CHAPTER: 41.

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NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT

OPERATIONS MANUAL

CHAPTER: 41.22

TITLE: CANINE

EFFECTIVE: 08/23/2015
REVISED: 12/06/2015, 04/01/2018

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Chapter is to regulate the use of NOPD canines. It sets out the duties and
responsibilities of supervisors and canine handlers for use, approval, and deployment of
Department canines. The use of canines requires adherence to procedures that control their
use of force potential and that direct their specialized capabilities into legally acceptable crime
detection, prevention, and control activities.

POLICY STATEMENT

1. A police canine is primarily a locating tool, using its extraordinary olfactory skills to find a
concealed subject. The use of the canine as a force tool, that is to bite a suspect at the
time the suspect is located, may or may not be necessary or justified.

2. When a canine is used in an attempt to apprehend a suspect, it is an instrumentality of

force and shall only be used consistent with Chapter 1.3 – Use of Force, applicable
laws, and current professional standards as set out in this Chapter. Chapter 1.3 – Use
of Force requires that officers shall use the minimum amount of force that the
objectively reasonable officer would use in light of the circumstances to effectively bring
an incident or person under control, while protecting the lives of the member or others.
As applied to canines, the reasonable-necessity standard means a dog bite is justifiable,
lawful force if and only if the threat to officers or the public is serious—the need for
force must be sufficient to justify the injury of a dog bite.

3. Canine teams will be trained and will demonstrate proficiency such that the handler has
total control over the canine’s actions.

DEFINITIONS

Apprehension—Apprehension shall mean the arrest, capture, or taking into custody of a

person.

Bite—Physical contact between a canine’s teeth and a person or animal. This physical contact
does not need to result in broken or punctured skin to be a bite.

Canine Apprehension—Where articulated facts demonstrate that a canine played a clear role
in the capture of a person. The mere presence of a canine at the scene of an arrest shall not
count as a canine apprehension.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 2 of 18

Canine Bite Ratio—The number of canine apprehensions that result in a bite, divided by the
number of canine apprehensions. Accidental and/or unintentional bites shall be included in the
numerator.

Canine Deployment—Any situation, except one involving an on-leash article search only, in
which a canine is brought to the scene and used in an attempt to locate or apprehend a
suspect, whether or not a suspect actually is located or apprehended. This includes all
instances in which a canine is removed from the police car; or when a suspect gives up
immediately after an announcement is made that if the suspect does not surrender, the canine
will be released; or when a canine search is conducted in an effort to apprehend a suspect.

Canine Handler—A sworn member of the Department who has been certified by the
Department’s canine trainer as meeting all requirements of the Department’s canine certification
program.

Canine Trainer—A member of the Department who possesses a current Master K9 Trainer
certification from a nationally recognized police canine trainer certification association.

Contact—For purposes of this Chapter, contact shall mean an actual physical touching of a
person or a person’s clothing by the canine during a Canine Deployment. This does not include
controlled training, public exhibitions or casual touching by officers or members of the canine
handler’s family. A contact is considered a Level 3 use of force for reporting purposes.

Crime of Violence—A felony involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious bodily
injury or death.

Non-Tactical Use of Canine—The non-aggressive work of a canine when used to search for
evidence or missing persons, to guard buildings or equipment, or to detect human remains.

Serious Felony—An offense that has, as an element, the use, attempted use, or threatened
use of physical force against the person or property of another, and that, by its very nature,
involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be
used in the course of committing the offense or an offense that involves the possession or use
of a dangerous weapon. See R.S. 14:2 (B) for list of crimes that would be a serious felony.

Serious Use of Force—Includes the following: (a) all uses of lethal force by an NOPD officer;
(b) all critical firearm discharges by an NOPD officer; (c) all uses of force by an NOPD officer
resulting in serious physical injury or requiring hospitalization; (d) all neck holds; (e) all uses of
force by an NOPD officer resulting in a loss of consciousness; (f) all canine bites; (g) more than
two applications of an CEW. on an individual during a single interaction, regardless of the mode
or duration of the application, and whether the applications are by the same or different officers,
or CEW application for longer than 15 seconds, whether continuous or consecutive, and; (h)
any strike, blow, kick, CEW application or similar use of force against a handcuffed subject

Tactical Deployment of Canine—An on- or off-leash search for a suspect conducted by a

canine team in an effort to apprehend a suspect. Off-leash searches for suspects may only be
conducted when the suspect is wanted for a crime of violence or is reasonably suspected to
be armed based upon individualized information specific to the subject, conducted by a canine
team in an effort to apprehend a suspect.

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF CANINES

4. A handler shall be available for call-out under conditions specified by the Canine Unit
Commander.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 3 of 18

5. Police canines are a multi‑functional asset that may be used in appropriate

circumstances to assist officers in the search for criminal suspects; the detection and
location of narcotics and/or explosives; and the location of missing adults or juveniles.
Because of their potential to bite, the use of canines by this Department requires
adherence to procedures that properly control their use of force potential and that
channel their specialized capabilities into legally acceptable activities.

DEPLOYING A CANINE

6. Each deployment of a canine must be approved by the canine unit supervisor (sergeant
or higher), a specially trained SOD supervisor or, if none of those supervisors are
available, by a platoon commander prior to deployment. The only exception to the
requirement that supervisor approval be obtained prior to a canine deployment is under
exigent circumstances when the handler is unable to contact a supervisor and, using
sound judgment, deems it necessary to deploy the canine to protect himself or herself,
other police officers, or citizens, from an immediate threat of serious bodily injury.
However, a supervisor shall be notified at the first practicable moment. In such
circumstances, the handler will provide a detailed explanation of the exigency in his/her
deployment report.

