LINEVILLE PD - 310 - POLICE CANINES

LINEVILLE PD

GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT

SUBJECT: GENERAL OPERATIONS

TITLE: POLICE CANINES

EFFECTIVE DATE: AUGUST 1, 2025

REVISION DATE:

ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)

APPROVAL: CHIEF SCOTT BONNER

POLICE CANINES

310.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE

This policy establishes guidelines for the use of canines to augment law enforcement services in the community, including but not limited to locating individuals and contraband and apprehending criminal offenders. Canine teams will be available twenty-four (24) hours a day.

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310.2 POLICY

It is the policy of the Lincoln Police Department that teams of handlers and canines meet and maintain the appropriate proficiency to effectively and reasonably carry out legitimate law enforcement objectives.

Canines are police officers of this Department and serve a serious duty to this Department and its personnel. The safety of these canines should be treated as the safety of Police Officers.

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310.3 ASSIGNMENT

Canine teams should be assigned to assist and supplement the Lincoln Police Department in assisting or covering assignments. However, they may be assigned by the Watch Commander to other functions, such as routine calls for service, based on the current operational needs.

Canine teams should generally not be assigned to handle routine matters that will take them out of service for extended periods of time. If such an assignment is necessary, it should only be made with the approval of the Watch Commander.

Canine teams may transport prisoners if the vehicle they are driving is equipped in such a way as to keep the Canine safely separated from the arrested subject

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310.4 HANDLER SELECTION

The minimum qualifications for the assignment of canine handler include:

(a) An officer who is currently off probation.

(b) Has a minimum of two years of law enforcement experience

(d) Living within 30 minutes travel time from the City of Lincoln City limits.

(e) Agreeing to be assigned to the position for a minimum of three years.

(f) Submit a written request via the chain of command, and undergo an interview with the Canine coordinator and Command staff.

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310.5 HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES

The canine handler shall ultimately be responsible for the health and welfare of the canine and shall ensure that the canine receives proper nutrition, grooming, training, medical care, affection, and living conditions.

The canine handler will be responsible for the following:

(a) Except as required during appropriate deployment, the handler shall not expose the canine to any foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm.

(b) The handler shall maintain all department equipment under his/her control in a clean and serviceable condition.

(c) When a handler is off-duty for an extended number of days, the assigned canine vehicle should be stored at the Lincoln Police Department facility.

(d) Handlers shall permit the canine coordinator to conduct spontaneous on-site inspections of affected areas of their homes as well as their canine vehicles to verify that conditions and equipment conform to this policy.

(e) Any changes in the living status of the handler that may affect the lodging or environment of the canine shall be reported to the canine coordinator as soon as possible.

(f) When off-duty, the canine shall be in a kennel provided by the City at the home of the handler. When a canine is kenneled at the handler's home, the gate shall be secured with a lock. When off-duty, the canine may be let out of the kennel while under the direct control of the handler.

(g) The canine should be permitted to socialize in the home with the handler's family for short periods of time and under the direct supervision of the handler.

(h) Under no circumstances will the canine be lodged at another location unless approved by the Watch Commander.

(i) When off-duty, the handler shall not involve the canine in any law enforcement activity or official conduct unless approved in advance by the canine coordinator or Watch Commander.

(j) Whenever a canine handler is off-duty for an extended number of days, it may be necessary to temporarily relocate the canine. In those situations, the handler shall give reasonable notice to the canine coordinator so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

(k) Keep a log of all training, activity, and apprehensions of his/her canine.

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310.5.1 CANINE IN PUBLIC AREAS

The canine should be kept on a leash when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions to this rule would include specific law enforcement operations for which the canine is trained.

(a) A canine shall not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access.

(b) When the canine vehicle is left unattended, all windows and doors shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the canine. The handler shall also ensure that the unattended vehicle remains in habitable for the canine.

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310.6 HANDLER COMPENSATION

The canine handler shall be available for call-out under conditions specified by the canine coordinator.

The canine handler shall be compensated for time spent in the care, feeding, grooming, and other needs of the canine in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and according to the terms of the agreement between the handler and the City (29 USC § 207).

The canine handler shall be compensated with 10 hours of strait pay per pay period.

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310.7 CANINE COORDINATOR

The canine coordinator shall be appointed by and directly responsible to the Watch Commander or the authorized designee. The responsibilities of the coordinator include but are not limited to:

(a) Reviewing all canine use reports to ensure compliance with policy and to identify training issues and other needs of the program.

