K-9 D-340 FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
EFFECTIVE DATE: 08-01-22 REVISED:
AUTHORITY: Sheriff M. Mims APPROVED BY: Assistant Sheriff S. McComas
REFERENCE: California Penal Code Section 597.7; Health and Safety Code Sections
11367.57 121685, and 114259.5; and 21 U.S.C. 823(f).
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the use of canines to augment
contraband searches in the jail facilities.
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that a Canine Team
(comprised of a Correctional Officer Handler and a Narcotic/ESD Detection Canine) shall
be assigned to assist in conducting searches for illegal narcotics and electronic storage
devices (e.g., cell phones, SIM cards, SD cards) in areas both inside and outside the jail
facilities.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that contact between a
canine and any inmate or visitor should be minimal. A canine shall not be used to search
an individual for narcotics or electronic devices unless the canine is trained to passively
indicate the presence of contraband.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that canines shall not be
utilized for any purpose other than narcotic/ESD detection (e.g., cell extractions, escape
details, response to violent incidents, etc.). At no time shall a canine be used to intimidate,
frighten, or psychologically torment any person.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that a narcotic/ESD
detection canine shall not be used for verification of suspected drugs. Such verification
shall be performed in accordance with existing drug testing procedures.
It is the policy of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office Jail Division that requests for searches
other than those conducted pursuant to this policy shall require prior approval from a Jail
Division Bureau Commander.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
PROCEDURES:
I. CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CANINE HANDLER SELECTION
A. The Canine Handler is appointed by and shall serve in that assignment
at the discretion of the Jail Operations Bureau Commander.
B. The Canine Handler must have successfully completed their
probationary period and shall be at the minimum rank of C/O II.
C. For the purpose of Canine Handler selection, the officer must possess
the following minimum qualifications-
1. Maturity, patience, initiative, flexibility, dependability, enthusiasm,
emotional stability, and excellent verbal and written communication
skills.
2. Good physical health and condition in order to properly handle the
dog. Lifting and controlling the dog can be expected during training
exercises and actual operations.
3. Be able to make, minimally, a three (3) year commitment as a Canine
Handler.
4. Reside in an adequately fenced, single-family residence with area for
a canine to exercise (minimum 5-foot high fence with locking gate). If
the residence is not owned by the officer, written permission from the
property owner must be obtained prior to housing the canine at the
location.
5. Be willing to devote time to the daily care and maintenance training of
the canine.
6. Possess and maintain an excellent driving record.
7. Perform in an exemplary manner at all times.
8. Be willing to be "on call" and available to work with limited notice.
D. Canine Handler candidates shall be screened by an interview board that
may include a review of the candidate's Bureau File, Training File,
Department Personnel File, driving history, attendance records, and
other personnel-related items as deemed appropriate.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
E. The Canine Handler interview board shall consist of a minimum of two
(2) Correctional Sergeants and one (1) Lieutenant.
F. The recommendation for appointment shall be given to the Jail
Operations Bureau Commander by the interview board.
II. CANINE EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS
A. All food, cleaning supplies, and items necessary for home care of the
canine shall be provided by the Sheriff's Office and maintained at the
Canine Handler's residence.
B. It shall be the responsibility of the Canine Handler to maintain all required
and issued equipment in good repair and bring all applicable equipment
to duty and training sessions.
[Refer to Addendum A for a list of issued equipment.]
C. The Canine Handler shall be issued one (1) canine-equipped unmarked
transportation vehicle (to be serviced and repaired by Fleet Services).
The Canine Handler must conform to all rules and regulations pertaining
to take-home vehicles.
1. The issued vehicle shall be operated under the provisions of Sheriff's
Office Policies and Procedures Section 703 (Vehicle Use).
2. The Canine Handler shall be responsible to have the vehicle serviced
when due, and for ensuring the cleanliness of the vehicle per the
provisions of Sheriff's Office Policies and Procedures Section 702
(Vehicle Maintenance).
D. A kennel will be provided by the Sheriff's Office and installed at the
Canine Handler's residence.
