• If you are on a traffic stop and think that there may be narcotics and/or firearms involved you can run your K-9 around the vehicle - you do not need reasonable suspicion to use your K9 - You use your K9 to get reasonable suspicion to Search.

• You would go back to your vehicle and get your canine out, before guiding him/her around the vehicle allow a few seconds in each main area to allow sufficient opportunity for detection. If the K-9 alerts on the vehicle (Sits down looking at one spot or barking at spot ) you should search the vehicle. Consent is not needed as you have probable cause. Once your canine has done its job you can take them back to the vehicle and put them back in the cage/kennel. 

• You should have an additional on scene if performing a search to control the suspect, allowing you to safely work with your dog.

• All of this would be done in chat like so:

• Handler:  /me Runs K-9 around the vehicle, does he/she alert?

• Suspect:  /me The K-9 alerts to the rear passenger door.

• K-9: **Walks around vehicle sniffing until they reach the above spot and alerts**

• If the Suspect replies with this:

• Suspect:  /me The K-9 does not alert to anything.

• You should take your K-9 back to the vehicle and put him/her away in the cage/kennel. You should then continue and end your traffic stop no different than usual.

• Do keep in mind that it is unlikely that your dog will alert on very small amounts of narcotics, gunpowder. and/or explosives

Searching buildings / a set perimeter follows mostly the same principles.

When a K-9 unit arrives on scene they will contact the primary unit for a 73. This should include the following information:

• Nature of the call

• If officers are inside the building/perimeter

• If a clear perimeter is set

• If there are possible weapons involved

When a K-9 officer is going into a building or perimeter to search for someone they must have a non-canine officer with them. This officer will provide cover and support for the canine unit who will be occupied commanding his canine on or off leash.

Before entering the building, the handle will take necessary steps to ensure the safety of any suspects/victims that may be inside. This should include keeping the K-9 on a leash when possible, as well as maintaining visible contact when possible.

When you enter a building you should be making your presence known to any occupants whether they are suspects or victims. This can be done like so:

“**LSPD/BCSO** K-9, Make yourself known or the K-9 will be released!”

This may need to be done using /shout if it's a large area/building.

You must identify yourself at least 3 times before releasing your canine.

You should continue to make sure your cover officer is still on you and able to follow the commands you give as you progress through the building/area. You can release your K-9 once you have entered the building and established a safe space. You should do your best to keep your dog in your sight and follow him/her when possible.

If your canine is off-leash, and they find someone, they can indicate this audibly or via /me like so:

K-9:  /me Barking and growling audible from down the hallway

• This should not be specific as sound echos and bounces off walls, etc.

• Searching persons is very simple!
  
  you follow the same stages as mentioned above when searching vehicles.
  - You do require an additional unit to control the suspect giving you a safe workspace.
  You retrieve your canine, and have the suspect stand still whilst detained. You then guide your canine around the suspect on foot, at a decent pace. If they sit down and alert you have probable cause to search the suspect.
  
  You should then take your canine back to the car, reward his/hers positive behaviour and put him/her in the kennel.
  You can then continue, perform a search and continue from there making an arrest if necessary.