(b) Maintaining a liaison with the vendor kennel.

(d) Maintaining a liaison with other agency canine coordinators.

(e) Maintaining accurate records to document canine activities.

(f) Recommending and overseeing the procurement of equipment and services for the teams of handlers and canines.

(g) Scheduling all canine-related activities.

(h) Ensuring the canine teams are scheduled for regular training of a minimum of sixteen (16) hours for maintenance training per month to maximize their capabilities.

(i) The handler's vehicle will be inspected monthly, and his/her kenneling facilities will be inspected at least once every three months for the dog's health, well-being and safety. Theinspection will be conducted by the Canine Trainer or Canine Unit supervisor or Watch Commander. Vehicles and equipment will be kept clean and in order at all times.

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310.8 REQUESTS FOR CANINE TEAMS

Lincoln Police Department members are encouraged to request the use of a canine. Requests for a canine team from department units outside of the Uniform Division shall be reviewed by the Watch Commander.

In the search of Buildings or Areas, the handler shall take all reasonable measures to ensure the building, structure, premise, or area is clear of innocent persons and that a secure perimeter is in place. The handler shall issue at least three (3) verbal warnings before searching a building, structure, premises, or area unless it is tactically unfeasible in a given situation. In the event of a school or large building, a warning will be given on each floor or hallway unless it is tactically unfeasible in a given situation.

Whenever possible, a canine team should be dispatched on all felony in-progress calls to assist should the suspect flee on foot, abandon an auto used in the crime, or remain in a building or structure.

When possible, a canine team should be dispatched to back up units on all alarm calls. If an entry has been gained, Department personnel shall take steps to secure the building or structure and ensure that no innocent persons are inside the building or structure before a canine is used to search said premises.

During vehicle pursuits, canine teams should respond in a safe manner to the area should the driver abandon the vehicle and flee on foot.

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310.8.1 DUTIES OF OFFICERS AT THE SCENE

Officers at the scene have a responsibility to assist the canine team by following the guidelines listed below:

(a) Secure the area

(b) Do not contaminate the area more than is absolutely necessary

(d) If assigned as a backup to the canine team, the handler will explain in detail what is required.

(e) Perimeter units at break-ins should stay away from windows, doors, or other openings into the premises being searched.

(f) Keep loud noises, excessive talking, and radio traffic to a minimum while the canine is actually working.

(g) If at night, avoid lighting up the canine team with spotlights or flashlights.

(h) Perimeter units should keep the area clear of civilian personnel.

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310.8.2 OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUEST

All requests for canine assistance from outside agencies in the immediate Lincoln metropolitan area must be approved by the Watch Commander or his/her designee and are subject to the following:

(a) Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with this policy.

(b) The canine handler shall have the authority to decline a request for any specific assignment that he/she deems unsuitable.

(d) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to coordinate operations with agency personnel in order to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

(e) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to complete all necessary reports or as directed.

Requests for mutual aid outside the immediate Lincoln metropolitan area must be approved by the Chief of Police.

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310.8.3 PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION

All public requests for a canine team shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, approved by the Chief of Police prior to making any resource commitment. The canine coordinator is responsible for obtaining resources and coordinating involvement in the demonstration to include proper safety protocols. Canine handlers shall not demonstrate any apprehension work unless authorized to do so by the canine coordinator and the Watch Commander.

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310.9 CANINE TEAM SHIFT WORK

In shift deployments, the hours the Canine Team works should be adjusted to obtain the most efficient use of the canines for current situations. Shift supervisors are requested whenever possible to assign canine teams as roving cars to better service the Department. Should the need arise to assign a canine team to a specific zone, one should be selected to afford the greatest use of the team and availability to other parts of the city.

With traffic investigations due to the long periods of time, the canine would be unsupervised, and the length of time that the team would be out of service and not subject to call, a canine team should not be dispatched as the primary traffic investigation unit at the scene of an accident. If the need arises when no patrol units are available, then the Canine Team should be utilized.

Canine teams will be available as backup cars to all units.

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310.10 APPREHENSION GUIDELINES

A canine may be used to locate and apprehend a suspect if the canine handler reasonably believes that the individual has committed, is committing, or is threatening to commit any serious offense and if any of the following conditions exist:

(a) There is a reasonable belief the suspect poses an imminent threat of violence or serious harm to the public, any officer, or the handler.

