Patrol Dog Certification Standard

Purpose

The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate the proficiency and reliability of dogs and handler teams in performing duties and tasks of the Police Service Dog.  To be eligible for this certification the handler seeking certification must be a full or part time law enforcement officer for local, state, or a federal law enforcement agency.  Patrol areas that may be evaluated include mandatory and optional phases/skills of *Obedience/Temperament, *Criminal Apprehension, Tracking. Area Search, Building Search, and Article/Evidence Recovery.

*Obedience/Temperament and Criminal Apprehension are the two mandatory phases to obtain the patrol dog certification.

Certifications

Validity

Certifications are valid for the Handler and Dog team and will be issued for the team and valid one year from date of evaluation.

Standards

Certification Assessments for Agency Provided Standards

Drugbeat certifying officials may certify canine teams to other federal, state, or department standards when requested by the agency or team and approved by the certifying official.  The team must submit a copy of the standard to the certifying official who must approve the standard prior to certifying the team. The standard must meet or exceed Drugbeat standards. The certifying official will submit a copy of the standard to Drugbeat along with the certification paperwork and retain it for future courtroom testimony. All agency provided standards for patrol dog must include a verbal call-off of fleeing suspect, a verbal out, and a non-verbal physical removal of a dog from the decoy.

Certification Assessments for Drugbeat Patrol Dog Standards

Passing Certifications

To pass and achieve certification teams must pass, at minimum, the mandatory phases of Temperament, Obedience, and Criminal Apprehension. All passing assessment phases must be passed on the same day of evaluation. All phases are evaluated on a pass/fail basis.

Non-Passing Assessments
Teams will fail to pass assessment by failing to meet the defined minimum acceptable standard for each testing phase.  The certifying official may also fail the team due to hander errors or safety issues to include but not limited to not maintaining control of the canine (safety issues), allowing canine outside of the designated search/evaluation area, failing to follow directions given by the certifying official, or if the certifying official determines the dog is not under control.

The paperwork for all non-passing assessments shall be submitted to Drugbeat by the certifying official.  Drugbeat recognizes there are many reasons a team may not pass an assessment including errors by new handlers.  The control phases for all Drugbeat patrol dog certifications are of the highest importance.  If a team fails any element of an assessment for a “failure to out” or a “failure to call-off” the team may re-attempt the evaluation one time within 7 days of a non-passing attempt.   If a team does not pass this second attempt, they must wait a minimum of 30 days before attempting another certification.

If the “failure to out” or “failure to call-off” as determined by the certifying official was a result of a decoy error this shall not be held against the team.  At the discretion of the certifying official the portion may be repeated without penalizing the team.

Teams who re-attempt within 45 days of a non-passing assessment shall not be charged any additional assessment fees by Drugbeat.

Assessment Areas
Areas for assessment may include but not limited to the following areas: Indoors, Outdoor Open Area, any suitable assessment area as determined by the certifying official conducting the evaluations. All evaluations for each phase may be set up as a scenario for the handler and team to deploy using the listed elements for evaluation withing each phase/scenario providing the certifying official the ability to assess the handler and dogs ability to operate as a team and conduct successful deployments

Equipment

Dogs shall wear “on-duty” equipment. If the S.O.P., policy or directive of the handler’s agency mandates the dog wear an e-collar while on duty the dog may wear the e-collar for the certification / evaluation however, the -e-collar may not be powered on and the remote must be in possession of the certifying official during the evaluation.  If the e-collar was worn during the evaluation this will be notated in the submitted paperwork to Drugbeat by the certifying official and the issued certificate shall be marked to indicate the e-collar was worn during the evaluation.

Bite or protective equipment used by the decoy for the evaluation may be a full bite suit, a bite suit top, hidden sleeve, or a hidden suit.  Schutzhund style exposed bite sleeves shall not be used for evaluations.

Blank guns/ammunition should be used for evaluations.  At no time should any live rounds be allowed to be used in an evaluation. The certifying official shall provide prior approval of all blank guns caliber to be used in the evaluation.

