NATIONAL TACTICAL OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

SUGGESTED NTOA MODEL POLICY

K-9 SWAT MINIMUM TRAINING STANDARDS

Disclaimer:  The NTOA’s suggested policies are designed to provide guidance to law enforcement agencies in the writing of governing regulations for tactical teams.  The NTOA recognizes that each agency has different needs and exists in its own organizational environment.  Therefore, the NTOA suggested policies do not mandate what the policy shall be or what it must contain, rather, the suggested policies are to be used as guidelines only.  They are based on the most current and accepted practices and trends in tactical procedures and have been reviewed by a panel of experts.  The suggested policies are not intended to set minimum standards.  They should be considered a baseline upon which agencies may build their tactical unit policies, if they wish to do so.

Purpose

The integration of police service dog teams into the SWAT environment has become commonplace in many areas of the United States.  SWAT teams are successfully using canine teams as an additional tool in certain high-risk situations.  However, increased usage of these teams has emphasized the need for developing policy in this important area.

The purpose of this suggested policy is to establish minimum training standards for both canine and SWAT teams.

Policy

Full-time SWAT teams should train a minimum of 32 hours annually on canine/SWAT deployment.  This can be accomplished in short, but frequent, sessions to ensure that SWAT officers, handlers and canines are exposed to necessary training.

Part-time SWAT teams should train a minimum of 16 hours annually on canine/SWAT deployment.  This training can also be conducted in short, but frequent, sessions.  However, because part-time teams are usually deployed less frequently than full-time teams, it is suggested that, whenever possible, training be conducted once each month for 2 hours over the course of the training year.  Training for both full-and part-time teams should be scenario-based to replicate actual operations.

Note:   Not every canine or canine handler is suitable for work with SWAT teams.  Therefore, each department should develop strict standards for the selection and use of their canine/SWAT team.

Handlers who deploy with the SWAT team should be properly equipped with tactical body armor and compatible communications equipment.  Other SWAT equipment can be optional.  Successful completion of a Basic SWAT School is highly recommended.  However, an option might be to require handlers to successfully complete a SWAT orientation program which emphasizes those essentials areas that will enhance canine usage and familiarize the handler with basic SWAT procedures, practices and equipment.

In addition to other qualification requirement, canine handlers should be required to qualify with their handguns on an outdoor range a minimum of twice each year, with their canine at their side.  The canine should be taught to react passively to gunfire, and not react aggressively or run toward it.  The canine should also be exposed to chemical agents, flash/sound diversionary devices and explosive devices.

March 8, 2004