Gree'nville CountY Sheriff's Office
Canine Unit Service Manual

Steve Loftis
Sheriff
Revised

03/01/08 '

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GCSO 004551

SOP-4

Duties and Responsibilities of Members

Canine \,lnlt Trainer

• 	 A deputy who understands the development phases and training needs of a canine 1llld
handler. A deputy who has obtained specialized training in canine deployment.
Note: Specialized training is defined as obtaining a 600 hour Greenville County
Sheriff's Office Patrol/Narcotics Handler Course or equivalent.
o . At least 4 years of handling a dual purpose canine.
o 	 Good physical condition.
o 	 Strong verbal and written communication skills.

. ..

I. 	 Training oEaIl patrol dog and detector dog classes.
a. 	 Facilitating the training of new canine and handlers, providing an atmosphere of
professionalism, integrity and safety..
2. 	 Maintaining weekly proficiency training of canine teams.
3. 	 Maintaining all canine training manuals. keeping them cunent and up to date.
4. 	 .Maintaining a list of up to date training sites and frequently adding new areas.
S. 	 Reviewing all training records for canine teams.
6. 	 Coordinating annual certifications for canine teams.
7. 	 Promote and maintain an atmosphere ofinlegrity and professionalism, stressing teamwork
and safety among the members ofthe Canine Services Unit.
S. 	 Whenever possible will also assist teams during tracks. building and area searches and
specialized searches for the purpose of back up. evaluation and to provide experienced
assistance.
,~

Canine Handler
1. 	 Canine handlers are deputy sheriffs. They will abide by the same rules and regulations,
orders and directives that govern all members of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. By
.the very nature of the added responsibility given to canine handlers, they are expected to
have a high level of dependability and judgment. Serious violation ofSheriff's Office Rules
and Regulations, orders and directives that indicate a lack of good judgment or
dependability can be grounds for relieving the deputy ofhislher canine responsibilities.
• 	 When a conflict arises between a Canine Handler and a. Shift Supervisor per the
usage of a canine, the canine handler should utilize their canine within the
parameters orthe Greenville County Sheriffs Office and Canine Service Unit
policies.
1. 	 The canine handler should advise the shift supervisor of the conflict and
then follow the instructions ofthe supervisor, who accepts full
responsibility of the canine and canine handler's actions as a result of
superseding the Canine Service Policy. The canine handler shall. at hislher
earliest convenience. inform the canine supervisor of all actions.
2. 	 The canine handler understands and must be willing to devote the necessary time needed to
care for, feed and maintain his Sheriff's Office canine.
3. 	 The canine handler understands that lie/she will be compensated for the hours devoted to the
~. feeding and maintenance ofhislher assigned Sheriff's Office canine at hislher hourly

2

GCS0004557

SOP-4

Duties and Responsibilities of Members

wage rate. Further, the canine handler understands that this rate will be the basis for
computing overtime compensation for"these duties. "
4. 	"The canine handler understands and agrees that seven (7) hours are spent each work period
in the care, feeding and maintenance ofhislher assigneq Sheriff's canine. "Work period" is
defined as a fourteen (14) consecutive day period cQnsisting of eighty hours. "
.
S. 	 The canine handler understands that, in addition to compensation for the time devoted tQ the
care, feeding and maintenance of hislher assigned Sheriff's Office canine, helshe will
receive payment for the following expenses relating to the care, feeding and maintenance of
the Sheriff's Office canine at hislher residence.
6. 	 The Sheriff's Office will provide the following:
• 	 Dogfood
• 	 The handler(s) assigned to the Canine Service Unit shaH obtain dog
food and other contracted supplies from the Sherifr s Office
designated vendors only.
• 	 Payment of all veterinarian bills and associated with canine medicines.
• 	 All canine shampoo and flea sprays.
• 	 On a case by case basis, flea and other pest extermination for the interior of the
handler's home.
• 	 AU canine equipment associated with police work:

See Appendixfor Canine Team Equipmel'll List & Canine Unit Equipment List
7. 	 Will obtain specialized training in canine operations through the Greenville County Sheriff's
Office.
• 	 200 hQur course for Narcotic Only Canines.
• 600 hour course for Dual Purpose Canines.
,
• 200 hour course for Tracking Canines.
8. 	 Participate in weekly in-service training of the canine.
• 	 Complete detailed training records on approved fonns.
9. 	 Obtain national, certifications (NAPWDA, NLECO, SCPK9A, NNDDA, NPCA, or other
recognized organizations) with the canine as a team annually.
)O. Maintain all Sherifrs Office equipment related to the canine in good working order.
. 11. All issued Canine Service Unit equipment shall be returned when the handler leaves the 

service of the Canine Services Unit 

12. Prepare all reports on approved forms in a timely manner.
• 	 Canine Training Sheets.
• 	 Canine Original Reports.
• 	 Canine Supplemental Reports.
• 	 Canine Usage Only Reports.
• 	 .Canine Bitellnjury Reports.
• 	 Canine Team Monthly Reports.
13. All duties and responsibilities cannot be listed. It is incumbent upon each member to act in
the interest of the Greenville County Sheriffs Office and the Canine Services Unit.

3

GCSO 004558

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9

Canine Call Procedl:1res

• 	 Lockers.
• 	 Public Places utilized for narcotic sales.
• 	 US Currency for forfeiture proceedings.
o 	 Note: Achange ofbehavior and response/indication (alert) on US Currency
is only reasonable suspicion and is only one part ofthe forfeiture process.
Demonstrations
Canine demonstrations are usually very exciting and well received by the public. Canines
are a valuable public relations tool for the Greenville County Sheriffs Office.
• 	 AU requests for public demonstrations shall be submitted to the canine 

administrative sergeant or his designee. 

o 	 Canine handlers will maintain control over their canines at all times to ensure
public safety.
o 	 Canine teams are reminded to maintain their appearance and presentation
with the highest professional standards to ensure and maintain the highest
public image of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office.
o 	 Canine handlers will advise observers not to speak, touch. annoy or interact
with the canine in any fashion uRIess the handler advises the observers to do

so.

Tracking I Trailing of Criminal SUIDeds and Lost Penons
Ground scent tracking and wind scent trailing can be useful for following fleeing suspects or
lost individuals when the presence of other persons, vehicles or extreme weather conditions
do not impair the scent. Personnel requesting the assistance of a canine team to assist in this
type of search should secure an appropriate perimeter to avoid contamination of the scent
traiL
Factors that may helplhinder tracking/trailing ofcriminal suspects and lost persons are as
follows:
I. 	 Time:

• 	 Time lapse reduces the amount of scent and may prevent successful
trackingltrailing.
2. 	 Ground Surfaces:
• 	 Canines are usually more successful tracking/trailing in grass or brushes because
human scent adheres to the surfaces. Paved or gravel areas and overpowering
scen.ts such as recently used fertilizers, burnt grass or spilled chemicals impede a

5

GCSO 004567

sop· 9 	

Canine Call Procedures
. canine's tracking ability. Combustion engine exhaust, such as automobiles, also
quickly degrade ground scent.
.
.

3. 	 Weather Conditions:
• 	 Human scent remains longer on cool, moist ground. To the opposite extreme,
direct sunlight, extremely dry ground or excessive rain dissolves scent rapidly
and makes tracking/trailing extremely difficult.
S~h

Operations for Lost and Missing Persons TrackingiTrailing

I. 	 During search operations a minimum of two deputies (one handler and one cover
officer) will be utilized.
2. 	 If on scene a non-bite trained canines should be utilized before bite trained canines.
3. 	 If a bite trained. canine is going to be utilized on a missing/lost person the handler
will evaluate the following:
1. 	 Time of day or night.
2. 	 The visibility the handler will have on the track or trail.
3. 	 The type ofterrain on the track or trail.
4. 	 Type and size of the area to be searched.
5. 	 If there is a life-threatening circumstance as defined by
General Orders involve.d with the missing or lost person.