7. Off-leash canine deployments, searches, and other instances when there is an

increased risk of a canine bite to a suspect shall be restricted to instances in which the
suspect is wanted for a crime of violence and the suspect poses an imminent danger of
death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to another person.

8. Off-leash tactical canine deployments, searches, and other instances in which there
is an increased risk of a canine bite shall be used only in instances in which the suspect
is wanted for a crime of violence as defined in this Chapter or is reasonably suspected
to be armed based upon individualized information specific to the subject. Officers are
not authorized to deploy a canine off leash in order to subdue a suspect who presents
no imminent threat of death or serious injury. Off-leash tactical deployment of a canine is
never authorized for the protection of property.

9. On-leash tactical deployments may be authorized:

(a) To locate, apprehend or control suspects in instances in which the suspect is
wanted for a felony, e.g., a burglary where the suspect is concealed; OR
(b) When the behavior of the suspect who is fleeing otherwise involves conduct that
presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to the officer or others.

10. For all tactical uses of a canine to locate a suspect, the canine shall be called off at the
instant that a suspect no longer poses a threat.

11. Canines shall not be used to apprehend suspects known to be juveniles who also pose
no immediate threat of serious injury to the officer or others.

12. Canines may be employed in non-tactical, non-aggressive work such as searching for:
(a) Missing persons;
(b) Evidence, narcotics, explosives or other contraband; or
(c) Human remains.

ALLOWING A CANINE TO BITE

13. Canine handlers will only allow their canines to bite a suspect if:
(a) the suspect’s actions pose a risk of imminent danger to the handler or others;
(b) the suspect’s actions pose a risk of serious harm to the canine; or
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 4 of 18

(c) the suspect is exhibiting aggressive resistance as defined in Chapter 1.3 – Use
of Force. (Aggressive resistance does not include concealment and refusal to
surrender without more);

AND

(d) the handler is in visual and auditory range of a suspect, except when the suspect
is hiding in a confined space (e.g., a crawl space) and refuses to surrender or is
escaping.

14. Handlers will not allow their canine to engage a suspect by biting if a lower level of force
could reasonably be expected to control the suspect or allow for the apprehension.

TACTICAL USE OF CANINE TEAMS

TACTICAL USE - REQUESTS FOR USE OF CANINE

15. Personnel within the Department are encouraged to freely request the use of the
canines. When a canine team is requested, the on-scene officers shall:
(a) Secure the perimeter of the area to be searched and clear the area of civilians;
(b) Request the canine unit through the dispatcher;
(c) Request his/her supervisor respond to the scene;
(d) Refrain from entering the area or any structure to be searched;
(e) Provide the canine handler with sufficient reasonable suspicion to lead him/her
to believe a crime of violence or serious felony has been committed and the
person being sought is the perpetrator, including:
i. The nature of the crime the subject is wanted for;
ii. A detailed description of the wanted subject including age, gender, race,
physical characteristics, and clothing;
iii. Whether the suspect is armed or unarmed;
iv. Whether the suspect has displayed violent behavior; and
v. All other information known about the subject and the area to be searched.
(f) Keep radio traffic to a minimum during the canine search; and
(g) Refrain from excessive use of lights during a canine search to avoid exposing
the canine team's position or placing the canine team in jeopardy.

TACTICAL USE - DEPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

16. A canine handler shall have approval from a canine supervisor (sergeant or higher) or
in the absence of a canine supervisor, an SOD supervisor who has received
specialized training from the canine unit supervisor on deployment authorization criteria
prior to deployment. If the handler is unable to contact a canine unit or SOD supervisor,
the handler shall obtain approval from the district platoon commander before the canine
can be deployed.

17. Upon receiving a request to approve a canine deployment, the approving supervisor
shall respond to the scene and consult with the handler and other officers on the scene
before making the decision to approve the deployment. Authorization can only be given
after the supervisor has been briefed on all the available information needed to make
such a decision. In making the decision to approve the deployment, including whether
to authorize the deployment to be off-leash, the approving supervisor shall:
(a) Make an assessment of the facts provided by the requesting officer and
determine if there is reasonable suspicion or probable cause to believe a
serious felony or crime of violence has been committed and the person being
sought is the perpetrator;
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 5 of 18

(b) Consider the severity of the crime, taking into account that off-leash deployment
is prohibited except when the suspect is wanted for a crime of violence as
defined in this Chapter or is reasonably suspected to be armed;
(c) Consider the age of the suspect (the subject’s perceived age shall be
determined by gathering as much information as possible from officers and/or
witnesses who observed the subject’s physical characteristics, height, weight,
etc.);
(d) Determine whether the suspect is or may be armed;
(e) Consider whether the suspect has displayed violent behavior, taking into
account that off-leash deployment is prohibited except when the suspect is
wanted for a crime of violence or is reasonably suspected to be armed.
(f) Recognize that mere flight alone is insufficient under NOPD Chapter 1.3 – Use
of Force or this Chapter to allow canine deployment.
(g) Ensure that the search area perimeter has been secured.
(h) Assess the likelihood that innocent civilians are located within the secured area.
(i) Consider the potential for injury to officers or the public caused by the suspect if
the canine is not utilized.
(j) Attempt to ascertain if the subject has Limited English Proficiency and, if
necessary, obtain language assistance to give the “canine warning”.
(k) Ensure the handler is thoroughly briefed on all known information.
(l) If authorizing deployment, make clear whether the authorization is for an on- or
off-leash deployment.

