POST Law Enforcement

K-9 Guidelines

California Commission On Peace Officer Standards and Training

Produced By POST Management Counseling and Projects Bureau
 POST Law Enforcement K-9 Guidelines
© 2024 by California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
Published June 2024, November 2024
All rights reserved. The contents of these guidelines are intended for use only in a POST-
certified program [or by a state agency receiving POST-training]. POST does not warrant, and in
fact disclaims, the suitability of the material for any other use. Any person using the material for
any other purpose assumes all responsibility and risk associated with such use.
Any use of or reference to the contents of this manual shall include an acknowledgment that
the manual was created by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
(POST), except for material that is attributed to, copyrighted, or credited to anyone other than
the Commission on POST. Any reference to this manual in other material should not state or
imply that such other material meets state of California or POST standards.
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means
electronic or mechanical or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or
hereafter invented, without prior written permission of the California Commission on Peace
Officer Standards and Training (POST), with the following exception:
California law enforcement agencies in the POST peace officer program and POST-certified
training presenters are hereby given permission by POST to reproduce any or all of the
contents of this manual for their internal use.
All other individuals, private businesses and corporations, public and private agencies and
colleges, professional associations, and non-POST law enforcement agencies in state or out-of-
state may print or download this information for non-commercial use.
Infringement of the provisions expressed here and on the POST website under Terms and
Conditions will be pursued in a court of law. Any questions about duplication and protection of
this publication and exceptions may be directed to the Publications Manager.
All photos are used with permission.

ii CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING

 POST MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the CaliforniaS Commission on Peace Officer
M MI SIO
Standards and Training
O is to continually
N enhance the
C
professionalism of California Law Enforcement in serving
its communities

AININ G
PEACE OF

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FI

E
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R A
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ANDARD

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES iii

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iv CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING

 POST Commissioners
CHAIR
Geoff Long
Public Member

VICE CHAIR
Rick Braziel
Educator, Humboldt State University

Alan Barcelona
Special Agent, Department of Justice

Ingrid Braun
Sheriff, Mono County

Jim Cooper
Sheriff, Sacramento County

Justin Doering
Senior Deputy Sheriff, Ventura County

P. Lamont Ewell
Public Member

Kelly Gordon
Chief, Santa Barbara Police Department

Jacob Johnson
Officer, California Highway Patrol

Shannan Moon
Sheriff, Nevada County Sheriff’s Office

Tina Nieto
Sheriff, Monterey County

Benjamin Therriault
Sergeant, Richmond Police Department

Rob Bonta
Ex-Officio Member, Attorney General, Department of Justice

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES v

 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
POST appreciates the dedication of the 2023-2024 subject matter expert group who assisted in
the update of this guideline.

Sergeant Aron Algren Sergeant Ryan McWilliams

Los Angeles Police Department Bakersfield Police Department
Sergeant Jason Arnotti Elizabeth Norton, Esq.
Carlsbad Police Department Butte County District Attorney’s Office
Lieutenant Gary Aulis (Retired) Captain Brad Meyer
Fontana Police Department Butte County Sheriff’s Office
Lieutenant Ron Cloward Officer Aaron Plugge
Modesto Police Department (retired) Redondo Beach Police Department
Sergeant Raymond Cota Bruce Praet, Esq.
Monterey Park PD Ferguson Praet & Sherman
Sergeant Daniel Dayton Denise Lynch Rocawich, Esq.
Los Angeles Port Police Jones & Mayer
Assistant Chief Mike Gleckler Lieutenant Casey Thomas
California State Parks California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Sergeant Michael Goosby (Retired) Sergeant Paul Warren
Los Angeles Police Department Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office
Officer Landon Matson Sergeant Ernest Wolosewicz (Retired)
California Highway Patrol Long Beach Police Department
Sergeant Rebecca Mondon
Cypress Police Department

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 FOREWORD
In 1991, a group of K-9 Officers, Law Enforcement Managers, and K-9 Trainers from throughout
the state met to discuss the need for K-9 Team Standards in California. The group believed that
local liability would be reduced if statewide K-9 Team Standards were available. They further
believed that these standards, to be acceptable and have an impact, should be supported by
the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

In February 1992, POST brought this committee and other interested experts together, and
they agreed to develop guidelines in the areas of Obedience, Search, Apprehension, Handler
Protection, Handler Selection, and Evaluation. After initial development work and following
several reviews which resulted in consensus, the proposed guidelines were submitted to and
approved by the POST Commission in July 1992.

Following Commission action, POST brought the subject matter experts together again and
developed suggested scenarios to test the recommended minimum K-9 Team Standards
contained within the approved guidelines. POST developed a one-day Evaluator’s Course and
accompanying evaluation forms to train officers evaluating K-9 Teams.