1. When off-duty, the canine shall be maintained in the kennel and the
kennel gate shall be secured with a lock.
[Refer also to Section VI/Care of the Canine.]
2. The Canine Handler shall clean the kennel daily.
E. The Canine Handler may wear the Class G uniform during regular duty
and all training sessions, or as otherwise directed by the Jail Operations
Bureau Commander.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
F. Upon final separation from the team, the Canine Handler shall personally
return all issued equipment to the supervising sergeant.
III. ON-CALL STATUS
A. The Canine Handler shall serve in an on-call status. In order to remain
readily accessible at all times, the Canine Handler is required to provide
a contact number for notifications that require an immediate response.
B. The Canine Handler is subject to call out, unless otherwise excused. The
Canine Handler is responsible to notify their supervising sergeant and will
be excused under the following circumstances:
1. Scheduled vacation.
2. Out of town (or otherwise unavailable to immediately respond).
3. Under the influence of any alcoholic beverage.
4. Use of over-the-counter or prescription medication that may have an
adverse effect on performance.
C. Requests for off-duty narcotic/ESD detection canine team assistance for
the purpose of conducting a narcotic/ESD search shall be forwarded
through the Watch Commander. All activations require the approval of a
Jail Division Bureau Commander
IV. TRAINING AIDS
Canine narcotic training aids are narcotics used by a handler for the purpose
of maintenance scent training. Possession of controlled substances used as
training aids must comply with federal and state requirements.'
H&S 11367.5-Controlled substances for substance abuse training; Immunity from prosecution; Custody
and control(specific to peace officers and civilian drug detection canine trainers working under the direction
of a law enforcement agency). Allows the Sheriff to authorize use of controlled substances seized by the
Sheriff's Office. The person receiving controlled substances shall maintain custody and control of the
controlled substances.
21 11SC 823(f)- Registration requirements (for possession of controlled substances by canine handlers).
Under the Controlled Substances Act(CSA),a canine handler is deemed to be a researcher and is subject
to the DEA registration and licensing requirements of section 303(f),21 U.S.C.823(f). Requires submission
of DEA Form 225—Application for Registration Under Controlled Substances Act of 1970. NOTE: California
does not have a separate controlled substance license requirement.
NOTE: Registration and licensing is not required if the Canine Handler uses commercially available
synthetic substances that are not controlled narcotics.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
V. CERTIFICATION & TRAINING
A. The Canine Handler and the canine will be certified together as a team
in both narcotics and ESD detection by the California Narcotic Canine
Association (CNCA) or other recognized and approved certification
organization. (If either the canine or the handler are replaced, a new
team is formed and the new team needs to be certified.)
B. The canine and handler shall be recertified as a team on an annual basis.
1. It is the responsibility of the Canine Handler to notify the supervising
sergeant at least two (2) months prior to the annual certification
anniversary date.
2. If a narcotic/ESD detection team fails to certify or re-certify, the team
shall undergo remedial training and re-testing.
3. If the evaluator determines the team to be unfit for certification, the
canine shall be placed out of service until certification has been
successfully completed.
C. Each Canine Team shall complete 16-hours of documented training
monthly to maintain basic detection proficiency. Each Canine Handler is
responsible to maintain their canine at a level of proficiency sufficient to
pass the annual evaluation.
1. All training shall be conducted while on duty. The Jail Division
Narcotic/ESD Canine Team will participate in training with the
Sheriff's Narcotic Detection Canines.
2. Any training performed within the jail facilities shall be approved in
advance by the supervising sergeant (or in his/her absence, the
Population Management Lieutenant). The on-duty Watch
Commander shall be notified of any impending training session to
take place within the jail.
D. The Canine Handler is responsible for maintaining accurate and
complete training records.
1. The Handler shall maintain a monthly training log. A copy of the
training log shall be submitted to the supervising sergeant at the end
of each month. A copy shall also be forwarded to the Training Unit
for court presentation purposes.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
2. If the Canine Handler fails to meet the 16-hour minimum, he/she is
required to explain the circumstances to the supervising sergeant and
document the reason on the training log.