TACTICAL USE - SCENE MANAGEMENT

18. An NOPD supervisor shall be on scene when the canine unit starts a search on an
apprehension call.

19. The approving supervisor must have Canine Authorization Training from the NOPD
Canine Unit before he/she can approve a canine apprehension deployment.

20. If an outside law enforcement agency (not NOPD) is requesting the use of an NOPD
canine unit within Orleans Parish and the Canine Unit supervisor is not available, an
NOPD supervisor from the District where the search is taking place shall be responsible
for on scene management within the guidelines of this Chapter and all required reports
relating to use of force, if applicable. The search shall not commence without an NOPD
supervisor on scene.

21. The requesting unit’s supervisor shall:

(a) Ensure that the canine handler has been fully briefed;
(b) Ensure that a perimeter has been established around the area to be searched;
(c) Ensure that the area to be searched has been vacated by all uninvolved
civilians and police personnel; and
(d) Attempt to determine if there are any animals present in the area to be
searched.

TACTICAL USE - CANINE HANDLER DEPLOYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

TACTICAL USE - PRIOR APPROVAL NECESSARY

22. Prior to any tactical deployment of a canine, the canine handler shall obtain approval
from the canine supervisor, a trained SOD supervisor or, if neither is available, the
platoon commander of the district wherein the deployment is requested. The canine
handler will thoroughly brief the approving supervisor, providing all available
information.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 6 of 18

23. The canine handler shall, when the use of a canine is requested, activate his/her body
worn camera and obtain a thorough briefing from the Department member requesting
the canine deployment, to include but not limited to:
(a) A description of the facts and circumstances that justify taking the wanted
subject into custody;
(b) A detailed description of the wanted subject including age, gender, race,
physical characteristics, and clothing;
(c) The subject's actual or perceived age (i.e. whether the subject is or may be a
juvenile). The subject’s perceived age shall be determined by gathering as much
information as possible from officers and/or witnesses who observed the subject’s
physical characteristics height, weight, etc.);
(d) Whether the subject poses imminent threat or violence to others;
(e) The severity of the crime;
(f) Whether the subject is armed;
(g) Whether there is reason to believe the subject may not speak or understand
English;
(h) Any potential danger to the public and/or other officers at the scene if the
canine is released;
(i) The degree of resistance or threatened resistance communicated or shown by
the subject;
(j) The potential for escape or flight if the canine is not utilized;
(k) Whether innocent civilians may be located in the search or apprehension area;
and
(l) Whether the area perimeter is secure.

TACTICAL USE - CANINE WARNING ANNOUNCEMENT

24. Prior to all canine deployments, the handler shall:

(a) Ensure his/her body-worn camera is activated before the warning is given and
before deployment of the canine;
(b) Notify the Communications Section on the primary dispatch talk group for the
District in which the deployment is taking place of the imminent deployment of
the canine so that all officers in the area are aware of the deployment. The
dispatcher shall announce the time over the radio. The unit and time of the
announcement shall be documented by the dispatcher in the call history;
(c) Unless warnings impose an imminent threat of danger to the canine handler or
other officers on scene, issue three (3) loud and clear warnings that a canine will
be deployed and advise the suspect to surrender. For example: “Warning, a
police canine will be used to search this (area to be searched), if you don’t come
out, I will release my dog. If approached by the dog, surrender and remain still”;
(d) Obtain prior approval from a supervisor for any unannounced search, and
document the reasons for not giving a warning and the name of the approving
supervisor in his/her deployment report;
(e) Where there is reason to believe that a suspect may not speak or understand
English, where practicable, obtain language assistance in giving the mandated
canine warning. The handler shall announce the warning in English, Spanish and
Vietnamese.
(f) Provide a reasonable amount of time for innocent civilians, other members, and
the suspect to come out before commencing with the search.
(g) Whether or not there is an apprehension, document in the deployment report and
any related incident report whether a verbal canine warning was given and, if
none was given, the reasons why.

TACTICAL USE - CONDUCT DURING DEPLOYMENT

 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 7 of 18

25. Whenever possible, two canine handlers should respond to any request for a canine.
When two handlers respond to a request for a service, the primary handler shall search
with his/her canine and the secondary handler shall act as backup without his/her
canine. If a question arises as to which handler shall be primary, the approving
supervisor shall designate the primary handler.

26. When the duration of the search, the size of the area or weather conditions dictate,
canine teams may be rotated out as needed and determined by the handler(s) or the
supervisor.

27. The canine handler should make every reasonable effort to communicate and coordinate
with other involved personnel to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

28. The canine handler shall keep his/her canine within visual and auditory range during
deployments at all times, except when the canine clears a threshold (e.g., rounding a
corner, entering a room, ascending/descending a stairwell).

29. Canine handlers shall allow their canines to engage a suspect by biting only if:
(a) The suspect’s actions pose a risk of imminent danger to the handler or others;
the suspect’s actions pose a risk of serious harm to the canine; or the suspect is
exhibiting aggressive resistance as defined in NOPD Chapter 1.3 – Use of
Force. (Aggressive resistance does not include concealment and refusal to
surrender without more); and
(b) The handler is in visual and auditory range of a suspect, except when the
suspect is hiding in a confined space (e.g., a crawl space) and refuses to
surrender or is escaping.
(c) Handlers will not allow their canine to engage a suspect by biting if a lower level
of force could reasonably be expected to control the suspect or allow for the
apprehension.