Temperament / Assessment Phase (Mandatory)

The handler must demonstrate that the canine is under control and approachable.  The canine will be in the basic position (sit) directly next to the handler on either side.  The certifying official will approach the team in a normal manner from the front, stopping no closer than 3 feet from the handler.  The handler will reach and shake the hand of the certifying official who will then walk off in a normal manner.   At no time will the certifying official attempt to touch, pet or otherwise engage the canine.  Uncontrollable barking, aggressive behavior, or loss of control by the handler as determined by the certifying official shall be examples of unacceptable behavior resulting in a non-passing evaluation for this phase.

Obedience / Assessment Phase (Mandatory)

The obedience phase will be conducted off leash and will consist of heeling and a long down/stay.

The heeling phase pattern and length of each leg may be determined by the certifying official but each leg must be at least 30ft long and the routine will consist of a minimum of 2 right turns, 2 left turns, 2 about turns, fast pace, slow pace, normal pace, and a halt. The hander shall demonstrate reasonable control of the dog during the heeling phase.  Lagging or forging shall not be cause for failure as long as the dog remains, in the opinion of the certifying official, under reasonable control during the entire evaluation.  Dogs who run away from the handler or need to be chased will not receive a passing evaluation.

The long down/stay: The handler shall command the dog to down, leave the dog and walk to a location designated by the certifying official that shall be a minimum of 30 ft and a maximum of 60 ft away from the dog.  Once the handler reaches the designated spot and turns to face the dog the 2-minute timer begins. At the conclusion of the 2-minutes the hander shall recall the dog at the direction of the certifying official and reattach the leash.

Handlers shall not be allowed to be in possession of any type of food or toy reward during the obedience phase.

Criminal Apprehension & Control / Assessment Phase (Mandatory)

The criminal apprehension and control phase may be conducted off leash or a leash (no longer than 15ft) may be left attached to the dog’s collar and released or dropped by the handler allowing the dog to drag the leash for the send.  Once a dog is deployed and the leash is dropped the handler may not touch the leash again until directed by the certifying official.

Handlers should inform the certifying official and decoy if the dog has a primary targeting area (arms, legs, body).

This evaluation is designed to test the team’s proficiency, the dog’s courage and abilities, and the handler’s total control of the dog including the ability to verbally out and verbally call-off a dog that has already been deployed and the ability to manually remove a dog from a bite in an efficient and safe manner under distractions (examples of distractions may include but not limited to, verbal yelling from bystanders, suspect, sirens, fire alarms, etc).

Certifying officials may set up scenarios for any area to be evaluated to include scenarios requiring deployment decisions.  All scenarios shall be set up to follow Graham v Connor, any current federal case law for K9 use of force to include pre-deployment warnings, when required, that provide a suspect with the opportunity for a peaceful surrender.

When possible, decoys should be unknown to the dog.  The certifying official shall approval all decoys used during the evaluation.

In all areas where the dog is required to apprehend the decoy, the dog must show commitment to the engagement and hold/fight the decoy until directed to release.  Failure to engage or unnecessary readjusting resulting in numerous uncommitted bites or displaying fear towards a decoy as determined by the certifying official is grounds for failure of the element.

In all instances where the dog is releasing a bite on the decoy the dog shall not be allowed to re-bite without a command.  In the event the dog bites the decoy again and requires additional release commands or physical manipulation to remove the dog this is ground for failure of the element.

The three areas to be evaluated during this phase of the assessment are:

  1. Deployment/Apprehension with verbal release,
  2. Deployment with verbal call-off of fleeing and surrendering suspect, and
  3. Deployment/Apprehension with gunfire and utilizing a non-verbal physical removal under distractions.

The certifying official shall determine the order of these areas during the assessment.

1.  Deployment/Apprehension with verbal release.

The certifying official will set up this apprehension scenario to include the handler attempting verbal commands on a non-compliant suspect and appropriate pre-deployment warnings prior to deploying the dog.  Upon direction of the certifying official the decoy shall flee, and the handler shall be directed to deploy the dog.  The dog should chase and apprehend the fleeing decoy and engage the decoy in a committed fight until directed to out the dog by the certifying official. Handlers may approach the dog during the apprehension and fight with the decoy but shall not be allowed to touch the dog or leash until directed by the certifying official.  The decoy will continue to fight the dog until directed to give up by the certifying official.  The decoy will stop fighting the dog and hold as still as possible and the certifying official will tell the handler to verbally out the dog.

