lead when in areas that allow access to the public.
   1. Exceptions to this rule would include specific law enforcement operations for which the canine is trained.
6. The canine shall be secured in the vehicle in a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the canine anytime the officer is on-duty and does not have immediate control of the canine.  The officer shall ensure the vehicle has adequate ventilation and fresh air.
7. A canine will be retired after it has surpassed its working life expectancy. Upon retirement, subject to the written authorization of the Chief Probation Officer, the canine may become the property of the assigned handler.  The handler will sign a written statement indicating they will assume all responsibility, liability, cost to maintain the canine, and agree to not use the canine for financial gain.
8. Officer’s Schedule
   1. The DPO III’s schedule shall be consistent with the Flex Schedule Policy but subject to change with reasonable notice to meet the following Department needs:
      1. Work a minimum of two (2) field shifts per week unless otherwise approved in advance by their SDPO.
      2. Conduct routine searches at the Juvenile Hall, Coastal Valley Academy, facilities perimeter (as needed), and other operational needs as assigned.
      3. Be available for special enforcement operations and public outreach events with approval of the SDPO in consultation with the Chief Deputy Probation Officer (CDPO).

VI.       SDPO RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The duties and responsibilities of the SDPO include but are not limited to the following:
   1. Oversee the day-to-day supervision of the K9 DPO III.
   2. Evaluate the K9 DPO III performance.
   3. Authorize participation of the canine handler and canine in demonstrations and outside agency requests, in consultation with the CDPO or, in their absence, the Assistant Chief Probation Officer (ACPO).
   4. Provide administrative support for the Canine Detection Program.
   5. Ensure management is immediately informed of significant canine incidents such as but not limited to, injury, bites, property damage, use of Naloxone, and hospitalization of the canine.
   6. Conduct inspections of the kennel area(s) where the dog is secured at the handler’s residence (shall provide at least 24-hour prior notice) to verify conditions and equipment conform to this policy.
   7. Review and endorse all reports from the K9 DPO III.
   8. Review and approve trainings of the K9 DPO III.
   9. Biannually inspect, weigh, and test, controlled substance training aid samples.
   10. Respond to incidents as needed or directed.
   11. Arrange for the relocation of the canine if needed.
   12. Review and update the Canine Detection Program Manual as needed.
   13. Periodically conduct meetings with the K9 DPO III to maintain standards, solicit suggestions, and discuss solutions to problems.

VII.      K9 DPO III RESPONSIBILITIES

1. K9 DPO III shall maintain the health and welfare of the assigned canine and ensure the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, and living conditions.
2. K9 DPOIII working hours will be subject to change based on urgency, need and circumstances. A pre-request for canine assistance will be available to all officers to sign up. They shall be handled in the order received unless the SDPO or management otherwise determines priority/urgency.
3. The duties and responsibilities of the K9 DPO III include but are not limited to the following:
   1. Not expose the canine to any unreasonable risk of harm.
   2. Maintain control over their canine to ensure maximum safety.
   3. Maintain canine equipment in clean and serviceable condition, including but not limited to, home kenneling facility, vests, leads, bowls, toys, combs, de-shedding tools, doghouse, locks, harnesses, bedding, crate, Naloxone kits, and ID’s.
   4. Take the canine to the nearest available veterinarian if the canine is seriously injured or requires immediate medical attention. Notify their SDPO, or CDPO if the SDPO is unavailable, as soon as reasonably practical but no later than the end of shift.
   5. Ensure canine receives regular veterinary attention, including annual physical, all vaccinations, heartworm checks, etc. and any maintenance medication with Department approved veterinarian.
   6. K9 DPO III shall maintain medical and training records of the canine and provide to the SDPO.
   7. Take all necessary precautions to ensure breeding does not occur.
   8. Inspect vehicle temperature monitoring systems for functionality prior to and throughout their shift.
   9. Ensure a proper ambient temperature is maintained while the canine is in the vehicle and the canine is not left in the vehicle for excessive periods of time.
   10. Ensure the canine is clearly identified while on duty (ex. badge on collar, and/or vest).
   11. The canine shall not be lodged at another location unless approved in advance by the SDPO in consultation with the CDPO.
   12. Inform the SDPO of any changes in living situation that may affect the lodging or environment of the canine, any injury or illness of the canine, or scheduled routine examinations or minor medical problems of the canine.
   13. Keep daily statistics and logs of activity and trainings (not limited to: training aid detection, type of training aids used, actual amounts of narcotics or firearms located, number of searches, number of AOA, number of probation violations, and the number of crime reports). Provide the monthly log or as requested by the SDPO or CDPO.
   14. K9 DPO III shall properly document incident reports, crime reports, and use of force reports as required by Department policy.
   15. K9 DPOIII shall properly exercise and groom canine daily.
   16. K9 DPO III shall maintain documentation of expenditures and submit to supervisor monthly or as requested.
4. The final decision to use a canine shall remain with the K9 DPO III, who is the most knowledgeable of their canine’s capabilities and limitations, and responsible for the canine’s wellbeing.
5. Interaction with the canine other than by the handler is prohibited unless the handler grants permission, or the handler is otherwise incapacitated.