30. When a canine apprehends a suspect by biting, the handler shall call the canine off
at the first moment the canine can be safely released, considering that the average
person will struggle if seized or confronted by a canine. The handler shall order the dog
to release the bite immediately after it is determined that the suspect is unarmed,
regardless of whether the suspect is struggling with the dog.

31. Once the individual has been located and no longer reasonably appears to represent
a threat or risk of escape, the canine should be secured as soon as it becomes
reasonably practical.

TACTICAL USE - CANINE BITES – MEDICAL ATTENTION

32. Whenever an individual sustains a canine bite, the handler or an on-scene officer shall
immediately contact an NOPD dispatcher to request Emergency Medical Services
response. If EMS determines that additional medical attention is required, the individual
shall be transported to a medical facility for treatment.

TACTICAL USE - REPORTING AND INVESTIGATING CANINE DEPLOYMENTS

33. Whenever a canine request results in a deployment, the requesting officer shall ensure
an incident report is prepared explaining the circumstances leading up to the request for
the assistance of the canine, including a description of the actions of the wanted subject
that constituted reasonable suspicion or probable cause to arrest the subject.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 8 of 18

34. Whenever a canine is deployed, a canine handler will prepare a Deployment Report
and/or Patrol Data Deployment Report and submit it to the canine unit supervisor before
going off-duty. The item number of the report prepared by the requesting officer and the
name of supervisor approving the deployment shall be documented in the report.

35. If the canine was used for tracking or searching for a suspect, that fact should be noted
in the report. When a canine is involved or on the scene, apprehension may be
described as:
(a) With Contact – when the canine physically made contact with the subject.
(Contact is a Level 3 use of force for reporting purposes.)
(b) Without Contact – when the articulated facts demonstrate that the presence or
use of the canine was instrumental in the apprehension or surrender of the
subject but no contact was made.

36. In all apprehensions when there is canine contact, visible injury to a suspect or a
complaint of injury, whether or not a bite occurred, the on-scene supervisor will
immediately notify PIB/FIT. The requirements set out in Chapter 1.3.6 – Reporting and
Investigating Use of Force shall be followed.

37. A canine deployment resulting in a bite is considered a serious use of force and a Level
4 reportable use of force. All serious use of force shall be investigated by PIB FIT.

38. A canine deployment resulting in an apprehension without contact is a Level 2 reportable

use of force. In all deployments resulting in an apprehension, the supervisor will ensure
a Use of Force Tracking number is obtained and entered on all related documents. The
supervisor will conduct a use-of-force investigation in compliance with Chapter 1.3.6.

39. For each canine apprehension, the involved handler and all witness officers, which
includes the officer requesting the use of the canine, shall complete a Force Statement
before the end of shift. In addition to the information that must be included in all Force
Statements, a canine handler's narrative documenting a canine apprehension shall
include the following:
(a) The name of the approving supervisor;
(b) The item number assigned to the body-worn camera video and any other
associated item numbers;
(c) Whether the deployment was on- or off-leash;
(d) Whether there was contact between the canine and the subject, including contact
with the subject's clothing;
(e) Whether the canine was on or off leash at the time of apprehension;
(f) A description of where the subject was located;
(g) Documentation of the duration of the canine's contact with a subject;
(h) The approximate distance of the canine from the handler at time of
apprehension;
(i) The description of any injuries received by the suspect;
(j) The description of the circumstances leading up to the decision to deploy the
canine; and
(k) A description of the canine release and securing of the canine.

40. The supervisor of the Canine Unit, with input from the canine trainer, shall evaluate each
canine deployment for compliance with this Chapter, state and federal law, and
document this evaluation in a written report in accordance with this Chapter.
(a) The report shall be forwarded to the Commander of the Special Operations
Division for review and approval. Any issues identified in the report and the
recommended corrections, by either the reviewing supervisor of canine or by the
Commander of SOD, shall be noted and addressed in an interoffice
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 9 of 18

correspondence and forwarded to the Deputy Chief of the Field Operation

Bureau, within two weeks from the date of the deployment.
(b) The supervisor of the Canine Unit will obtain, review and attach all
documentation associated with the deployment, including, but not limited to, the:
i. Deployment Report;
ii. Force Statement(s), if required;
iii. Offense Report(s); and
iv. Arrest Report(s).

41. In the event of an unintentional and/or accidental canine bite not in conjunction with a
canine deployment, whether on or off duty, the canine handler shall summon his/her
supervisor/commander to the scene, request immediate medical treatment, and forward
a written report in accordance with this Chapter.

42. Canines controlled by police officers are exempt from regulatory action relating to bites.
Canines used by law enforcement agencies are generally exempt from impoundment
and reporting requirements to the animal control department. The canine unit trainer will
liaise with the animal control department to ensure that information regarding canine
bites is not retained by its office.

43. Canine Bite Ratios shall be calculated by the Commander of the Canine Unit and
reported to PIB to be included as an element of the Early Warning System and the
departments Use of Force Annual Report.

