NCJ Number
197364
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 71 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 14-17
Date Published
October 2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article looks at how the social perception of police canines, and specifically the use of ballistic armor by the canines, has been shaped by the news media.
Abstract
The authors begin by describing an account of a police canine who was killed in the line of duty. The media reported on this incident, which garnered public support and concern for police canines. After the story of this canine ran in the papers, a 14-year-old girl in California organized a program to fund the purchase of protective vests for police canines. The authors explain research that revealed how, over the course of several years, the media reported accounts of police canines that both framed the canines in a sympathetic manner and put forth the notion that police canines should wear protective vests to keep them safe during duty. However, the authors point out that no studies have been conducted showing that these protective vests save canine lives. In fact, the authors show how a protective vest may place the canine in greater danger. The authors urge police departments to use caution when accepting donations for the funding of canine protective vests. The police department personnel should rely on research to make an informed decision, rather than relying on the accounts put forth by the media.