.... 


4. 	 Ifa bite trained canine is deployed on a missing/lost person conservative tactics will
be used.

• 	 The canine will be deployed on a shorter lead and under positive
control.
• 	 Canine warnings will be given throughout the track/trail.
• 	 Once the handler notices a change of behavior or the canine starts air
scenting, the handler will allow the cover officers to search the
irrunediate area.
.- -·5.. The handler will coordinate the search with the scene supervisor.
6. 	 The handler will maintain authority over the control and use of the canines.
7. 	 The canine's detection capability enables the handler to conduct thorough and
complete tracking/trailing deployments.
8. 	 All tracking/trailing will be conducted on-lead for bite trained canines. Exceptions
to be considered for a non-bite trained canines to work off-lead are: tracks
surrounded by restrictive barriers or vast open areas where the canine would not
encounter iImocent persons or perimeter units.
9. 	 A secure perimeter should be established.

6

GCSO 004568

SOP- 9 	

Canine Call Procedures 


• 	 Note: A canine handler andIor the canine supervisor will have the ultimate

authority not to deploy the canine. Once the canine team is deployed. tactical
use and application ofthe canine team will be at the discretion ·ofthe
individual canine handler. who will rely on hislher judgment, training and
experience. The handler will evaluate each situation and determine if the
use of a canine is technically feasible.
.
Search Operations for Criminal Suspects Trackingrrrailing
1. 	 During search operations a minimum of two deputies (one handler and one cover

officer) will be utilized unless factors dictate otherwise. For example:
• 	 Severity ofthe crime.
• 	 Number of suspects.
• . Use orand manner ofweapon{s) used during commission of the
crime.
2. 	 During the search for criminal suspect(s), the handler(s) and accompanying deputies
will wear body annor.
3. 	 No one is allowed inside the perimeter during the trackingltrailing' unless requested
by the canine handler.
4. 	 The handler should make all attempts to gain as much information about the area and
occupants as possible before releasing hislher.canine to track/trail.
5. 	 The handler will coordinate the search with the scene supervisor.
6. 	 The handler will maintain authority over the control and use of the canines.
7. 	 The canine's detection capability enables the handler to conduct thorough and 

complete trackingftrailing deployments. 

8. 	 An tracking/trailing will be conducted on·lead. Exceptions to be considered are:
tracks surrounded by restrictive barriers or vast open areas where the canine would
not encounter innocent persons or perimeter units.
9. 	 A secure perimeter should be established.
10. The canine is a locating tool and the force decision is transferred to the suspect.
o 	 Prior to the use ofa canine team to apprehend any individual, the canine
handler on scene sball carefully consider all pertinent information reasonably
available at the time. The infonnation shall include, but is not limited to the
fOllowing:
1. 	 Individual's exact or approximate age.
2. 	 Nature ofthe offense.
3. 	 Potential danger to deputies attempting to intervene or assist with
apprehension.
4. 	 Potential danger to the public resulting from the release of a canine.
5. 	 Degree of resistance the subject has shown.
6. 	 The potential for escape or flight if the canine is not utilized.

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GCSO 004569

Canine Call Procedures 


80P-9 	

7. 	 The potential for injury to deputies or the public caused by suspect if
the canine is not utiHzed.
1L A verbal warning will be given absent exigent circumstances: Except where it
would otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape, prior to any track or trail where
a suspect may be located. there win be a standardized verbal canine announcement
made.
12. A sufficient interval between warnings will be given to allow for a peaceful
surrender.
• 	 The warning will consist of~
1. 	 Verbal identification as a deputy sheriff or Law Enforcement Officer
(Police).
2. 	 The presence and imminent release ofa canine.
3. 	 A demand for surrender.
4. 	 Warning that the canine will bite.
• 	 Additional verbal warnings should be given throughout the track or trail to
insure that the warning could be heard.
• 	 The warning should be given in the language of the community or int is
known the subject speaks another language.
• 	 See Appendix for Warning in.spanish.
13. Ifa bite trained canine is going to be utilized as a locating tool on a non~violent
felony or non-violent misdemeanor crimes the handler will evaluate the following:

of

1. 	 Time day or night.
2. 	 The visibility the handler will have on the track or trail.
3. 	 The type of terrain on the track or trail.
4. 	 Type and size of the area to be searched.
5. 	 Possibility ofinnocent persons inside the search area.
14. If a bite trained canine is deployed on a non-violent felony or non-violent
misdemeanor crimes. conservative tactics will be used.
.
• 	 The canine will be deployed on a shorter lead and under positive
control.
• 	 Canine warnings will be given throughout the track/traiL
• 	 Once the handler notices a change of behavior or the canine starts air
scenting the handler will allow the cover officers to search the
immediate area.
• 	 Note: A canine handler and/or the canine supervisor will have the ultimate
authQrity not to deploy the canine. Once the canine team is deployed, tactical
use and application of the canine team will be at the discretion of the
indi'\lidual canine handler. who will rely on hislher judgment. training, and
experience. The handler will evaluate each situation and detennine ifthe
use af a canine is tetlmically feasible.

8

GCSO 004570

SOp- 9 	

. Canine Call Procedures

Crowd Control and Civil Disturbances
In the case ofCivil disturbances or other types of non-routine crowd control. the ~anine
Services Unit win not be deployed unless specifically authorized by the Watch Commander
or higher command authority. Routine crowd control situations such as large fights and
similar situations shall be. individually ass~sed by the handler as to the appropriateness of
using the canine.

• 	 If possible, two canine teams will be utilized for routine crowd
control situations.
o 	 Fights in progress where there is a reasonable likelihood that
injury to deputies or others could occur.
o 	 Clearing parking lots of loitering where there is a reasonable
likelihood that injury to deputies or other's could occur.
• Canine teams will walk the perimeter of the crowd.
o 	 The \,Ise ofcanine teams are more of a defensive posture._
giving protection to the deputies and others.
• 	 A safe avenue ofescape should be given to the large crowd.
Note: A canine handler and/or the canine supervisor will have the ultimate
a~thority not to deploy the canine. Once the canine team is deployed, tactical
use and application of the canine team will be at the discretion of the
individual canine handler. who will rely on hislher judgment, training, and
experience. The handler will evaluate each situation and detennine if the
use of a canine is technically feasible.

9

GCSO 004571

SOP~

.. 'I

t

'~.'

GREENVILLE COUNTY
SHERlFt~S

OmCE

K...9 Service
Unit

10

Response to Resistance
/ Aggression Procedures

Response to Resistance I Aggression
Generally the canine may be utilized under the same conditions a deputy would usehislher baton or
other non-lethal weapon (Intennediate Weapons) (see General Order 205). For both felony and
misdemeanor crimes, the use of the canine are only to stop, locate, and ifnecessary, apprehend a
suspect. The canine handler will consider the following:
L 	 Reasonable beliefthat the person poses an immediate threat of violence or
serious harm to the public, any officer, or himlherself.
2. 	 The individual is physically resisting arrest by means of a use offorce or
attempting to evade arrest by flight and use of a canine appear necess,ary to
prevent injury to the arresting officer.
3. 	 The individual is believed concealed in an area where entry by anyone other than
a canine would pose a significant threat to the officer.
Examples:
• 	 If the handler or other deputies are assaulted.
• 	 Ifthe canine is assaulted.
• 	 To prevent a subject from injuring another citiz.en(s) or deputy.