NON-TACTICAL DEPLOYMENTS OF CANINES

NON-TACTICAL USE - NARCOTIC DETECTION CANINES

44. NOPD may use a narcotic-detection trained canine in accordance with this Chapter,
Chapter 1.2.4 – Search & Seizure, Chapter 1.2.4.1 – Stops / Terry Stops, and
Chapter 1.2.4.2 – Search Warrant Content, Forms and Reviews, and current search
and seizure laws under the following circumstances:
(a) To assist in the search for narcotics during a search warrant service;
(b) Where reasonable suspicion exists, to use the detection canine in support of
probable cause to obtain a search warrant; and
(c) To search vehicles, buildings, bags and any other articles as deemed necessary,
when probable cause supports the search.

45. Using a narcotic detection-trained canine to search a person for narcotics is prohibited.

NON-TACTICAL USE - BOMB/EXPLOSIVE DETECTION CANINES

46. The use of a trained explosive detection canine team may be warranted due to the high
risk of danger to the public and officers. NOPD may use a trained explosive detection
canine team in accordance with NOPD search and seizure Chapters and current search
and seizure laws under the following circumstances:
(a) On all bomb/explosive detection requests, department Explosive Ordinance
Disposal (EOD) personnel must be notified to respond to the scene prior to the
canine explosive detection team conducting any sweeps to:
1. Assist in the search of a building, structure, area, vehicle or article where
an actual or suspected explosive device has been reported or located;
2. Conduct preventive searches at locations such as special events, VIP
visits, official buildings and other restricted areas as approved by the
Field Operations Deputy Superintendent or the Superintendent of Police;
3. Assist with searches at transportation facilities and vehicles (e.g., buses,
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 10 of 18

airplanes and trains) as approved by the Field Operations Deputy

Superintendent or the Superintendent of Police; and
4. Assist in the search of scenes where an explosion has occurred for an
explosive device or parts thereof, or search of area where a secondary
explosive device is suspected.

(b) At no time shall a detection canine be used to render a suspected device safe or
clear.

NON-TACTICAL USE - GUIDELINES FOR NON-APPREHENSION/CONTRABAND

DETECTION USE

47. Because canines have senses far superior to those of humans, they may be
effectively utilized to track or search for non-criminals (e.g., lost children, individuals
who may be disoriented or in need of medical attention). Only canines trained
specifically for this purpose (e.g., rescue dogs) shall be utilized in such circumstances.

CANINE UNIT SERGEANT RESPONSIBILITIES

48. The sergeant who supervises the canine unit shall have significant knowledge and
experience with police canine operations. He/she shall not be assigned as a handler.

49. The canine sergeant shall:

(a) Be available to the extent possible to respond to the scene and review requests
for canine deployments, ensuring compliance with all requirements for
deployment set out in this Chapter.
(b) Review all canine-related reports to ensure compliance with this Chapter and to
identify training issues and other needs of the program;
(c) Closely review every canine apprehension that results in a bite for tactical and
behavioral deficiencies, ensuring that closer supervision and remedial training
are provided when needed;
(d) Liaise with administrative staff and functional supervisors;
(e) Ensure the canine teams are scheduled for continuous training to maximize the
capabilities of the teams;
(f) Ensure that certified teams maintain performance standards as outlined in the
New Orleans Police Department’s canine unit's training manual;
(g) Conduct periodic inspection of canine handler's at-home kennels, yards and
homes.
(h) Disseminate any and all canine equipment including kennels, and collecting
same upon the handlers exit out of the unit;
(i) Oversee the procurement of needed equipment and services for the unit;
(j) Assist in the selection process of selective handlers; and
(k) Provide specialized training to all SOD supervisors and district watch
commanders who are authorized to approve canine deployments in his absence.
1. The training shall be conducted annually.
2. A lesson plan shall be prepared and maintained on file at the Education
and Training Division.
3. Records of attendance at the training session shall be maintained by the
Education and Training Division.

TRAINING

CANINE TEAM TRAINING

50. This Chapter, the Canine Unit SOP and Training Manual are designed to ensure that the
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 11 of 18

handler and canine are trained to the point at which the handler can demonstrate total
control over the canine’s actions.

51. Canine teams shall be trained and certified in accordance with the training standards set
forth by the New Orleans Police Department's Canine Unit, in addition to meeting current
recognized national standards. Cross-trained canine teams or those canine teams
trained exclusively for the detection of narcotics and/or explosives shall be trained and
certified to meet a nationally recognized standards established for such detection
canines. Canine teams may not be used outside the scope of their certification.

52. The canine unit trainer shall be responsible for scheduling periodic training for all
Department personnel in order to familiarize them with how to conduct themselves in the
presence of canines. This shall include training to District supervisors as to pre-
deployment considerations for canine use as enumerated under this Chapter.

CANINE UNIT TRAINER RESPONSIBILITIES

53. Trainer Selection and Qualifications

(a) The canine unit trainer shall be selected by the commander of the Special
Operations Bureau with input from the supervisor of the canine unit.
(b) He/she shall possess a current certification as a canine instructor from a
nationally recognized police canine training association.