VI. CARE OF THE CANINE
It is the responsibility of the Canine Handler to maintain the health and
general wellness of the service canine.
A. General Care
1. Health and preventative care—The Canine Handler is responsible for
monitoring the canine and treating any minor health problems.
a. A health inspection shall be conducted on the canine daily. Any
indication of poor health or physical condition shall be reported
immediately to the supervising sergeant and the designated
veterinarian.
b. The handler shall ensure that the heartworm and parasite
preventative medication is administered to the canine as
prescribed or recommended by the veterinarian.
2. Feeding - The canine will be provided food formulated to maintain the
canine in top physical and mental condition. The food provided will be
based upon the recommendation of the vendor/trainer, the CNCA (or
other nationally recognized canine certification organization), or the
designated veterinarian.
3. Grooming - The canine should be groomed daily by the handler.
Regular grooming will allow the handler to detect any skin or health
issues that may arise. The canine shall not be clothed or adorned in
any manner for cosmetic purposes (e.g., painted nails, bandanas,
bows).
4. Exercise -The canine should receive an adequate amount of exercise
to maintain its health and weight.
B. Living areas — The canine shall be securely kenneled or kept under the
supervision of the Canine Handler while off-duty. Under no
circumstances will the canine be housed at a location other than the
handler's residence, unless approved by the supervising sergeant.
1. When a canine is kenneled at the handler's home, the kennel gate
shall be secured with a lock.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
a. The canine may be let out of the kennel while under the direct
control of the handler.
b. The canine should be permitted to socialize in the Canine
Handler's residence with family and other pets, but only when the
Canine Handler is present and when the Canine Handler is
confident that no danger will come to the canine, family, or other
pets.
2. Home and on-site living areas for the canine shall be
cleaned/disinfected to ensure a sanitary living and working
environment.
a. The kennel shall be cleaned on a daily basis.
b. The kennel shall be disinfected weekly.
3. Any change in the living status of the Canine Handler that may affect
the lodging or environment of the canine shall be reported to the
supervising sergeant as soon as possible.
C. Whenever the Canine Handler anticipates taking a vacation or an
extended number of days away from home, it may be necessary to
temporarily relocate the canine. In those situations, the Canine Handler
shall give reasonable notice to the supervising sergeant and ensure that
appropriate arrangements are made (e.g., the canine may be kenneled
with another canine handler).
D. Veterinary Services - All routine medical attention shall be rendered by
the designated/contracted canine veterinarian.
1. The handler shall be responsible to obtain annual veterinary care and
ensure all canine vaccinations are up-to-date.
2. In the event emergency medical services are required, the canine
shall be immediately transported to a veterinarian. The supervising
sergeant shall be notified of any emergency treatment needed as
soon as practical. The 24-hour emergency veterinary locations used
by the Sheriff's Office are:
24/7 PetVets Fresno Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center
1639 N. Fresno Street 6606 N Blackstone Avenue
(559)486-0520 (559)451-0800
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
3. If immediate life-saving care is needed for the canine, appropriate first
aid procedures shall be administered as applicable and treatment
should be obtained from the closest available veterinary hospital.
VI I. COMPENSATION
The canine handler shall be compensated for time spent in the care, feeding,
grooming, and other needs of the canine in accordance with the Fair Labor
Standards Act (FLSA), and according to the terms of the collective bargaining
agreement.
Vill. TRANSPORTATION OF THE CANINE
A. While conducting Sheriff's Office business, the canine shall be
transported in an unmarked canine vehicle.
B. While off-duty and with prior authorization from the supervising sergeant,
the Canine Handler may transport the canine to official departmental
appointments in any vehicle which provides adequate protection for the
canine and the public.
C. The Canine Handler shall not leave or confine the canine in any
unattended motor vehicle under conditions that endanger the health or
well-being of a canine due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or
lack of food or water, or other circumstances that could reasonably be
expected to cause suffering, disability, or death to the canine.
IX. CANINE SEARCHES OF LIVING QUARTERS AND COMMON AREAS
A. The canine will be used to assist officers in finding controlled substances
and other contraband items that have been hidden or concealed.
