NCJ Number
199770
Journal
Police: The Law Enforcement Magazine Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2003 Pages: 64,66,69
Date Published
March 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Since many criminals are using attack dogs as weapons, police officers must know how to counter dog attacks.
Abstract
Pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, and other attack dogs have become part of the street criminal's arsenal. They pose a real danger to police officers. Officers can control a dog attack, but attempting to turn and run, although perhaps a first instinct, only invites the dog to pursue and attack when an officer is not in a defensive position. Running is only the best option when it is clear that the safety of the cruiser can be reached before the dog reaches the officer. In stopping an attacking dog, the officer should face the animal squarely and lower the body's center of gravity by bending the knees; yell at the dog and spray it with oleoresin capsicum (OC). If possible to do so safely, shoot the dog before it can bite. If the dog cannot be safely shot, control the attack by making the dog bite your weak-side arm so the stronger arm will be free to reach for and use the gun; do everything possible to stay upright. With the dog occupied in biting the weak-side arm, shoot the dog in the chest or shoulder until it releases its grip.