(b) The suspect is physically resisting or threatening to resist arrest and the use of a canine reasonably appears to be necessary to overcome such resistance.

(c) The suspect is believed to be concealed in an area where entry by other than the canine would pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public.

It is recognized that situations may arise that do not fall within the provisions set forth in this policy. Such events require consideration of the totality of the circumstances and the use of an objective reasonableness standard applied to the decision to use a canine.

Absent a reasonable belief that a suspect has committed, is committing, or is threatening to commit a serious offense, mere flight from a pursuing officer, without any of the above conditions, shall not serve as the basis for the use of a canine to apprehend a suspect.

Use of a canine to locate and apprehend a suspect wanted for a lesser criminal offense other than those identified above requires approval from the Watch Commander. Absent a change in circumstances that presents an imminent threat to officers, the canine, or the public, such canine use should be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual.

In all applications, once the suspect has been located and no longer reasonably appears to present a threat or risk of escape, the handler should secure the canine as soon as it becomes reasonably practicable.

If the canine has apprehended the suspect with a secure bite, and the handler believes that the suspect no longer poses a threat, the handler should promptly command the canine to release the suspect.

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310.10.1 PREPARATION FOR DEPLOYMENT

Prior to the use of a canine to search for or apprehend any suspect, the canine handler and/or the supervisor on-scene should carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably available at the time. The information should include but is not limited to:

(a) The nature and seriousness of the suspected offense.

(b) Whether violence or weapons were used or are anticipated.

(d) The suspect’s known or perceived age.

(e) The potential for injury to officers or the public caused by the suspect if the canine is not utilized.

(f) Any potential danger to the public and/or other officers at the scene if the canine is released.

(g) The potential for the suspect to escape or flee if the canine is not utilized.

As circumstances permit, the canine handler should make every reasonable effort to communicate and coordinate with other involved members to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

It is the canine handler’s responsibility to evaluate each situation and determine whether the use of a canine is appropriate and reasonable. The canine handler shall have the authority to decline the use of the canine whenever he/she deems deployment is unsuitable.

A supervisor who is sufficiently apprised of the situation may prohibit deploying the canine. Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.

310.10.2 WARNINGS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Unless it would increase the risk of injury or escape, a clearly audible warning announcing that a canine will be used if the suspect does not surrender should be made prior to releasing a canine. The handler should allow a reasonable time for a suspect to surrender and should quiet the canine momentarily to listen for any verbal response to the warning. If feasible, other members should be in a location opposite the warning to verify that the announcement could be heard. If available, warnings given in other languages should be used as necessary.

If a warning is not to be given, the canine handler, when practicable, should first advise the supervisor of his/her decision before releasing the canine. In the event of an apprehension, the handler shall document in any related report how the warning was given and, if none was given, the reasons why.

310.10.3 REPORTING DEPLOYMENTS, BITES AND INJURIES

Handlers should document canine deployments in a canine use report. Whenever a canine deployment results in a bite or causes injury to an intended suspect, a supervisor should be promptly notified, and the injuries should be documented in the canine use report.The injured person shall be promptly treated by Emergency Medical Services personnel and, if appropriate, transported to an appropriate medical facility for further treatment. The deployment and injuries should also be included in any related incident or arrest report.

A copy of all reports shall be turned in to the canine coordinator by the end of the officer's shift and forwarded to the Chief of Police via the Chain of Command.

Any unintended bite or injury caused by a canine, whether on- or off-duty, shall be promptly reported to the canine coordinator. Unintended bites or injuries caused by a canine should be documented in an administrative report, not in a canine use report.

If an individual alleges an injury, either visible or not visible, a supervisor shall be notified, and both the individual's injured and uninjured areas shall be photographed as soon as practicable after first tending to the immediate needs of the injured party.Photographs shall be retained as evidence in accordance with current department evidence procedures. The photographs shall be retained until the criminal proceeding is completed and the time for any related civil proceeding has expired.

The canine is exempt from quarantine for a bite but shall be examined within 10 days by a veterinarian, who shall report the results of the examination to the appropriate health officer (Ala. Code § 3-7A-9).