1. Canine searches may be unannounced.
2. The supervising sergeant shall be responsible for notifying the on-
duty Watch Commander of the impending canine search.
B. While moving through the facility, the canine shall be leashed and under
control at all times.
C. The Canine Handler shall ensure assisting staff members order all
inmates away from the canine. Inmates shall remain a significant
distance away from the Canine Team. This includes passage to and from
any chosen search site.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
D. When a canine alert occurs, the Canine Handler will advise assisting staff
of the location and objects to be searched. If no drugs or contraband are
located after the search is conducted, the Canine Handler shall have the
canine search articles that have been checked by the assisting staff to
possibly better pinpoint the exact location of drugs or contraband.
1. During any canine search, the Canine Handler shall not retrieve any
illegal drugs or contraband discovered, unless absolutely necessary.
2. Assisting staff shall not interfere, distract, or assist the Canine Team
while conducting their portion of the search, unless specifically asked
to do so by the Canine Handler.
E. If a violent incident occurs while the Canine Team is conducting a search
within the vicinity of the incident, the Canine Handler shall remove the
canine from the affected area as soon as practical. Under no
circumstances shall a Canine Handler release his/her custody of the
canine in order to respond to the incident.
F. The Canine Handler shall prevent harassment, physical assault, or verbal
threat to the canine. Harassment, physical assault, or verbal threat may
subject the offender to a misconduct and/or criminal prosecution.
X. PASSIVE CANINE AIR SCAN SEARCHES
A. All inmates are subject to a search of their person and property to control
and detect contraband and illegal drugs. The Canine Handler shall make
an announcement informing the inmate(s) that he/she is conducting
passive air scan searches using a passive alert canine and that the
purpose of the scan is to detect contraband. The inmate does not have
the right to refuse the search. Any person who refuses may be subject
to disciplinary action and subject to additional search for the presence of
drugs.
1. While inadvertent contact is a possibility, the handler shall not instruct
the canine to contact the inmate.
2. If the inmate seems excessively nervous, the handler shall attempt to
reassure the inmate that the procedure is safe.
3. Inmates who have an intense fear of dogs (Cynophobia), and/or who
suffer from allergic reactions to dogs, may be escorted to the Body
Scanner location and scanned pursuant to policy.
[Refer to policy D-275/Radiation Safety and Protection (FILE: BODY SCANNER).]
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
C. A passive canine air scan search of a professional visitor (including
attorneys) may be initiated based upon reasonable suspicion. Qualified
consent (i.e., written consent) for the search must be obtained, as well
as Watch Commander approval.
1. Staff shall inform the visitor that they can refuse the enhanced
inspection by passive canine air scan search.
2. Any visitor who refuses to be searched in this manner shall be denied
contact visiting but shall be authorized for a non-contact visit.
D. An employee, employees of other government agencies, contract
employees, contractors and their employees and volunteers coming
into the jail facilities may be subject to search by the Jail Division Canine
based upon reasonable suspicion. Qualified consent for the search must
be obtained, as well as Watch Commander approval.
1. The Canine Handler shall inform the person that he/she is conducting
the passive air scan search using a passive alert canine and that the
purpose of the scan is to detect illegal drugs.
2. The Canine Handler shall inform the person that the passive canine
has been trained to detect the presence of contraband by smell and
to alert the handler.
3. The individual shall be directed to not interact with the canine in any
way.
4. Employees of other government agencies, contract employees,
contractors and their employees, and volunteers can refuse to submit
to the search; however, refusal shall result in the denial of entry
pending review by a Jail Division Bureau Commander.
5. If a Sheriff's Office employee refuses to consent/submit to a search,
a Jail Bureau Commander shall be notified. Based upon reasonable
and individualized suspicion, the Bureau Commander may authorize
a search of the employee and/or the employee's property. (If deemed
necessary, the Bureau Commander may instruct that a search
warrant be obtained based on probable cause.)
E. In an effort to reduce the likelihood of an allergic reaction among staff
and inmates, the canine shall not spend more time than necessary in any
one area of the facility (with the exception of the on-site kennel).
