There are specific protocols required for selection and acquisition of Department canines, as it relates to the type of detection canine being sought for use by personnel from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Many bureaus/units from within the Sheriff’s Department, to include contract cities and/or other entities, have the need and funding to acquire detection canines. The only three bureaus within the Sheriff’s Department authorized to help facilitate the selection process of any Department detection canines are Narcotics Bureau, Special Enforcement Bureau - Arson Explosives Detail, and Countywide Services Division - County Services Bureau.
Prior to the approval for any bureau/unit to initiate a new canine detection detail, the concerned unit commander, or his designee, should determine that a legitimate need exists which is not already covered by current Department resources. The justification will be presented in writing to the Department’s Canine Committee, who will in turn make a recommendation to the concerned division chief as to whether or not they believe the newly proposed detection detail is warranted. Final approval for any new detection detail will rest with the concerned division chief(s) and assistant sheriff(s) after a review of all appropriate input.
The Department’s Canine Committee will be comprised of at least three supervisors at the rank of sergeant or above, as well as at least two handler deputies, selected from previously established canine units. Oversight for the canine committee will be the shared responsibility of the Narcotics Bureau canine lieutenant and the Arson Explosives Detail lieutenant. The committee will meet on an as-needed basis to discuss policy, best practices, establishment of new details, etc.
Prior to the request for purchase and acquisition of detection canines, the involved bureau/unit shall contact and coordinate their efforts with one of the following bureaus, dependent upon the type of detection canine being sought:
Each of the above specified bureaus/details within the indicated divisions will be responsible for helping facilitate the purchase, acquisition, and training of canines with prior written approval of the involved division chiefs.
The requesting bureau/unit/entity will be required to meet the necessary selection specifications of detection canines as provided by the indicated division, in order to be eligible for acquisition and inclusion into the Canine Detection Programs.
The specifications include, but are not limited to, health and medical condition, temperament and disposition, and training and medical certification. Additional specifications can be obtained from the involved division canine representatives.
The involved division who assisted with the acquisition and training will be responsible for maintaining the official records and certifications for the entity purchasing the canine (i.e., another division, contract city or entity).
The Special Enforcement Bureau - Canine Services Detail is the only unit authorized to acquire, train, and deploy detection canines specifically used to apprehend potentially dangerous or violent suspects by means which may include biting them. (Refer to MPP section 5-09/265.10, Special Enforcement Bureau Tactical Canine Deployment.)
EXCEPTION: Canines which are federally purchased and trained by the Transportation Security Administration may be exempt from any additional local selection and training requirements. Additionally, due to working within custody environments, Custody Investigative Services Unit canines may require specialized training when dealing with passive alerts and searches of individuals and alcohol related odors. Whenever there is a potential conflict, exemptions should be presented to, validated, and verified by the Department’s Canine Committee.