310.11 NON-APPREHENSION GUIDELINES

Properly trained canines may be used to track or search for non-criminals (e.g., lost children, individuals who may be disoriented or in need of medical attention). The canine handler is responsible for determining the canine’s suitability for such assignments based on the conditions and the particular abilities of the canine. When the canine is deployed in a search or other non-apprehension operation, the following guidelines apply:

(a) Absent a change in circumstances that presents an imminent threat to officers, the canine, or the public, such applications should be conducted on-leash or under conditions that minimize the likelihood the canine will bite or otherwise injure the individual, if located.

(b) Unless otherwise directed by a supervisor, assisting members should take direction from the handler in order to minimize interference with the canine.

(c) Throughout the deployment, the handler should periodically give verbal assurances that the canine will not bite or hurt the individual and encourage the individual to make him/herself known.

(d) Once the individual has been located, the handler should place the canine in a down-stay or otherwise secure it as soon as reasonably practicable.

310.11.1 ARTICLE DETECTION

A canine trained to find objects or property related to a person or crime may be used to locate or identify articles. A canine search should be conducted in a manner that minimizes the likelihood of unintended bites or injuries.

310.11.2 NARCOTICS DETECTION

A canine trained in narcotics detection may be used in accordance with current law and under certain circumstances, including:

(a) The search of vehicles, buildings, bags, and other articles.

(b) Assisting in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service.

A narcotics-detection trained canine will not be used to search a person for narcotics unless the canine is trained to passively indicate the presence of narcotics.

310.11.3 BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION

Because of the high risk of danger to the public and officers when a bomb or other explosive device is suspected, the use of a canine team trained in explosive detection may be considered. When available, an explosive-detection canine team may be used in accordance with current law and under certain circumstances, including:

(a) Assisting in the search of a building, structure, area, vehicle, or article where an actual or suspected explosive device has been reported or located.

(b) Assisting with searches at transportation facilities and vehicles (e.g., buses, airplanes, trains).

(c) Preventive 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 detecting explosives.

(d) Assisting in the search of scenes where an explosion has occurred and an explosive device or secondary explosive device is suspected.

At no time will an explosive-detection trained canine be used to render a suspected device safe or clear.

310.12 CANINE INJURY AND MEDICAL CARE

In the event that a canine is injured, or there is an indication that the canine is not in good physical condition, the injury or condition will be reported to the canine coordinator or Watch Commander as soon as practicable and appropriately documented.

All medical attention shall be rendered by the designated canine veterinarian, except during an emergency where treatment should be obtained from the nearest available veterinarian. All records of medical treatment shall be maintained in the handler’s personnel file.

310.13 TRAINING

Before assignment in the field, each canine team shall be trained and certified to meet current nationally recognized standards or other recognized and approved certification standards. Cross-trained canine teams or those canine teams trained exclusively for the detection of narcotics and/or explosives also shall be trained and certified to meet current nationally recognized standards or other recognized and approved certification standards established for their particular skills.

Canines will be trained, according to their abilities, for the following tasks to assist the Department's personnel:

(a) Tracking canines will be trained to locate criminal suspects who have fled the scene of a crime or to assist in the location of lost persons.

(b) Canines are capable of locating evidence that has been abandoned or hidden by means of a directed search of an area or while tracking a suspect.

(d) Criminal Apprehension canines will be trained to make reasonable and necessary physical apprehensions. The canines will be trained to use only the force necessary to effect the apprehension of a suspect which the handler has probable cause to believe has committed a felon, violent misdemeanor, or that he/she or a third party is in danger of a serious physical injury by another.

(e) Building Search canines will be trained to search buildings or structures for the presence of unauthorized persons whom officers have probable cause to believe have committed an illegal entry.

(f) Search and Rescue canines can be utilized to search areas that would require a large number of rescue personnel.

(g) Narcotics Detection canines shall be certified for narcotics detection by the Department and will be available for the purpose of detecting and locating illegal narcotics.

(h) Explosive Detection canines shall be certified for explosive detection by the Department and will be available for the purpose of detecting and locating explosives.

The canine coordinator shall be responsible for scheduling periodic training for all department members in order to familiarize them with how to conduct themselves in the presence of department canines. Because canines may be exposed to dangerous substances such as opioids, as resources are available, the canine coordinator should also schedule periodic training for the canine handlers about the risks of exposure and treatment for it.

All canine training shall be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise approved by the canine coordinator or Watch Commander.

