K-9s can be requested if available to any 10-70s. They are an excellent tool to use, because of their strength, speed and ability to navigate tough terrain.

A K-9 can automatically deploy to a foot pursuit if not already on scene and it is called out through RTO.

Once arrived on scene the handler will request a small brief of the scene so far so he can make a decision on whether to release his K-9. This brief should include things like: Whether or not the suspect is armed, and possible hazards to officers/K-9s (Broken Glass, Paraphernalia etc).

If the handler decides the situation is safe enough to release the Canine, the first priority will be finding something strongly scented belonging to the suspect. This will give the Canine a scent to follow and track and will be done in /me similar to as follows:

Handler:  /meall Searches vehicle for a strongly scented item, wdif?

Suspect:  /meall You find a T-shirt in the backseat.

Handler: (Allows dog to find the initial scent of T-shirt)

K-9:   /meall Smells Item, do I find a strong scent leading to a trail/Direction of travel?

Suspect:  /meall You find a trail that leads westbound along the trail.

Once the tracking is initiated the officer will make a call over RTO to announce this. Units should then back off to allow as much opportunity as possible to track the scent. The more people in the area the harder and less likely it is to find a successful scent and follow it. 

It is important to recognize certain obstacles which will throw off the scent and prevent possible further tracking. This includes things like a River. If a suspect crosses a river the scent will go cold, you can re-attempt to pick it up on the other side. High traffic may also become overwhelming for the canine and make it very hard to stick to the main scent, this is important to note in highly populated areas as it narrows down time to deploy, within 5 or so minutes the scent may have dissipated. Time is a crucial aspect of tracking, a fresh trail gives a strong opportunity, whilst an old trail gives little to no opportunity.

If you are able to find and locate the suspect, you should request backup if not already on scene.

You must verbally warn the suspect if they do not stop/comply the dog will be released like so:

“Sir/ma’am If you do not comply the dog will be released and you will be bitten!”

You are to issue a minimum of three warnings before releasing your canine.

If the subject is still noncompliant and fleeing, you may release your canine to apprehend the suspect. Your canine will take the suspect down and then it is your job to move in as quickly as possible and secure the suspect before issuing a “Let go” command to your dog. It is likely that the suspect will obtain some relatively severe puncture/bite wounds which should be treated as soon as possible. This falls under our care and is clQ assed as Basic Life Support, for this you can use the advanced first aid kit as it contains antiseptic dressings. At this point, you should give a positive reward to your canine to reinforce this behavior. You should then take your dog and place him back in your vehicle. At this point you have done your job, Medical should be done and the suspect MUST visit medical professionals and be treated. Primary can then pick the suspect up and book him appropriately. 

Evidence is self-explanatory, you should not issue commands to the objects. Once the canine has alerted on the evidence (Sits down, or stands still with their snout facing the evidence) you are to order them to “Leave” or “Stand Down”, You should then make a fuss of your canine and give a positive reward to reinforce and encourage them. Request 32s if needed, before bagging the evidence and making your way back to your patrol vehicle.