A sweep is defined as the use of an explosive, accelerant and/or hazmat scent detection canine to assist in the search of a given area for explosive, explosive devices, accelerants or hazardous materials.
Each team conducting the sweep must include at least two personnel, the canine handler and an additional search deputy. The handler’s responsibility is to monitor the canine while searching the area. The responsibility of the search deputy is to conduct a visual pre-sweep search of the area to identify any obvious hazards or devices. Upon completion of the pre-sweep search, the search deputy will then assist with the sweep and provide security for the canine handler.
All requests for explosive, accelerant and/or hazmat canine sweeps for dignitary, V.I.P., and/or special/contracted events made by any outside entity or the Department shall be made through the Special Enforcement Bureau - Arson Explosives Detail’s (AED) Canine Unit. If another LASD unit receives a request for a canine sweep, they shall notify the requestor to contact AED.
Once the AED Canine Unit receives a request for a canine sweep, they will conduct a threat assessment on the request. Based on the outcome of the threat assessment, and on current staffing needs of the Department, members of the AED Canine Unit will make the determination on which canine unit will be the most efficient to conduct the sweep.
If the determination is made to offer the sweep to another LASD canine unit, AED will contact the unit to determine their availability. If they are available, AED will then re-contact the requestor and offer their services. The requestor will have the option to accept or decline the offer.