The dog must release the bite within a reasonable amount of time of the verbal command to the dog. If the dog fails to out on the verbal command the certifying official will instruct the handler to try again.  Handler will be given an allowance of 3 total release command / attempts.  If the dog fails to verbally out after the 3 verbal commands are given this will be considered a failing element.

Upon the verbal release of the decoy the handler may call the dog back to them or the dog may go in to a guard or bark and hold until picked up by the handler.  Once a dog demonstrates the proper out the certifying official will direct the handler to grab the leash and take physical control of the dog.

2.  Deployment with verbal call-off of fleeing and surrendering suspect.

The certifying official will set up this apprehension scenario to include the handler attempting verbal commands on a non-compliant suspect and appropriate pre-deployment warnings prior to deploying the dog. The distance for the call-off shall be determined by the certifying official and should provide adequate space to allow for the decoy to surrender and provide enough distance for the dog to respond to the verbal command of the handler instructing the dog to not engage the decoy.

When instructed the handler will provide all relevant warnings and deploy the dog for the apprehension when the decoy begins to flee.  Upon the sight of the dog being deployed and committed to the chase the decoy should stop running and raise arms or otherwise indicate surrender.  Once the decoy indicates surrender the handler should call-off the dog with a command that will prevent the dog from engaging the decoy.  Examples of commands that may be used shall include, but not be limited to, recalling the dog to the handler, stopping the dog from the pursuit with a down or a sit command, having the dog go in to a guard or bark and hold on the decoy.  Handlers may then immediately grab the leash or otherwise take physical control of the dog after the successful call-off to complete the element.

For a call off to be successfully demonstrated the dog must be called off from a committed chase.  Dogs who are hesitating on the send or stopping in anticipation of a call off when recalled by the handler shall not be passed on the call off unless a subsequent call-off of a committed chase is demonstrated as determined by the certifying official.

Failing to call off and engaging the decoy in a manner that requires an out command and/or physical removal of the dog is grounds for failure of the element.

If the “failure to call-off” as determined by the certifying official was a result of a decoy error this shall not be held against the team.  At the discretion of the certifying official the portion may be repeated without penalizing the team.

3. Deployment/Apprehension (with optional gunfire) utilizing a non-verbal physical removal under distractions.

The certifying official will set up this apprehension scenario to include the handler attempting verbal commands on a non-compliant suspect and appropriate pre-deployment warnings prior to deploying the dog.  Gunfire may be used at the discretion of the certifying official.  If gunfire is utilized in this scenario, it should be used according to the following guidelines.   After the handler attempts to gain compliance via verbal commands to the decoy the decoy will produce a blank gun, fire the blank gun 2 times in a safe direction, drop the gun, and jog away.

The handler will deploy the dog to apprehend the suspect (if gunfire is used in the scenario the dog will be sent after the decoy drops the gun).   The dog should chase and apprehend the fleeing decoy and engage the decoy in a committed fight until physically removed by the handler.

The decoy will continue to resist the dog and handler’s efforts until the handler arrives.  Upon arrival of the handler the decoy will stop physically resisting but continue to verbally challenge the handler and dog, decoys may yell or make other noises to distract the handler and dog team.

The handler will immediately take physical control of the dog demonstrating a non-verbal physical removal of the dog without the use of an e-collar, in a timely, safe, and humane manner utilizing a leash, a collar, break bar, or similar device approved by the certifying official. Once the handler has control of the dog and is ready to begin the physical removal the certifying official shall determine if the technique was demonstrated in a timely manner.  Physical removals that take longer than 15 seconds will be considered a failing element. Certifying officials will make the final determination that a successful physical removal was demonstrated.

The purpose of this element is to enhance the handlers training and ability to remove the bog from a bite and both verbal and non-verbal removals must be trained and demonstrated within a certification, as they serve different operational purposes.