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
XI. REPORTING AND RECORDKEEPING
A. It shall be the responsibility of the assisting staff member (i.e., the
retrieving officer) to secure the drugs or contraband in the evidence safe
and prepare a jail incident report whenever drugs or contraband are
found. Use of the canine shall be documented in the report. [1067 - Canine
Search]
B. The Canine Handler shall write a report each time contraband is located
Incident to a canine search. [1068-Canine Contraband Found]
C. The Canine Handler shall maintain a log of weekly activity. The log shall
include the following:
1. All searches conducted by the Canine Team and the search results.
2. All narcotics/ESD detection training.
3. All obedience training.
D. Maintain documentation of veterinarian visits for regular care and
treatment of injury or sickness for the canine.
E. The handler's training log shall be current and available for inspection by
the handler's supervisor.
F. The supervising sergeant responsible for the Canine Handler shall
submit a quarterly report to the Population Management Lieutenant.
XII. ACCIDENTAL CANINE BITES
A. In the event the canine bites any person (including the handler), the
following guidelines shall be followed-
1. Render first aid and request appropriate medical assistance.
2. Promptly report the bite to the supervising sergeant, on-duty Watch
Commander, Population Management Lieutenant, and the Jail
Operations Bureau Commander. The Population Management
Lieutenant will be responsible to report the injury to Risk
Management.
3. Document the bite/injury in an incident report.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
B. If an individual alleges an injury that is not visible, the supervising
sergeant shall be promptly notified and the individual's alleged injury shall
be photographed. The photos shall be attached to the report and retained
as evidence.
C. Canines used by law enforcement agencies are generally exempt from
impoundment and reporting requirements. However, the canine shall be
made available for examination at any reasonable time if requested by
the Fresno County Department of Public Health (DPH). The Canine
Handler shall also notify DPH if the canine exhibits any abnormal
behavior after a bite.
XIII. INSPECTIONS
The canine team's supervising sergeant shall be responsible for periodic
inspections to document proper care of the canine and maintenance of issued
equipment.
A. A home inspection of the canine and the Canine Handler's assigned
canine equipment, vehicle, and the canine's living quarters shall be
conducted on an annual basis. The inspection should be spontaneous
to verify the living conditions of the canine while off-duty and confirm the
serviceability of all issued equipment.
B. The home inspection shall be documented on an Annual Canine Team
Inspection form (Addendum B). A copy of the form shall be maintained
in the Canine Team file and the findings reflected in the handler's annual
evaluation.
C. The on-site kennel/crate should be inspected for cleanliness on a routine
basis. Documentation of the recurring inspection is not required.
XIV. STAFF CONDUCT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE CANINE
A. When in the presence of the canine, staff shall follow the instructions of
the Canine Handler. Employees shall not:
1. Touch, handle, pet or feed the canine unless given permission by the
handler.
2. Tease, agitate, or harass the canine.
3. Make aggressive gestures towards the handler. Officers shall refrain
from horseplay when the canine is present.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
4. Follow or get close to a canine that is working, unless specifically
requested by the handler.
5. Give commands to a canine, except in emergency circumstances, or
with prior approval of the handler.
6. Hug or lean closely to the canine's head when petting the dog.
B. Handlers shall protect the integrity of the canine program by not training
or teaching non-law enforcement canine personnel the methods of
canine competencies without prior approval from the Sheriff.
C. In the event the Canine Handler becomes incapacitated and the canine
is not secured, an untrained officer shall not approach the injured Canine
Handler except:
1. When given clearance to do so by the injured Canine Handler.
2. When the canine can be called away from the injured Canine Handler
and secured.
D. On-scene officers in consultation with a supervisor may attempt the
following procedures to secure a canine from an injured Canine
Handler:
1. Attempt to call the canine to a secure location.
2. Contact the supervising sergeant to secure the canine.
XV. CANINE OFFICER COMPLIANCE
A. Any of the following situations will be sufficient cause to remove an officer
from a Canine Handler assignment-
1. Failure to maintain effective control of their assigned canine.
2. Failure to maintain training standards for themselves and/or the
canine.