54. The canine trainer is responsible for managing the canine training program, including,
but not limited to:
(a) Reviewing all canine related reports for compliance with this Chapter and to
identify training issues and other needs of the program;
(b) Closely reviewing every canine apprehension that results in a bite for handler
tactical deficiencies and canine behavioral deficiencies, ensuring that remedial
training is provided as necessary;
(c) Maintaining, recording, and tracking each canine handler's training records,
certifications, health, and canine activities;
(d) Reviewing of all canine training logs;
(e) Ensuring that certified teams maintain performance standards as outlined in the
New Orleans Police Department’s Canine Unit SOP/ Training Manual;
(f) Training prospective canines and handlers to meet the performance standards
and ensure that all teams are certified;
(g) Recommending and overseeing the procurement of needed equipment and
services for the unit;
(h) Assisting in the scheduling canine-related activities;
(i) Assisting in the selection process of selective handlers;
(j) Testing and selecting prospective canines for use by the department;
(k) Training of new personnel and canines within the canine unit;
(l) Retraining of handlers and their canines;
(m) Taking inventory and safekeeping of all training equipment;
(n) Assisting in the selection process of selective handlers; and
(o) Maintaining custody and control of the controlled substances and explosive
training aides as set forth in this Chapter.

CONTINUED TRAINING

55. Each canine team shall be recertified to current nationally recognized standards on an
annual basis. Additional training considerations are as follows:
(a) Canine handlers and supervisors shall receive annual training on Chapter 1.3 –
Use of Force and this Chapter;
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 12 of 18

(b) Canine teams shall receive annual training on current nationally recognized
standards;
(c) Canine teams shall participate in weekly training sessions provided by the unit’s
canine trainer and monitored by the canine unit supervisor; records of the
exercises covered during each training session shall be maintained by the unit;
(d) Canines and their handlers shall receive a minimum of 16 hours of training every
four weeks;
(e) Canine teams shall demonstrate, to the canine trainer, their compliance with the
Unit’s performance training standards on a quarterly basis;
(f) Canine handlers, with approval of the canine unit trainer, are encouraged to
engage in additional training;
(g) To ensure that all training is consistent, no handler is authorized to train to a
standard that is not reviewed and approved by the canine trainer;
1. All canine training shall be conducted while on-duty unless otherwise
approved by the canine unit trainer or Canine Unit Commander;
2. SOD supervisors shall receive annual training to prepare them for making
canine deployment decisions; this training shall be coordinated through
the Education and Training Division and delivered by canine unit staff;
and
3. All NOPD supervisors shall receive training during the regular annual in-
service training program on factors to consider when approving canine
deployments.

FAILURE TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE TRAINING

56. Any canine team failing to graduate or obtain certification shall not be deployed in the
field for those tasks the team has not been certified to perform until the required
graduation or certification is achieved. No canine team shall be deployed unless its
certification is current.

57. The Canine Unit shall maintain a canine certification program that ensures:
(a) Canines and their handlers have demonstrated control and proficiency in
specific, widely accepted obedience and criminal apprehension exercises.
(b) The trainer shall maintain detailed records of each canine team showing they
have met specific control criteria for each control exercise, and the remedial
training that was provided if a canine team was deficient in any area.
(c) The trainer shall report all training and certification deficiencies to the unit
supervisor. The program shall ensure that canines are certified annually by a
nationally recognized trainer or organization, and that a canine is not deployed
unless its certification is current.

TRAINING RECORDS

58. Each canine handler shall maintain a daily training log consisting of canine activities
(e.g., training, retraining, and in-service classes).

59. The Canine Unit Trainer shall:

(a) Record and track each canine team’s training, certification, and health records,
regardless of whether individual handlers also maintain records.
(b) Maintain records centrally within the administrative office of the Canine Unit;
(c) Periodically review handler training logs;
(d) Track canine deployments and canine apprehensions, calculate and track canine
bite ratios on a monthly basis to assess its canine unit and individual canine
teams and
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 13 of 18

(e) Report canine data and analysis to the Public Integrity Bureau. Canine
deployment data shall be included in NOPD's Use of Force Annual Report.

60. The Canine Supervisor shall review the performance of all canine teams. Interventions
shall be required for any team whose bite ratio exceeds requirements set forth per this
Chapter or Canine Unit SOP/ Training Manual during a six-month period or the entire
unit if the unit's bite ratio exceeds that threshold.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE TRAINING AIDS

61. Controlled substance training aids are required to effectively train and maintain drug
detection canines. Controlled substances can also be an effective training aid during
training sessions for law enforcement personnel and the public.

62. The Superintendent of Police or his/her authorized designee, at his/her discretion, may
authorize an employee to seek a court order to obtain controlled substances from
Central Evidence and Property Section and after testing, to be maintained in the
employee's possession for training purposes consistent with the requirements set out in
this Chapter. This applies to any duly authorized peace officer or civilian drug detection
canine trainer working under the direction of a law enforcement agency provided that:
(a) The controlled substances are no longer needed as criminal evidence, and
(b) The person receiving the controlled substances, if required by the Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA), possesses a current and valid DEA
registration that specifically authorizes the recipient to possess controlled
substances while providing substance abuse training to law enforcement or the
community or while providing canine drug detection training.