Area Search (Optional)

The certifying official will set up this area search scenario to test the dog’s ability to search for, locate, and either apprehend or indicate the presence of a hidden suspect withing a large area when a known track is not available.

The scenario may include an apprehension with a bite or an apprehension without a bite where the decoy/helper is not accessible to the dog.  The dog must successfully locate the hidden suspect, and the handler shall be able to notify the certifying official when the dog has located the suspect.

The area search may be conducted on or off lead.  Leads used may be from 15ft-30ft in length.  The helper/suspect shall enter the search area to the designated hiding spot 15 minutes prior to the deployment of the dog. The helper shall hide in an area and manner concealing themselves with available concealment at the direction of the certifying official.

Handlers will be provided a suspect description and the confines of the search area for the element. The size of the search area and time allowed for the search is at the discretion of the certifying official.  Handler’s will formulate a plan and deploy the dog into the search area to successfully locate and/or apprehend the hidden helper/suspect.  The exercise will be completed when the certifying official directs you to take control of your dog.  If the scenario includes an apprehension the handler must demonstrate either a verbal out or a physical removal in accordance with the standards for each element as outlined in the apprehension element.

Tracking (Optional)

The certifying official will set up the tracking scenario that may include an apprehension with a bite, a reward object toy, or passive complaint suspect at the end of the track. The handler will be informed if the track will end in an apprehension or other means.  The scenario will be set up by the certifying official using the following guidelines:

  1. When possible, the tracklayer/helper should be unknown to the hander/dog team.
  2. The track should be no less than 500 yards in overall length and no more than 1000 yards in overall length.
  3. There should be one cross track by a separate helper at least 15 minutes after the initial track is laid, to test the scent discrimination of the dog.
  4. There should be a minimum of 2 turns and a maximum of 6 turns.
  5. There should be a least three surface changes during the track (grass, dirt, gravel, concrete, woods, etc.).
  6. The handler should not know the track or see the track laid.
  7. There should be no marking flags or scent pads used, and the handler should not be given the exact location of the beginning of the track. Handlers should be provided with a general area and last known direction of travel for the helper/suspect they are attempting to locate.

Handler’s may choose to use any length of leash for tracking or conduct tracking off lead. Leashes may be attached to collars or harnesses.

The dog must successfully locate the helper or object designating the end of the track to pass this phase.

certifying officials may terminate the evaluation at any point they believe the dog is no longer actively looking/tracking or is clearly not performing the tracking function.

Building Search (Optional)

The certifying official will set up this building search scenario to test the dog’s ability to search for, locate, and either apprehend or indicate the presence of a hidden suspect in a building or other structure.

The scenario may include an apprehension with a bite or an apprehension without a bite where the decoy/helper is not accessible to the dog and no protective equipment is worn.  The dog must successfully locate the hidden suspect, and the handler shall be able to notify the certifying official when the dog has located the suspect.

Search may be demonstrated on lead or off lead.  If conducted on lead the approved length of lead is 15ft to 30ft.

The scenario will be set up by the certifying official using the following guidelines:

  1. Building types may be residential dwellings, warehouse, barn, office building, school, hotel, any other structure selected by the certifying official (1200 sq ft minimum).
  2. helper/decoy will be hidden for 10 minutes prior to beginning of search
  3. Handlers should demonstrate appropriate pre-deployment announcements/warnings
  4. The helper/decoy should be concealed from the view of the dog.
  5. Handlers shall not open any closed doors or areas unless directed by the certifying official.
  6. helpers/decoys may be hidden at any height, concealed from view and/or covered by any materials present to aid in the concealment of the helper/decoy.

Certifying officials may terminate the evaluation at any point they believe the dog is no longer actively looking/searching, is clearly not performing the building search function, or is deemed to be out of control by the certifying official.