310.13.1 CONTINUED TRAINING

Each canine team shall thereafter be recertified to a current nationally recognized standard or other recognized and approved certification standards on an annual basis. Additional training considerations are as follows:

(a) Canine teams should receive training as defined in the current contract with the Lincoln Police Department canine training provider.

(b) Canine handlers are encouraged to engage in additional training with approval of the canine coordinator.

(c) To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler, trainer, or outside vendor is authorized to train to a standard that is not reviewed and approved by the Department.

310.13.2 FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING

Any canine team failing to graduate or obtain certification shall not be deployed in the field for tasks the team is not certified to perform until graduation or certification is achieved. When reasonably practicable, pending successful certification, the canine handler shall be temporarily reassigned to regular patrol duties.

310.13.3 TRAINING RECORDS

All canine training records shall be maintained in the canine handler’s and the canine’s training file.

310.13.4 TRAINING AIDS

Training aids are required to effectively train and maintain the skills of canines. Officers possessing, using, or transporting controlled substances or explosives for canine training purposes must comply with federal and state requirements. Alternatively, the Lincoln Police Department may work with outside trainers with the applicable licenses or permits.

310.13.5 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AIDS

Officers acting in the performance of their official duties may possess or transfer controlled substances for the purpose of narcotics-detection canine training in compliance with state and federal laws and in compliance with applicable state requirements (21 USC § 823(g); Ala. Code § 13A-3-22).

The Chief of Police or the authorized designee may authorize a member to seek a court order to allow controlled substances seized by the Lincoln Police Department to be possessed by the member or a narcotics-detection canine trainer who is working under the direction of this department for training purposes, provided the controlled substances are no longer needed as criminal evidence.

As an alternative, the Chief of Police or the authorized designee may request narcotics training aids from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

These procedures are not required if the canine handler uses commercially available synthetic substances that are not controlled narcotics.

310.13.6 CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PROCEDURES

Due to the responsibilities and liabilities involved with possessing readily usable amounts of controlled substances and the ever-present danger of the canine’s accidental ingestion of these controlled substances, the following procedures shall be strictly followed:

(a) All controlled substance training samples shall be weighed and tested prior to dispensing to the individual canine handler or trainer.

(b) The weight and test results shall be recorded and maintained by this department.

(c) Any person possessing controlled substance training samples pursuant to court order or DEA registration shall maintain custody and control of the controlled substances and shall keep records regarding any loss of, or damage to, those controlled substances.

(d) All controlled substance training samples will be inspected, weighed, and tested quarterly. The results of the quarterly testing shall be recorded and maintained by the canine coordinator with a copy forwarded to the dispensing agency.

(e) All controlled substance training samples will be stored in locked, airtight, and watertight cases at all times, except during training. The locked cases shall be secured in the trunk of the canine handler’s assigned patrol vehicle during transport and stored in an appropriate locked container. There are no exceptions to this procedure.

(f) The canine coordinator shall periodically inspect every controlled substance training sample for damage or tampering and take any appropriate action.

(g) Any unusable controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the Forensic Unit or to the dispensing agency.

(h) All controlled substance training samples shall be returned to the dispensing agency upon the conclusion of the training or upon demand by the dispensing agency.

310.13.7 EXPLOSIVE TRAINING AIDS

Officers may possess, transport, store, or use explosives or destructive devices in compliance with state and federal laws (18 USC § 842; 27 CFR 555.41; Ala. Code § 13A-10-205).

Explosive training aids designed specifically for canine teams should be used whenever feasible. Due to the safety concerns in the handling and transportation of explosives, inert or non-hazardous training aids should be employed whenever feasible. The use of explosives or destructive devices for training aids by canine teams is subject to the following:

(a) All explosive training aids, when not in use, shall be properly stored in a secure facility appropriate for the type of materials.

(b) An inventory ledger shall be maintained to document the type and quantity of explosive training aids that are stored.

(c) The canine coordinator shall be responsible for verifying the explosive training aids on hand against the inventory ledger once each quarter.

(d) Only members of the canine team shall have access to the explosive training aids storage facility.

(e) A primary and secondary custodian will be designated to minimize the possibility of loss of explosive training aids during and after the training. Generally, the handler will be designated as the primary custodian while the trainer or authorized second person on-scene will be designated as the secondary custodian.

(f) Any lost or damaged explosive training aids shall be promptly reported to the canine coordinator, who will determine if any further action will be necessary. Any loss of explosives will be reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.

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