In situations where conditions or variables not specifically identified in this manual policy exist, it
is the responsibility ofthe canine handler to ensure that the circumstances support a reasonable
decision to use a canine.
Prior to the use of a c:mine to apprehend any individual, the canine handler
on scene shall carefu.lly consider all pertinent infonnation reasonably available at the
time. The infonnation shall include;but is not IUnited to the following;
• 	 Individual's exact or approximate age.
• 	 Nature ofthe offense.
• 	 Potential danger to deputies attempting to intervene or assist with
apprehension.
• 	 Potential danger to the public.resulting from the release oCa canine.
• 	 Degree of resistance the subj eet has shown.'
.
• 	 The potential for escape or flight if the canine is not utilized.
• 	 The potential for injury to deputies or the public caused by suspect if the
canine is not utilized.
Note: A canine handler and/or the canine supervisor will have the ultimate
authority not to deploy the dog. Once the canine team is deployed, tactical

_.'

I

use and application of the canine team will be at the discretion of the
individlul canine handler, who will rely on hislher judgment, training. and
experience. The handler will evaluate each situation and detennine i.fthe
ISSUED 03107101

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GCSO 004573

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Response to Resistance I Aggr~sion

	

use of a canine is technically feasible.
A verbal warning wnfbe given absent exigent circumstances: Except where it would
otherwise increase the risk of injury or escape, prior to any building search, area search, and
lracking/trailing deployment where a suspect may be located, there wi11 be a standardized verbal
canine announcement made.
• 	 A sufficient interval between warnings will be given to allow for a peaceful

sunender.
• 	 The warning will consist of:
1. 	 Verbal identification as a deputy sheriff or Law Enforcement Officer
(Police),
2. 	 The presence and imminent release of a canine.
3. 	 A demand for surrender.
4. 	 Warning that the canine will bite.
• 	 Additional verbal warnings should be given throughout buUding searches,
area searches and/or trackingltrailing deployment to insure that the warning
could be heard'
• 	 The warning should be given in the language of the community or ifit is
known the subject speaks another language.
• 	 See Appendixfor Warning in Spanish.
Canine Recalls: 	

Prohibited 

Canine Usages:

Canines will be recalled if a handler loses sight of an off·leash canine or
once a suspect has stopped resisting and the suspect is no longer a threat to
the public or deputies.
The following are situations where the usage of a canine is not justified: 

1. 	 To affect the arrest of a highly intoxicated or feeble person who
obviously cannot escape or resist deputies and who poses no
immediate danger to deputies or the pUblic.
2. 	 To intimidate or frighten a suspect
3. 	 To search for known juvenile offenders unless there is probable cause
to arrest the juvenile for a violent crime under the SC Code of Laws
(16-1·60). or the juvenile is an immediate threat of harm to the
deputies or the public.

2

GCSO 004574

SOP -11

.,.
OIij;ENV1LI.E CO\.RIITY
SHEruFF'S OFFICE

.K-9.service
Unit

Canine Inflicted Injuries

Canine InDicted Injuries

The following applies to incidents involving a law enforcement canine biting or
otherwise inflicting injury on anyone:
1. 	 Obtain medical attention for the injured person.
• 	 All injuries sustained by any persons which result in laceration. avulsion,
or hemorrhage will be examined and attended by a physician at a medical
facility. .
2. 	 Photograph the injurieslbites on the subject insuring a full~body and face photo,
which also shows the wounds.
.
3. 	 Complete a "Response to Aggression" report.
4. 	 Notify the canine sergeant and on-duty Watch Commander.
• 	 The canine sergeant will notify the canine lieutenant whenever a serious
canine related incident occurs.

.
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ISSUEO 03107101

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GCSO 004575

"

'.

GREEHVI1.lIrCOUNTY
SHERIfF'S OffICE

K-9 Service
Unit

Personnel Responsibilities for
Assisting tbe Canine Haudler

Personnel Responsibilities for Assisting tbe Caaine Handler

Canine teams should conduct a safety/deployment briefing before deploying the canine with the
cover officers for each situation. EveI}' canine deployment is different and a well defined plan is
needed for every situation.
"·Always ask the canine handler what he/she wants, Every canine team is different·"