VIII.    K9 DPO III QUALIFICATIONS

1. The handler shall maintain a residence with sufficient space for the Department provided/installed kennel.
2. Provide space to park a department issued vehicle on their property.
3. Ability to maintain the health and safety of the canine with their household make up (i.e., other animals, family members, young children, etc.).
4. Allow on-site inspections of the kennel area(s) where the dog is secured at the handler’s residence (shall provide at least 24-hour notice prior) to verify conditions and equipment conform to this policy.
5. The K9 DPO III must agree to participate in public relations events and have pictures and video taken in the course of their duties to be used in a manner to promote the Department as seen fit by the Chief Probation Officer or his/her designee.
6. K9 DPO III must be willing to regularly travel out of the area for training courses, conferences, agency assist, and public appearances/demonstrations as directed.

IX.       OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUESTS/CALL OUTS

1. The K9 DPO III shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.

2. During regular working hours, all public requests and Assist Other Agency (AOA) requests for K9 DPO III shall follow the AOA policy, unless exigent circumstances exist, in which case the handler shall notify their SDPO, or CDPO if the SDPO is unavailable, as soon as reasonably possible after the incident. The K9 DPO III shall obtain all necessary information (e.g., location, incident type, contact person, and exigent circumstances).
3. For afterhours requests, the K9 DPO III shall assess the request, consult with the SDPO and CDPO to determine the appropriate response. The K9 DPO III shall obtain all necessary information (e.g., location, incident type, contact person, and exigent    circumstances).
4. The K9 DPO III shall have authority to decline a request for any specific assignment that is deemed unsuitable.
5. Overtime compensation will be determined pursuant to the Department Overtime Polic
6. Coordinating involvement in demonstrations, community events/activities etc. shall be approved by the SDPO in consultation with the CDPO.

X.        TRAINING

1. All canine training records and logs shall be retained in the canine program file for a minimum of five (5) years.
2. Before assignment in the field, the K9 DPO III shall be trained and certified to meet detection canine standards for the California Narcotics Canine Association (CNCA).
3. K9 DPO III shall be recertified annually to nationally recognized standards and evaluated with a “pass” in:
   1. Obedience and control of the canine.
   2. Narcotics Search – control, location, and recognition.
   3. Firearm Search – location and recognition.

XI.       CONTINUED TRAINING

1. K9 DPO III shall receive 16 hours of training monthly as defined by POST/CNCA guidelines.
2. K9 DPO III is encouraged to engage in additional training with approval of the unit supervisor.
3. To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler, trainer, or outside vendor may train or provide training to a standard not reviewed and approved by the Department.
4. K9 DPO III shall maintain trainings for the canine and human Naloxone administration.

