Communities need police K-9 more than ever in the 21st Century. We are living through a technological revolution in crime that outpaces our ability to keep current in intelligence or to keep up on the street. Gangs, drugs, advanced communications, rapid air and ground mobility across both state and international borders-it is impossible to field enough police officers. At the most basic level offenders know when there is no police dog on duty in their neighborhood. That is when they run. That is when they go to ground with the officer. That is when they challenge officers with weapons.
The Friendly Force - the police dog - protects handlers and covers officers. Most officer murders occur at night. Officers are attacked suddenly, often before they realize the suspect is present or observing them. Fifty percent are ambushes. Where officers are weak, the dog is strong. At night the K-9 sees clearly. His senses alert him to the armed suspect nobody realizes is there. In dangerous searches, foot pursuits, assaults, and fights, the dog gives officers the edge, apprehending suspects quickly and safely.
As a detector, the dog is still unsurpassed because he is able to multiplex trained odors in unusual situations and new environments.
In this edition of Police Dog Tactics, we present the following updates:
- Electronic resources to research the latest case law, keep accurate records, and prepare for court.
- New tactics photos, K-0 officers sharing their biggest challenges, and officer safety techniques.
- Bright line Supreme Court ruling on K-9 use of force.
- Summary of Watkins v. City of Oakland reminds K-9 officers of critical issues at the moment of arrest.
- Important new case cites for narcotics detection and arson investigation.
- New resources for drug information and international travel medicine.
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