• 	 Follow the handler's instnlctions:
• 	 Stay on the handler'S weapon side or where hefshe tells you to stand.
• 	 Watch for the suspect, not the canine.
o 	 A canine may go past the suspect until the canine gets on the down wind side
of the suspect.
• 	 Always think of cross fire,
• 	 Allow canine handler to be the contact officer due to the fact the handler will make
the decision to deploy hislher canine.
o 	 When the subject is found:
•. 	 Do not get on the radio:
• 	 Do not give commands to subject.
• 	 If the subject runs, do not chase.
o 	 If canine bites or holds subject at bay:
• 	 Do not rush the subject.
• 	 Follow the handler'S directions on how to secure subject.
• 	 Actions toward the suspect should only be taken in an
emergency situation or when directed to do so by the handler.
o 	 Do not let your guard down-remember possible mUltiple subjects.
o 	 Beware of blood.
• 	 Ask the handler ifhelshe wants you to transmit on the radio.
• 	 In ordef to facilitate the deployment of a canine team, deputies should:
o 	 Set up a perimeter immediately.
• 	 Cover as much ofthe perimeter as possible ifit is a track/trailing
deployment or an area search.
• 	 Cover as many sides, entrances, and exits as possible ifit is a building
search.
o 	 Avoid entering tbe search area unless requested by the handler or an
emergency arises.
• 	 If entry is made into the search area inform the elaine team
immediately.
• 	 Inform location and reaSOD wby entry was made into the
search area.

• 	 If you are on the perimeter:
o Stay outside your patrol vehicle with your blue lights activated.

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R..e,VISIOJII

IUOI.07

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GCSO 004577

SOP~13

Personnel Rescnonllibilitiell for Assisctinll the Canine Handler

o 	 If the subject runs move the perimeter.
.
o 	 Be aware ofthe location of the canine team so if back up 'is needed you can
responded inunediately.

2

GC!=;O 004578

SOP-16
)
GREENVI1.l.E COUNTY
SHERlfF"S OF'FlCE

K-9 Service
Unit

Documentation of Caoine
Deployment

Documentation of Canine Deployment

Documentation is essential for the success of the Canine Service Unh so that the Unit can show the
effectiveness and efficiency of the program. Proper documentation will reduce complaints and the
liability to the Sheriff's Office.

j

• 	 Every canine deployment is recorded on a written report (Code 5) or Canine Supplemental
Report. A canine deployment is defined as an active activity where the canine has an
assigned task and is actually used to complete the assigned task.
o 	 Reports are to be turned in as soon as possible.
o 	 Reports are to be kept in a Usage Log in number order.
• 	 All canine apprehensions will be documented on the following:
o 	 Code 5 (Written Report) or a Canine Supplemental Report
o 	 Canine BiteiInjury Report if needed
• 	 Canine apprehension is defined as any time the canine is deployed and plays a clear. well­
documented role in the capture of a suspect.
• 	 Each handler wi n keep a copy 0 f their reports ina three ring binder so that they have a
Canine Usage Log that can be inspected by the Canine Unit Supervisor or Canine Unit
Trainer.
• Forms are:
o 	 Written Report (Code 5). See Appendix
• 	 If a handler initiates an incident and the handler is taking the original report
(code .5).
o 	 Canine Supplemental Report. See Appendix
• 	 If a handler is helping another deputy on an incident that a report (code .5)
Will be taken and the canine is being dePloyed a Canine Supplemental Report
will be completed and added to the original report (code 5).
• 	 If a handler deploys his canine and no written report (code 5) is required the
handler will complete the Canine Supplemental Report.
• 	 Check the "other" box instead of"Supplemental report" box.
• 	 In the narrative'space type the words "Canine Usage Only".
o 	 Canine BitelInjury Report. See Appendix
• 	 Will be completed any time a canine bites or injures anyone.
• 	 Canine Bite/Injury Report should be turned in with your written report (Code
5) or Canine Supplemental Report.
o Greenville County Sheriff's Office Canine Training Log. See Appendix
• 	 Will be completed any time the canine team trains.
• 	 The handler will keep the original training logs in a three ring binder.
• 	 The handler will make a copy of the training log and place it in a three ring
binder in the Canine Supervisor's office.
o 	 Greenville County Sheriff's Office Canine Team Monthly Report. See Appendix