XII.      INJURED CANINE

1. Time and circumstances allowing, the canine shall be treated by the designated veterinarian(s).

2. Time and circumstances not allowing for treatment by designated veterinarian(s), canine shall be transported to the nearest available emergency veterinary service for treatment. SDPO shall be notified and provide approval as soon as circumstances allow. CDPO shall also be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

3. All injuries shall be documented in an incident report and, if applicable, all other related reports and records.

XIII.    INJURIES, BITES, PROPERTY DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY CANINE

1. Any injuries, bites, or property damage that occur from the canine, on or off duty:
   1. Shall be reported immediately or as soon as reasonably possible to the SDPO and CDPO.
   2. K9 DPO III shall promptly provide and/or obtain medical care for the injured person or animal.
   3. K9 DPO III shall take photographs of the scene and person or animal injured.
   4. K9 DPO III shall obtain statements from the injured person and all witnesses, including their full names and contact information.
   5. K9 DPO III shall complete and submit an incident report and all other related reports.

XIV.    CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AID

1. In compliance with the state and federal laws, controlled substances may be utilized for narcotics detection canine training (HS11367.5).

2. The K9 DPO III will submit an Affidavit for Canine Training Kit to obtain a court order from the Superior Court Judge for the release of controlled substances to be used as a Narcotics Canine Training Kit, for up to twelve (12) months.

3. K9 DPO III shall be responsible for maintaining the Canine Training Kit, which includes controlled substances obtained from a law enforcement agency’s property warehouse or Probation Department property, and additional training aids.

4. All controlled substances utilized for training shall be weighed, tested, and recorded by the Probation Departmental Property SDPO prior to dispensing them to the K9 DPO III and minimally twice per year thereafter.
5. When not in use, handler shall secure all controlled substance training samples in a locked truck vault inside the canine vehicle.

XV.      NARCOTICS DETECTION

1. The canine may be used in accordance with current law and under certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
   1. Searching of vehicles, buildings/residences, bags, and other articles.
   2. Assisting in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service.
   3. Obtaining  search warrant by using the narcotics detection trained canine in support of probable cause.
2. Narcotics that the canine is trained to identify include cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl. Therefore, canine and human naloxone kits will be carried by the K9 DPO III at all times when searching.
3. The canine will not be used to search a person for narcotics unless the canine is trained to passively indicate the presence of narcotics.

XVI.    FIREARMS TRAINIG AIDS

1. The K9 DPO III will make an appointment with the Senior Range Master or his/her designee to acquire the firearms/ammunition/spent bullet casings to be used as training aids.

2. The firearms/ammunition/spent bullet casings issued will be signed out by the K9 DPO III for a specific amount of time.

3. All firearms/ammunition/spent bullet casings issued will be maintained and stored by the K9 DPO III pursuant to Department Arming Policy.

4. Upon return, the Senior Range Master or his/her designee will inspect and sign off on the returned training aids.

XVII. FIREARMS DETECTION

1. The canine is trained on firearms, not ammunition. However, part of the scent of the firearm is ammunition, so he/she may alert to ammunition, gun cleaning kit, etc. as well. The canine is NOT trained in explosives. However, some explosives may be alerted to if part of the firearm scent is present.
2. Because of the high risk of danger to the public and officers when a firearm is suspected, the use of a canine may be considered. The K9 DPO III may be used in accordance with the current law and under certain circumstances, including but not limited to:
   1. The search of vehicles, building/residences, open areas, transportation means (Buses, airplanes, trains, etc.), bags, and other articles and/or facilities.
   2. Preventative searches at special events, VIP visits, official buildings, and other restricted areas. Searches of individuals should remain minimally intrusive and shall be strictly limited to the purpose of firearms, and only if the canine is trained to passively alert.

XVIII. VACATION LEAVE/TIME AWAY

1. Whenever the K9 DPO III anticipates taking a vacation or extended number of days off, it may be necessary to relocate the canine. The K9 DPO III shall give reasonable notice but not less than 48-hours prior notice unless it is an emergency situation to their SDPO so appropriate arrangement can be made.

2. In any instance where the K9 DPO III will be away from the canine for more than 24 hours, the canine shall be housed by a licensed board and care business as approved by the SDPO or CDPO.

 

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as need.