Updates to this document aim to refine and streamline the guidelines. POST recognizes that
agencies utilize K-9 teams in various capacities and with differing expectations.

Additionally, many more specialized K-9 team functions have developed in the decades
since POST first created the guidelines. These guidelines recommend minimum training and
evaluation benchmarks for K-9 Patrol and Detection functions. They are intended to assist
agencies with recommendations to develop policies for the use and training of K-9 teams.

Questions regarding the POST Law Enforcement K-9 Guidelines should be directed to
the Management Counseling and Projects Bureau at (916) 227-4852. Questions regarding
certification of K-9 training courses should be directed to the Training Delivery and Compliance
Bureau at (916) 227-4863.

Manuel Alvarez Jr.

POST Executive Director

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 INTRODUCTION
These guidelines are designed to assist agencies with minimum training and performance
standards for patrol and detection K-9 teams. Patrol K-9 teams should meet minimum
standards regarding obedience, search, apprehension, control, de-escalation, and tracking/
trailing.

Detection K-9 teams should meet minimum standards for detection of the odor(s) that the K-9
is trained to detect.

This categorization (patrol and detection) is intentionally basic. POST recognizes that there
are many specializations among law enforcement K-9s. Specializations include explosives
detection, cadaver detection, search and rescue, SWAT, and airport operations, among others.

These guidelines recognize that the use of K-9s by law enforcement personnel is of important
concern to the community, including law enforcement, and that safeguarding the life, dignity,
and liberty of all persons, without prejudice to anyone, should be priority.

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 CONTENTS
POST Mission Statement ......................................................................................................................... iii
POST Commissioners................................................................................................................................ v
Acknowledgments................................................................................................................................... vi
Foreword ................................................................................................................................................. vii
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. ix
General Training Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 1
Minimum Standards for Basic K-9 Handler/Team Training....................................................................................... 1
K-9 Team Evaluators ................................................................................................................................. 2
Patrol Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................... 3
K-9 Team Competencies ........................................................................................................................... 4
Patrol Scenarios for K-9 Team Evaluations ............................................................................................. 5
Obedience ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Search/Apprehension ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Call-off........................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Control and De-escalation .................................................................................................................................................. 7
Detection Guidelines................................................................................................................................ 8
Search......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Detection .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Detection Scenarios for K-9 Team Evaluations ............................................................................................................. 9
Tracking/Trailing Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Tracking/Trailing Scenarios for K-9 Team Evaluations.............................................................................................. 10

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xii CALIFORNIA COMMISSION ON PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING

GENERAL TRAINING GUIDELINES
Minimum Standards for Basic K-9 Handler/Team Training
1. The K-9 handler should demonstrate an understanding of current laws and competence in
exercising sound judgment and critical decision-making when using force to include during the
training and development of a law enforcement K-9.
2. The K-9 handler/team should successfully pass an evaluation prior to law enforcement
deployment. For purposes of these guidelines, an “alert” is behavior recognized by the handler
that indicates the presence of a target odor.
3. In-service K-9 teams should complete 20 hours of documented training monthly to maintain basic
patrol and/or detection proficiency.
4. A K-9 team with multiple/added specializations (e.g., SWAT K-9, bomb detection, search and
rescue) may require additional training to maintain proficiency.
5. POST recommends annual recertification for the K-9 team.
6. If a K-9 team member has an extended absence from training, POST recommends that the team
member be re-evaluated by a trainer prior to service being reinstated.

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES 1

K-9 TEAM EVALUATORS
In order to meet POST law enforcement K-9 guidelines, K-9 teams shall be assessed by an evaluator prior
to general law enforcement deployment and at least once annually.
The evaluator and handler should not have a monetary interest in the breeding/selling/training of the K-9
being evaluated. This is to preserve the highest standards of professionalism and to avoid any perceived
conflict of interest between the evaluator and the K-9 team.

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PATROL GUIDELINES
The release of a K-9 to search for or apprehend a suspect should be based upon the handler’s reasonable
belief that the suspect has committed, is committing, or is threatening to commit a serious offense under
any of the following conditions:
1. There is a reasonable belief that the suspect poses an imminent or immediate threat of violence or
serious harm to the public or an officer.
2. The suspect is physically resisting or threatening to resist arrest and the use of a K-9 reasonably
appears necessary to overcome such resistance.
3. Officers reasonably believe the suspect is concealed in an area where entry by a person would
pose a threat to the safety of officers or the public.
4. Unless the handler reasonably believes that it would pose an imminent threat of danger to the
officer or other persons or substantially increase the risk of a suspect’s escape, a warning, clearly
audible, within the deployment area announcing the potential release of a police K-9 if the suspect
does not surrender should be given prior to the release of the K-9.
5. Once given, the handler should allow a reasonable opportunity for the suspect to comply with any
warning, if feasible as defined in Government Code section 7286.
In general, the K-9 should not be used for crowd control at an assembly, protest, or demonstration.