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GCSO 004581

sop-16 	

o

o

o

o

o

o

Documentation of Canine Deployment

• 	 Monthly reports should by turned into the Canine Supervisor by the third day
ofthe new month.
a
A copy of ali Apprehension Reports (Code 5/K-9 Supp.) made during the
month must be attached to the monthly report.
Greenville County Sheriffs Office Narcotics Check-outlCheck-in log. See Appendix
• 	 Master Deputies and supervisor will fill out this form before and after the
narcotics are used.
• 	 The form will include the time signed out and in and where tbe narcotics
were used.
Greenville County Sherifrs Office Narcotics Hide Sheet See App€ndix
• 	 This sheet will document the following:
• 	 The type and weight of narcotics hidden.
• 	 Location of the hidden narcotics.
• 	 Time narcotics were hidden and retrieved.
• 	 Who hide and retrieved the narcotics.
o 	 This requires two deputies to hide and retrieve the narcotics
used for training.
Greenville County Handler/Canine Information Sheet. See Appendix
• Will be completed and placed in the handler's Canine Training Log (1$1
Page).
.
Canine Team Usage To'tals by Year. See Appendix
• 	 Handler will track their canine usage monthly.
• Sheet will be placed in the handler's Canine Training Log.
Canine Observation Report.. See Appendix
• 	 Will be completed while New Canine T!:atns are in Field Training.
• 	 Forms will be completed by a Canine Field Training Officer who is approved
to train new canine teams.
• The CaIJine Urtit Supervisor and the Canine Unit Trainers will
approve all canine field training officers.
Canine Unit Monthly/Yearly Report. See Appendix
• 	 The Canine Unit Supervisor will track canine team usages monthly and
yearly.
• 	 The report will include types of canine usages, bite ratios, narcotic find ratios,
and canine expenses.

2

GCSO 004582

SOP-IS

K ..9 Service

Retirement of Police CaDiDes

Unit

GR.EENVIU-e COUNTY
SHEllIFF'S OFFICE

Retirement of Police Canities

The underlying principal in the retirement of police canines is that a decision to leave a canine with
the handler is an emCltional reward and an incentive for'other handlers to excel in their performance.
If a handler retains possession of the canine, paperwork transferring liability from the county to the
handler will be completed. Recommendations will be sent through the chain ofcommand. The
Sheriffwill make thE~ final decision concerning the disposition of the canine.
• 	 When canines belonging to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office become ineffective due
to injuries, illness or age they may be retired. Ifdesired, the handler may take complete and
permanent pclssession of the canine for their personal pet with the written permission ofthe
Sheriff at no cost to the handler.
• 	 In the event of a handler leaving the Canine Services Unit due to promotion or retirement,
the handler will be given the opportUnity of accepting the canine as a personal companion
only ifthe handler has been with the Greenville County Sheriff's Canine Services Unit for
three years or more with above average evaluations.
• 	 If the handler has been with the Canine Services Unit less than three years the canine will
stay property 0 f the Greenville County Sheriff s Office.
• 	 In the event of the death or disability of a canine handler, and upon request of the handler's
family and approval of the Sheriff, the canine will be retired from police service and given
to the handler's family.
• 	 The following formula is to calculate the cost of the canine:
o 	 In the event it is determined that the canine is not needed, the handler will be given
the opportunity to purchase the canine, and shall pay Greenville County 90% ofthe
original purchase price.
.'
o 	 if thl~ handler worked with the canine for three to four years, the handler shall pay
the c.ounty is% of the canine original price.
o 	 If the handler worked with the canine for four to six years, the handler shall pay the
county 50% ofthe canine original price.
o 	 If the handler worked with the canine for six years or more, the handler win be
given the canine at no charge, as a reward for good se'rvice and time well invested in
working and caring for hislher canine partner.

~

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IssueD

OJlO1101

~ISION

12101107 	

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GCSO 004584