NCJ Number
124541
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1990) Pages: 79-82
Date Published
1990
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidelines for police administrators in their management of K-9 sections.
Abstract
Managers should join K-9 associations, which typically provide resource material, seminars, statistical research, technical assistance, and police dog trials. Valuable information for K-9 section managers can be obtained from riding with dog handlers from other departments, consulting officers that manage other dog sections, and riding with handlers from their own departments. Actively soliciting information on handler needs not only improves a section's functioning, but also lifts morale. Administrators must respect that K-9 work requires a bonding between dogs and their handlers. The rotating of dogs to new handlers every few years undermines this bonding process. Fresh dogs should receive fresh handlers, and handlers and their dogs should remain together until one or the other leaves the department. Where possible, assign a specific vehicle to each team. This will help prevent the spread of any communicable disease among the dogs. Departmental budgets should include training opportunities for both handlers and dogs. Managers should expect to pay at least $1,500 for the quality of dog required to pass the regimens of police training. Cheaper dogs that require extensive training can end up costing more. Departments should set minimum standards for dog teams.