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES 3

K-9 TEAM COMPETENCIES
The following four K-9 team competencies outline minimum “patrol” performance standards that a K-9
team should be able to demonstrate. Testing for the following four competencies should be conducted in
an environment closely simulating realistic job conditions and distractions.
1. Obedience
The handler will demonstrate the ability to control the K-9 during an obedience performance test.
a. The K-9 will perform a basic routine of left, right, and about turns, at normal, and quick pace,
while on a leash.
b. The K-9 team will perform basic tactical movements and control.

2. Search
Under the direction and control of the handler, the K-9 will independently locate a hidden agitator/
decoy in a structure or building and in an outdoor area within a reasonable amount of time.
a. The K-9 will “alert” the handler after finding the agitator/decoy. Prior to the release of the K-9 ,
an announcement of intended use will be given. At least one search will be a civil find using no
equipment on the agitator/decoy.
b. The K-9 will locate a hidden agitator/decoy in a structure or building with multiple rooms and
hiding locations places and “alert” the handler.
c. The K-9 will locate a hidden agitator/decoy in a large outdoor area with multiple hiding
locations and “alert” the handler.

3. Apprehension
Under the direction of the handler and while off-leash, the K-9 will pursue and apprehend an
agitator/decoy.
a. The K-9 team will demonstrate a “pursuit and call off” prior to apprehension.
b. On command from the handler, the K-9 will pursue and apprehend the agitator/decoy.
c. From a reasonable distance and within a reasonable amount of time, on verbal command only,
the K-9 will cease the apprehension.
d. Handlers must demonstrate a tactical release from a prone agitator/decoy.
e. Handlers will identify supplemental equipment they will have available to aid with the release
and demonstrate its use. Supplemental equipment may include but are not limited to breaker
bar, e-collar, pinch collar or other devices.

4. Control and De-escalation

The K-9 will remain under control while the handler attempts to gain compliance from the agitator/
decoy.

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PATROL SCENARIOS FOR K-9 TEAM EVALUATIONS
The following are scenarios for a K-9 team evaluation in each of the competency areas. These scenarios
contain minimum elements for an evaluation.
1. These exercises should be demonstrated in an environment closely simulating realistic job
conditions and distractions without the use of a muzzle.
2. The evaluating instructor will be fully apprised of the pertinent agency policies and regulations
prior to the commencement of all exercises conducted. The “correct” response or reaction of the
handler, the K-9, or the two acting together, may differ from agency to agency, based on prevailing
agency policy.

Obedience
Handlers will report to the evaluator with the K-9 on a leash. At the direction of the evaluator, the team
will complete the following exercises as called for by the evaluator. During the exercise, the K-9 will be
under the handler’s control at the “heel” position.
At the “forward” direction of the evaluator, handlers will proceed ahead with their K-9s at the “heel”
position and at a normal, and/or quick pace at the direction of the evaluator. The evaluator will direct the
handler K-9 team through a series of turns and movements including the following:
1. On a leash:
a. Two right turns
b. Two left turns
c. Two about-turns
d. Two stop/sits
e. Two stop/downs
2. Off-leash tactical obedience:

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES 5

This exercise will be performed using four stations or points of cover. The K-9 team starts from a position
of cover near station number one. The K-9 is placed in a stationary position as the handler moves to the
second station, leaving the K-9 behind. Once the handler is at the second station in a position of cover,
the K-9 is called to a heel. From the second station, the handler has the K-9 heel to the third station. At
the third station, the handler again assumes a position of cover, keeping the K-9 beside the handler in a
controlled position. The handler leaves the K-9 and moves to the fourth station and assumes a position of
cover. The handler recalls the K-9 to a heeling position, concluding the exercise. The K-9 must not break
from stationary positions until called upon by the handler.

Search/Apprehension
During all the below exercises, a minimum of two people, which may include the evaluator, shall be
present to simulate the presence of a search team. The K-9 should maintain neutrality to all persons
present other than the agitator/decoy.
Based on the following criteria listed in this section, the evaluator will develop the certification scenarios
which encompass the skills listed below.
The K-9 will demonstrate the following:
1. Building Search
A structure or building with multiple rooms and hiding locations in which the K-9 will locate a
hiding agitator/decoy. This scenario shall be demonstrated off-leash.
2. Area Search
A large outdoor area with multiple hiding locations in which the K-9 will locate a hiding agitator/
decoy. This scenario shall be demonstrated off-leash.
3. Verbal Out
The K-9 will apprehend the agitator/decoy from a distance no less than ten yards from the handler.
The handler, using verbal commands only, will have the K-9 release and recall back to the handler.
This scenario shall be demonstrated off-leash and without the use of an e-collar correction.
4. Tactical Release
The handler will demonstrate the ability to physically remove the K-9 from the apprehension of
an agitator/decoy, in a reasonable amount of time, in two separate scenarios. For the first, the
handler will demonstrate the ability to physically remove the K-9 from an agitator/decoy in a prone
position. For the second, handlers will identify a supplemental method they will use in aiding with
the release and demonstrate its use in removing the K-9 from an agitator/decoy. Supplemental
methods may include but are not limited to a breaker bar, e-collar, pinch collar or other devices or
techniques.
5. Inaccessible Find
The alert to the presence of an inaccessible agitator/decoy with no equipment present. After the
handler identifies the alert to the evaluator, the K-9 will then be recalled back to the handler’s
position. This scenario shall be demonstrated off-leash as part of the building search or area
search, as determined by the evaluator.