Article/Evidence Search (Optional)

The certifying official will set up this article/evidence search scenario to test the dog’s ability to search for, locate, and the presence items contaminated with human scent.  The evaluation scenario should be set up using the following guidelines:

  1. The certifying official shall determine the search location and size of area to be used for the evaluation.
  2. There will be 3 items contaminated by human scent (other than the handlers own scent) discarded into the search area.
  3. Objects chosen by the certifying official shall be realistic items that are safe for the dog (food items shall not be used).
  4. The items should be concealed from plain view by being dropped or thrown in to areas that provide vegetation, grass, leaves, etc.
  5. All 3 items must be located by the dog
  6. The dog must locate the items and alert the handler to the items in a manner visible to the certifying official.

Certifying officials may terminate the evaluation at any point they believe the dog is no longer actively looking/searching, is clearly not performing the search function, or is deemed to be out of control by the certifying official.

Certifications / Certificates

Certificates will be issued to teams that successfully demonstrate proficiency and reliability in the areas evaluated and will list elements in which the team has certified on.

Certifications are valid for the handler and dog team and shall be valid for 1 year (365 Days or 366 Days in a leap year).  If another handler is assigned to a previously certified dog the new handler will have to successfully complete an assessment with the dog to obtain a certification certificate demonstrating proficiency as a team.

Certifying officials

Certifying officials shall not be routinely involved in the maintenance training of the canine team being tested.  Certifying officials shall not be the vendor of the dog on the initial certification nor shall they be full time employees of the vendor selling the dog.

Vendors may conduct re-certifications on dog teams they have previously sold but shall not conduct the initial certification of the team when the dog is initially purchased.

Certifying officials shall maintain their own records for certifications they administer including type and quantity of aides used or specialized standards requested by handler or handler agency.

Handlers are responsible for the safety and security of their dog at all times.  Assessments may be conducted on or off lead if approved by the certifying official in a contained area.  Handlers must verbally call the indication to the certifying official when they recognize the alert, a final trained response is not mandatory to demonstrate for the handler to call the alert.

Rewards
Toy rewards such and tugs and balls, etc. are not allowed to be used during the assessment phases.  Other than during the obedience phase handlers may have them in their possession and may use them after the element is complete and the certifying official notifies them that the exercise is complete.

Grievance Process
In the event a team believes the certification was not conducted within standards or has other legitimate documented concerns that resulted in a non-passing evaluation they may file a written grievance to the Drugbeat Administrator () who will determine if an investigation needs to be conducted.   All grievances shall be filed (either postmarked or emailed) within 10 business days of the assessment in question.

The administrator may assign another uninvolved certifying official to investigate the assessment in question.  The results of the investigation shall be provided to the administrator within 10 business days of receiving the investigation assignment.

The administrator shall review all information and notify the grieving party and the involved certifying official in writing of the findings of the investigation within 5 business days of receiving the completed investigation back from the investigator.

Definitions

helper/decoy: a person acting as a suspect or distraction to the dog during an evaluation.  They may or may not wear protective equipment at the direction of the certifying official based on the type of scenario being used for the assessment.

Verbal out: a word or phrase used to command the dog to release a bite.

Call-Off: demonstration of total control of the dog by verbally re-calling the dog after it has been deployed to apprehend a suspect and is committed to the chase.

Physical Removal of Dog: non-verbal physical removal of the dog without the use of an e-collar, in a timely, safe, and humane manner utilizing a leash, a collar, break bar, or similar device approved by the certifying official. Manual removal of dog from bite without the use of any verbal command.

Pre-Deployment warning: verbal warning given to a suspect that a dog will be deployed, and they will be bitten if they do not comply.  Includes opportunity for a peaceful surrender.

Searching: The dog actively using its senses to attempt to locate a decoy, item, or other substance.

CERTIFICATIONS

DRUGBEAT certifying officials may certify a handler and dog team to any federal, state, department, or agency standard as long as the standard meets or exceeds the DRUGBEAT certification standard for that area of certification.  The qualifying standards must be submitted to the certifying official in advance so they can review and approve the standard to be tested.  Certifying officials will maintain a copy of any standards other than DRUGBEAT standards that are used for certification purposes. ALL CERTIFICATIONS MUST BE CONDUCTED IN PERSON by a DRUGBEAT certifying official.