WEST VIRGINIA POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION

PATROL STANDARDS

"TO UNITE AND ASSIST POLICE SERVICE DOGS AND HANDLERS"

Each K-9 team must demonstrate proficiency in the areas of obedience, criminal apprehension, building search, and area search to comply with the requirements for certification. Either a WVPCA Judge or a Regional Certifying Official may certify a K-9 team. There may be more than (1) of these officials at any certification, but only one (1) is required for certification. The certification must be video taped and reviewed by another certifying official who will also sign off on patrol standards.

Any K-9 trained by a certifying official may not be certified by that official on the first (1^st) certification.

If a team fails the examination, re-examination may be granted with the approval of all parties.

OBEDIENCE: Heeling and Control. The K-9 will, on command and off lead, heel on the handler’s side until released by the handler. The exercise will consist of three (3) legs and at least a right turn, a left turn, an about turn, a change of pace, and a halt. Errors must be corrected by means other than touching the dog, verbal commands, and hand or arm motion.

SOCIAL EXPOSURE: While off lead the K-9 will be put on a stay command, any position. More than one person will pass the K-9 at a distance of six (6) inches to two (2) feet, and the K-9 shall not break the command.

CRIMINAL APPREHENSION:

Upon command the K-9 will pursue and apprehend a fleeing suspect. Also upon command, the K-9 will release, return to the handler and remain in guard position during the search of the suspect

HANDLER PROTECTION: The K-9 will defend the handler against assault, leave the suspect. apprehension when commanded, and stay in position during the search of the suspect.

BUILDING SEARCH: The K-9 team, with the K-9 showing active interest, must conduct a search for a hidden suspect in a building approximately 10,000 square feet in size within a ten (10) minute time frame.

AREA SEARCH: The K-9 must demonstrate the ability to locate, give an obvious physical or vocal alert and/or apprehend a suspect outdoors by using the olfactory sense within a time frame of ten (10) minutes per acre. The handler must demonstrate his/her ability to recognize the K-9’s alert.