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Call-off
This function is critical and separates the K-9 from all other less-than-lethal force options in that the
handler has the ability to call off the K-9 prior to making contact with the agitator/decoy, within
reason, to avoid a use of force.
1. This exercise will simulate a directed apprehension and will be conducted off-leash and
without the use of an e-collar correction.
2. The K-9 will be sent on a directed apprehension, from approximately 30 yards, on a visible and
accessible agitator/decoy.
3. Once the K-9 is in the pursuit and committed to the agitator/decoy (approximately halfway),
the handler will call off the apprehension using only voice commands.
4. The K-9 is not allowed to make contact with the agitator/decoy.
5. The K-9 may or may not be recalled to the handler at the discretion of the evaluator.
The scenario will conclude when the K-9 is under physical control of the handler.

Control and De-escalation

The K9 handler will approach the agitator/decoy. The K-9 will remain under control while the handler
attempts to gain compliance from the agitator/decoy for a minimum of 20 seconds. The circumstances
of the scenario are at the discretion of the evaluator.

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES 7

DETECTION GUIDELINES
The following K-9 team competency outlines minimum “detection” performance standards that a K-9
team should be able to demonstrate when adopting these guidelines.

Search
While demonstrating reasonable control and coordination between the handler and the K-9 used in
the detection, the K-9 must find (within a reasonable period of time as determined by the evaluator)
the odor(s) they have been trained to find in the environment(s) they have been trained to search.
1. The K-9 should not “alert” to anything that it is not trained to find
2. A false “alert” (as determined by the evaluator) is a failure
3. The agency will designate what odors may be used

Detection
The evaluator will be fully apprised of the pertinent agency policies and regulations prior to the
commencement of the exercise. The “correct” response or reaction of the handler, the K-9, or the two
acting together, may differ from agency to agency, based on prevailing agency policy.
1. While demonstrating reasonable control and coordination between the handler and the
K-9 used in detection, the K-9 must find—within a reasonable period of time—the odor(s)
identified.
2. There should be a recognized signal “alert” from the K-9 to the handler which indicates that the
K-9 has located each odor.
3. The handler must be able to interpret the K-9’s “alert” clearly enough to be able to inform the
evaluator of the substance’s location.
4. Once a handler has signaled their K-9’s “alert” to the evaluator, the exercise is complete.
5. The handler must demonstrate the ability to control the K-9 fully throughout all phases of the
search. The evaluation should contain at least one trained odor in each environment evaluated.

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 6. To ensure adequate scent dispersion, setup time for each sample of trained odor should be a
minimum of 30 minutes prior to the actual search.
7. The actual target trained odor should be present for the evaluation of trained odor detection.

Detection Scenarios for K-9 Team Evaluations

The evaluator shall set up hides in test environments suitable to the K9 team being tested.
Environments may include but are not limited to:
1. Building Search
A minimum of three rooms, only one trained odor should be placed in any given room; one
room must be blank with no trained odors present
2. Open Area Search
Large, exterior area with one trained odor
3. Vehicle Search
Minimum of three vehicles; only one trained odor should be placed on any vehicle; one vehicle
must be blank with no trained odors present
4. Other Search Area
As determined by the evaluator based on the needs of the agency

POST LAW ENFORCEMENT K-9 GUIDELINES 9

Tracking/Trailing Guidelines
Minimum Standards for Tracking/Trailing Performance Standards
The purpose of this guideline is to determine the K-9’s ability to follow the track/trail.
While demonstrating reasonable control and coordination between the handler and the K-9, the K-9 must
find the article or odor to be tracked/trailed within a reasonable amount of time.

Tracking/Trailing Scenarios for K-9 Team Evaluations

1. The evaluator will have the track/trail laid in an environment suitable for the working conditions of
the team being evaluated.
2. The evaluation must consist of two turns, a minimum of 100 yards, and one article or odor (if
articles are trained).
3. The K-9 team will not be given the exact location of the start of the track/trail, but only the general
area and the direction of travel by the evaluator.
4. The K-9 must provide an indication recognized by the handler when the article or odor is located.

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