Date of Award

Summer 6-28-2020

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

The use of dogs in police work is nothing new. In fact, it has been around for over one hundred years. The keen senses and unwavering loyalty of a dog have made them an invaluable resource to law enforcement agencies and military units around the world. They are tasked with enormous responsibilities where people's lives are truly in jeopardy if they fail. Working dogs, as they are often called, perform functions including everything from bomb detection, illegal narcotics detection, criminal locating/apprehension, article searching, search and rescue, tracking, and many other things that humans can’t do without advanced technology. All of these tasks have been mastered by canine handlers and despite the amount of responsibility and liability put on these animals, they perform it day in and day out with ease.

This study examines the differences between “find and bite” versus “find and bark” as it applies to police canine training and apprehension methodology and will provide recommendations related to the Department of Justice suggested guidance regarding the Sacramento Police Department canine unit “find and bite” vs “find and bark” training program. An examination of the bite ratios within current “find and bark” police agencies was used as statistical data to evaluate the number of deployments versus bites while implementing the find and bark method. Additionally, subject matter expert interviews were conducted with current canine unit head trainers, police department leadership, and use of force policy developers within the Sacramento Police Department and surrounding police agencies.

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