Weapons Policy

All handlers must have the following items as a minimum to patrol.

They are as follows:

• Baton

• Taser

• Service Pistol W/ Torch

• Assault Rifle (Tactical Deployment Only)

Shots Fired Policy

During a call, if a scene escalates to shots fired and the animal is still inside the vehicle, they MUST remain there for their own safety. If the dog is out and about, you are able to utilize the dog to neutralize the threat if the handler deems necessary.

A K-9 may be set on a known armed subject if all other options are exhausted. You are tasked with protecting their life and considering the K9's safety, however you must remember they are an animal as well. Sending a K-9 into harm's way will NOT result in disciplinary action if the handler deems it was necessary to do so. However, do note the following; if you do not utilize other tools to try and arrest the subject and jump straight to using the dog, disciplinary action may follow suit in accordance with the K9 and LEO SOP.

If a suspect is barricaded, and the K-9 handler feels that it would do more good than harm to send a dog in, the K-9 may be utilized. Keep in mind that a K-9 will only be able to handle one suspect and if successful, subdue said subject. However, if there are 2 or more armed suspects, be prepared to move in directly behind the dog to neutralize the threat before the dog gets killed/injured.

It is up to a K-9 handler overall to decide the fate of their dog partner. If you as a K-9 handler do not feel it is safe, your verdict is final. Keep in mind the fact that while a K-9 is a life to be valued, a K-9’s life should be valued less than a human officer's life for the purposes of deciding to breach an armed suspect(s).