3. Failure to maintain a clean or safe and secure living environment for
the canine at the Canine Handler's residence.
4. Failure to utilize and maintain their assigned canine in a manner
consistent with policy.
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
5. Under other circumstances wherein the removal of the Canine
Handler is in the best interest of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
B. The Jail Operations Bureau Commander may temporarily remove a
Canine Handler from a canine assignment when the Canine Handler is
unable to perform their required duties. Situations warranting temporary
removal include, but are not limited to, disability or other extended leave
which would prevent the Canine Handler from providing appropriate care
and/or training for the canine.
C. Removal from the assignment cannot be appealed.
XVI. CANINE OWNERSHIP
A. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office owns all canines and canine
equipment assigned to members of the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.
B. Canines shall not be permitted to engage in any of the following activities
without the approval of the Jail Operations Bureau Commander:
1. To perform breeding services.
2. To participate or be entered into any show, competition, or trial.
3. To participate in a parade, celebration, or advocacy event.
4. To perform public demonstrations of the canine's skills and ability.
XVII. RETIREMENT OF THE CANINE
A. In the event a canine becomes unfit for law enforcement service (for
whatever reason), the canine shall be retired. The determination to retire
the canine shall be based on input from the Canine Handler, the
supervising sergeant, Population Management Lieutenant, Jail
Operations Bureau Commander, and the veterinarian.
B. The last assigned handler will normally be given the opportunity to keep
the canine. In the event the Canine Handler does not wish to keep the
canine, a determination shall be made by the Jail Operations Bureau
Commander with input from the supervising sergeant regarding the most
appropriate disposition of the canine (e.g., award to another qualified
person, donate to an allied agency, euthanasia).
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
C. Anyone assuming ownership of a retired canine must sign a release of
liability. The document shall state that he/she understands the risks
associated with the ownership of a retired canine, and that Fresno County
and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office are released from any liability
resulting from ownership of the canine.
XVIII. DEATH OF CANINE
A. If the Jail Division canine becomes so ill or injured that a veterinarian
recommends the canine be euthanized, the Canine Handler shall.
1. Notify the supervising sergeant.
2. Obtain a written diagnosis of the canine's condition from the
recommending veterinarian. Upon approval to euthanize the canine,
all final documentation shall be forwarded to the Jail Operations
Bureau Commander.
B. Whenever a canine dies due to unusual or unknown circumstances, the
Jail Operations Bureau Commander may have a necropsy of the canine
performed by a veterinarian and the results shall be forwarded to the
Bureau Commander.
XIX. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SUPERVISING SERGEANT
The supervising sergeant shall be responsible for the following:
A. Perform spontaneous inspections of the canine, canine vehicle, canine's
living conditions and other related equipment at least once each year.
Verify the health of the canine and condition and serviceability of all
issued equipment.
B. Maintain a folder containing all pertinent information for the canine. The
following files are to be contained in the folder-
1. Acquisition documents
2. Certification and specialized training courses completed
3. Monthly training logs
4. Annual inspection records
5. Veterinarian service reports and vaccination records
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FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JAIL DIVISION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
TITLE: JAIL DIVISION CANINE NO: D-340
FILE: K-9
6. Photo of the canine
7. Handler records
C. Ensure all canine medical, training, and certification records are current.
D. Maintain statistical data (e.g., number of searches performed, number of
call-outs, amount of illegal drugs and ESD's confiscated, etc.). Submit a
quarterly report to the Population Management Lieutenant.
E. Maintain a liaison with the Patrol Division K-9 Unit coordinator.
XX. DEMONSTRATIONS
The Canine Team may provide public demonstrations to further public
relations. Requests shall be forwarded to the Jail Operations Bureau
Commander for approval.
XXI. MUTUAL AID
The Jail Division Canine Team may be made available to assist outside law
enforcement agencies. All requests for the Canine Team's assistance from
institutions shall be made through a Jail Division Bureau Commander who
will evaluate the scope of the operation and approve or deny deployment of
the Canine Team.
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