63. As an alternative, the Superintendent of Police or the authorized designee may request
narcotics training aids from the DEA by filling out the DEA-225 form at
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE HANDLING PROCEDURES

64. Due to the responsibilities and liabilities involved with possessing readily usable
amounts of controlled substances and the ever-present danger of accidental ingestion of
these controlled substances by the canine, the following procedures shall be strictly
followed:
(a) All necessary controlled substance training samples only shall be acquired, with
the approval of the Superintendent of Police or his/her designee, from the New
Orleans Police Department's Central Evidence and Property Section (CE&P) or
from the DEA. All controlled substance training samples shall be weighed and
tested prior to dispensing to the canine trainer. This shall be done by the NOPD
Scientific Criminal Investigations Section (Crime Lab) and documented in an
interoffice correspondence from the SCIS Drug Chemistry Unit supervisor to the
commander of the canine unit;
(b) The weight and test results shall be recorded and maintained by this Department.
This documentation shall be kept on file at the SCIS and the Canine Unit;
(c) The Canine trainer shall be responsible for receiving approved controlled
substance training samples from CE&P or the DEA, and shall maintain custody
and control of the controlled substances in the Department provided secure
storage safe, and shall keep records regarding any loss of, or damage to, those
controlled substances. The loss or damage of a controlled substance shall be
documented in a Form 105 to the Commanding Officer of SOD, with a copy to
PIB, before the end of the tour of duty in which the loss occurred or is
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 14 of 18

discovered. Any discrepancies in weight shall be documented in the canine

discrepancy report form maintained by the unit commander;
(d) The commander of the canine unit shall ensure that all controlled substance
training samples are inspected, weighed and tested quarterly by the SCIS Drug
Chemistry Unit and documented in an interoffice correspondence from the SCIS
Drug Chemistry Unit supervisor to the commander of the canine unit. This
documentation shall be kept on file at the SCIS and the Canine Unit;
(e) All controlled substance training samples shall be inventoried and properly stored
in accordance with best practices to avoid contamination, loss, or damage. They
shall be stored in separate safes. Each safe shall require 2 different keys to gain
entry. The commander of the canine unit shall have one key and the canine unit
trainer shall have the second key. A logbook shall be kept for each safe noting
the date, time, persons and items removed. It shall be signed by each person
who opens the safe to remove items for training, testing or inventory;
(f) The canine unit trainer shall periodically inspect every controlled substance
training sample for damage or tampering and take any appropriate action. Any
discrepancies shall be documented in the canine discrepancy report form
maintained by the unit commander;
(g) Any unusable controlled substance training samples shall be returned to Central
Evidence and Property or to the dispensing agency for appropriate disposal
along with an interoffice correspondence explaining the history and use of the
returned item. This documentation shall be kept on file at the Central Evidence
and Property Section and the Canine Unit;
(h) All narcotics training aids, when not in use, shall be properly stored in the safe
provided at the canine unit appropriate for the type of materials they contain;
(i) The Commander of SOD, along with the Canine Unit Commander and the
Canine Trainer shall conduct an annual inspection of the safes, logbooks, and all
contents. Special note shall be made to ensure that all the documentation on the
narcotics reflecting their weight and uses is present and that the recording
system and camera(s) function properly. The results of this inspection shall be
forwarded by the Commander of SOD through the chain of command to the
Superintendent. A copy of the report shall be kept on file at the canine unit and
SOD.

EXPLOSIVES TRAINING AIDS

65. Explosives 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 nonhazardous training aids should be employed whenever feasible. The use of
explosives or destructive devices for training aids is subject to the following
requirements:
(a) All explosive training aids, when not in use, shall be properly stored in a secure
facility appropriate for the type of materials they contain;
(b) An inventory ledger shall be maintained to document the type and quantity of
explosives training aids held by the canine unit;
(c) The canine unit sergeant shall be responsible for verifying the explosives training
aids on hand against the inventory ledger once each quarter;
(d) Only members of the canine unit shall have access to the explosives training aid
storage facility; and
(e) A primary and secondary custodian shall be designated to minimize the
possibility of loss of explosives training aids during and after the training.
Generally, the handler will be designated as the primary custodian while the
trainer or second person on-scene will be designated as the secondary
custodian.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 15 of 18

66. Any lost or damaged explosives training aids shall be immediately reported in writing to
the canine unit supervisor and to the Commander of SOD, who will determine if any
further action will be necessary. Any loss of explosives shall immediately be reported to
the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) (R.S. 40:1472.7).

REPORTING INJURIES TO CANINES

67. In the event that a canine is injured, the injury shall be immediately reported to the
Canine Unit Commander.

68. Depending on the severity of the injury, the canine shall either be treated by the
designated veterinarian or transported to a designated emergency medical facility for
treatment. If the canine has a serious medical emergency and the handler and canine
are out of the area of the designated veterinary facilities, the handler may use the
nearest available veterinarian. The handler shall notify the designated and contracted
veterinary facility as soon as possible if this occurs, as well as notify the Canine Unit
Commander.

69. In the event of serious injury or death of a Departmental Canine, all canine handlers and
canine supervisory personnel shall comply with notification procedures set forth in the
Canine Unit SOP/ Training Manual, ensuring that notifications are made to the Field
Operations Deputy Superintendent, PIB Deputy Superintendent and the Superintendent
of Police.

70. The Canine Supervisor shall document the incident via an Electronic Police Report Form
(EPR) within twenty-four hours of the incident.

ASSIGNMENT OF CANINES

71. The canine teams shall be assigned to the Special Operations Division of the Field
Operations Bureau and used to aid and assist all personnel of the New Orleans Police
Department.

72. Canine teams should function primarily as support units. However, they may be
assigned by the Canine Commander to other functions based on the needs of the watch
at the time.

73. Canine teams should not be assigned to handle matters that will take them out of service
for extended periods of time unless necessary and approved by the commander of the
canine unit.

