NCJ Number
149543
Date Published
1993
Length
207 pages
Annotation
This manual provides comprehensive information, training exercises, and deployment procedures for K9 units.
Abstract
The first chapter describes the administration of K9 units including record keeping, setting training schedules, and liability issues. The second chapter introduces police officers to the physiology of dogs and their special ability in scent detection and search. Next, officers learn to collaborate with their dogs in stress situations and to survive crises. Several chapters are devoted to canine training; they present training scenarios for range training and instruct in responsible handler control. Three chapters make use of the dogs' tracking ability; they explain the advantages of on-line and off-line trackings, and enhance officer effectiveness during tracking. Next, the procedures for K9 use during building searches are outlined. Since K9 officers spend more time in the dark than other officers, they are instructed in flashlight selection and use. The following chapters explain the role of dogs in vehicle stops and emergency response team support. When using chemical agents for crowd control, K9 officers must know which chemicals will not also harm the dog. The final chapters discuss police dog protection/safety and canine care after trauma. Numerous photographs are included.