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE FROM OTHER AGENCIES

74. The Commander of the Special Operations Division must approve all requests for canine
assistance from outside agencies subject to the following provisions:
(a) Canine teams shall not be used for any assignment that is not consistent with
this Chapter;
(b) Canine teams shall not be called out while off-duty or used outside the
jurisdiction of the New Orleans Police Department unless authorized; and
(c) It shall be the responsibility of the canine handler to coordinate with outside
agency personnel in order to minimize the risk of unintended injury.

75. Unless directed by the Canine Commander, NOPD shall not request or use the services
of any canine, whether owned by NOPD or any other jurisdiction, unless it first ensures
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 16 of 18

that the canine is controllable and meets the standards required by this Chapter. The
Canine Unit Commander shall document, in any related reports, when a canine from
another jurisdiction is used.

REQUESTS FOR PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS

76. All canine demonstrations shall be subject to authorization from the Deputy
Superintendent for the Field Operations Bureau or Superintendent of Police.

77. Canine demonstrations, when authorized, shall follow this Chapter and Canine Unit
SOP/ Training Manual.

78. Handlers shall not demonstrate any apprehension work to the public unless specifically
authorized to do so by the canine unit trainer.

SELECTION OF CANINE HANDLERS

79. To meet the minimum qualifications for the assignment of canine handler, the handler
shall:
(a) Be a New Orleans Police Department Officer with a minimum of 5 years’
experience as a New Orleans Police Officer;
(b) Have a disciplinary history free of allegations of excessive force;
(c) Comply with use of sick and annual leave;
(d) Have maintained his/her physical fitness and meet the Canine Unit’s physical
agility standards as set out in their SOP;
(e) Have and maintain a single-family residence with a minimum 5 foot high fence,
locking gates and sufficient space for the construction of a department provided
and approved kennel;
(f) Successfully complete all phases of basic handler's course required by the
Canine Unit;
(g) Live within reasonable travel time (as determined by the Commander of the
Special Operations Division) from the New Orleans City limits, in accordance with
the Department’s current domicile regulations; and
(h) Agree to be assigned to the position for a minimum of three years (unless
promoted).

CANINE HANDLER CANINE CARE AND EQUIPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

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

81. The handler’s responsibilities include:

(a) The handler shall not expose the canine to any foreseeable and unreasonable
risk of harm unless required by a particular application;
(b) The handler shall maintain all Department equipment under their control in a
clean and serviceable condition;
(c) When a handler takes approved vacation or extended leave, and is not able to
care for his/her canine, the assigned canine shall be housed/kenneled at the
Canine Unit Compound; the assigned canine vehicle shall be maintained at the
Department canine facility;
(d) Handlers shall permit the canine unit trainer to conduct spontaneous on-site
inspections of affected areas of their residence, as well as the canine unit, to
verify that conditions and equipment conform to this Chapter;
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 17 of 18

(e) Any changes in the living status of the handler that may affect the lodging or
environment of the canine shall be immediately reported to the canine unit trainer
and the Commander of the Canine Unit;
(f) When off duty, canines shall be maintained in kennels provided by the City at the
homes of their handlers; when a canine is kenneled at the handler's home, the
gate shall be secured with a lock; when off-duty, canines may be let out of their
kennels while under the direct control of their handlers;
(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 shall the canine be lodged at another location unless
previously approved by the canine unit trainer or Canine Unit Commander;
(i) When off duty, handlers shall not involve their canines in any activity or conduct
unless approved, in advance, by the canine unit trainer or Canine Unit
Commander;
(j) As soon as practical the canine handler should advise the canine unit trainer or
supervisor of any illness or injury involving his/her assigned canine;
(k) Handlers shall muzzle their canines prior to entering the designated veterinary
facility;
(l) Handlers shall maintain a comfortable ambient temperature for current weather
conditions anytime the canines are in their vehicles; when leaving a canine in the
canine vehicle unattended, the handler shall ensure that the vehicle's heat
sensor unit controls are placed in the proper operating positions; ensure vehicle
is locked and secure; and shall make periodic checks on the canine, and provide
breaks to the canine; and
(m) Handlers shall maintain their physical fitness at all times.

MEDICAL CARE OF THE CANINE

82. Non-emergency medical care of the canine shall be coordinated through the canine unit
trainer.

83. All non-emergency medical attention for the canine shall be rendered by the designated
canine veterinarian.

84. The handler shall report any indication that a canine is not in good physical condition to
the canine unit trainer or the Canine Commander as soon as practicable.

85. The handler shall notify the canine unit trainer as soon as practicable when emergency
medical care for the canine is required.

86. Depending on the severity of the illness or injury, the canine shall either be treated by
the designated veterinarian or transported to a designated emergency medical facility for
treatment. If the handler and canine are out of the area, the handler may use the nearest
available veterinarian. The handler shall notify the designated and contracted veterinary
facility as soon as possible if this occurs, as well as notify the Canine Unit Commander.

CANINES IN PUBLIC AREAS

87. When not specifically deployed pursuant to this Chapter, all canines shall be kept on
leashes when in areas that allow access to the public. Exceptions to this rule would
include specific law enforcement operations for which the canines are trained or
approved demonstrations.

88. Canines shall not be left unattended in any area to which the public may have access.
 CHAPTER: 41.22 Page 18 of 18

89. When the canine unit is left unattended in a vehicle, 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 unit remains habitable for the canine.

90. Handlers shall maintain control over their canines that are in public areas at all times.