IR-01-22-30549
2 November 2022
Mr Mark Hanna
[FYI request #20763 email]
Tēnā koe Mr Hanna
Request for information
Thank you for your Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) request of 5 October 2022, in
which you asked for information regarding release of Police Dog chapters of the Police
Manual.
My response to each part of your request can be found below.
1. Please release the following information: For the Police Manual chapter “Police Dogs
- Part 02 New Zealand Police Dog Section”:
a. A copy of the latest version of this document.
Part 2 – New Zealand Police Dog Section is attached.
b. The date on which the current version of this document came into effect.
The current version of this document came into effect was 6 September 2021.
c.
The next planned review date of this document.
The next planned review date of this document is 8 October 2025.
2.
For the Police Manual chapter "Police Dogs - Part 05 Dog Team Training":
a. A copy of the latest version of this document.
Part 5 – Dog team training is attached. Please note: Pages 25-32 have been withheld
under sections 6d and 6c of the OIA.
b.
The date on which the current version of this document came into effect.
The current version of this document came into effect was 6 September 2021.
c.
The next planned review date of this document.
The next planned review date of this document is 8 October 2025.
3. The licence under which this information is released.
Not applicable.
Please note that as part of its commitment to openness and transparency, Police
proactively releases some information and documents that may be of interest to the
public. An anonymised version of this response may be publicly released on the New
Zealand Police website.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this
decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.
Nāku noa, nā
Superintendent Warwick Morehu
Director - Training
New Zealand Police
Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Summary
3
Introduction
3
Definitions
3
Role of the Dog Section
3
Primary role
3
General Duties role
3
Governance of the New Zealand Police Dog Section
4
National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs
4
Officer in Charge of Dog Section
4
District Commander
4
Dog Section Working Group
4
Police Dog Section Working Group
5
Purpose
5
Process
5
Group membership
5
New Zealand Police Dog Section Working Group
5
Other people seconded to the working group
5
Other members
5
Group representation
6
Structure and operations
7
New Zealand Police Dog Section
7
Human resource allocation
7
District Dog sections
7
Dog Training Centre
7
Patrol dog teams
7
Detector dog teams
7
Supervision and leadership
7
Continuation training
7
Reporting lines for dog handlers
8
Annex A ‐ Organisation chart
9
Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
Summary
Introduction
This chapter provides:
‑ information about structure, functioning and administration of the Police dog section
‑ guidance to supervisors and managers who have responsibility for dog sections and dog handlers, and for dog section staff
‑ specific detail on:
‑ the role of the Dog Section
‑ Governance of the Dog Section
‑ Dog Section working group terms of reference
‑ human resource allocation
‑ structure and operations
‑ reporting lines.
Definitions
This table provides some definitions relevant to this chapter.
Term
Definition
Police dog 'Police dog' means a dog that is:
‑ undergoing or has successfully completed a course of instruction at the Police Dog Training Centre; and
‑ being used for Police duties.
(Section
4 of the Policing Act 2008 refers)
In terms of Police policy relating to the care and management of dogs it also includes a dog that is:
‑ owned by Police; or
‑ in the possession or under the control of a Police employee for the purpose of being used by, or trained for Police
for any authorised purpose.
Police dog 'Police dog handler' means a Police employee who is undergoing or has successfully completed a course of instruction at
handler
the Police Dog Training Centre that qualifies the employee to perform duties as a Police dog handler.
(Section
4 of the Policing Act 2008 refers)
Trainee
'Trainee dog handler' means a Police employee who is appointed to a position to train as a dog handler or is otherwise
dog
training to be a dog handler.
handler
Role of the Dog Section
Primary role
The role of the Dog Section (dog handlers) is to deploy Police dogs to enhance and aid Police operations in maintaining safer
communities. Handlers are employed in full time dog handling positions and their primary role is the deployment of a Police dog that
is either a patrol or detector dog.
General Duties role
Dog handlers must be constables with responsibility for delivering general duties Police services or other policing roles as directed by
their district.
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Governance of the New Zealand Police Dog Section
National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs
The National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs is responsible for developing deployment, training and management guidelines for the use of
Police dogs.
Officer in Charge of Dog Section
District OC Dog Section or Dog Section Supervisors (who may or may not be members of the dog section) are responsible for managing
District Dog Sections.
District Commander
District Dog Sections are a district resource and report through to their District Commander. Deployment of Police dog handlers in
general policing duties is governed by the District and managed by the OC Dog Section or Dog Section Supervisor.
Dog Section Working Group
The purpose of the Dog Section Working Group is to act as the technical reference group for the Police dog section and reports through
the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs.
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Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
Police Dog Section Working Group
Purpose
The purpose of the Police Dog Section Working Group is to act as the technical reference group for the Police dog section. It is a group
of experienced practitioners from within the section who collaborate to identify best practice that support and enhance dog section
operations and ensure consistent implementation of practice nationally. In particular, the group functions to:
‑ advise the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs and the Police Dog Section Advisory Group on any relevant matter relating to
police dog operations
‑ implement recommendations and directions of the Police Executive, RNZPC and Frontline Capability Group
‑ create an effective consultative process with all dog section personnel
‑ setting and implementing the priorities for the Dog Section for annual goals, processes and development plans
‑ contribute to the management of national issues arising from the delivery, development and implementation of training,
operational deployment and management of Police dog sections
‑ effectively manage areas of risk, in particular the use of force and Police dogs
‑ identify priorities for curriculum and good practice
‑ confirm annually, the content and process of annual certification for police dog teams
‑ ensure training development and delivery is consistent with standards set by the RNZPC.
Process
The group should:
‑ convene twice a year, or as necessary
‑ report under the authority of the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs who is responsible for national training, operational and
management practice for the dog section
‑ report as required to the Director: RNZPC, Director: Tactical Operations and Director: Capability, the Police Executive, District
Commanders and other relevant PNHQ groups
‑ keep all district dog sections informed of the activity of the advisory group prior to and following meetings.
District representatives must consult fully with the employees in charge of the district dog sections that they represent prior to
meetings to identify issues and agenda items.
Other departments that may have members seconded to the group, must monitor and identify issues impacting on dog section
relevant to their area of expertise and report these to the Advisory Group as appropriate.
Group membership
The generic group should include not less than four members and should include at least one from outside of the group.
New Zealand Police Dog Section Working Group
‑ National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs (Chair)
‑ Practice Leader: Dog Training
‑ OC Auckland Dog Section
‑ OC Wellington Dog Section
‑ OC Canterbury Dog Section.
Other people seconded to the working group
‑ Legal Section representative
‑ Integrity and Conduct representative
‑ Frontline Capability Group representative.
Other members
Other members can be seconded to the group as and when required to assist the group in its deliberations and may include
representatives from:
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Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
‑ other Dog Section personnel
‑ other Police employees
‑ RNZPC: Training Development
‑ Organisational Performance Group
‑ Area Commanders
‑ Operations Managers
‑ external stakeholder and partner agency representative.
Group representation
The Police Dog Section Working Group must consult with and represent district dog sections in these areas shown in this table.
Working Group member
Representing
OC Auckland Dog Section
Auckland and Northland Districts
OC BOP or Waikato Dog Section
BOP and Waikato Districts
OC Wellington Dog Section
Wellington, Central and Eastern Districts
OC Christchurch Dog Section
Canterbury, Tasman and Southern Districts
Practice Leader Dog Training Centre
Dog Training Centre
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Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
Structure and operations
New Zealand Police Dog Section
The Police Dog Section consists of:
‑ District Dogs sections that provide operational services and report to the District Commander
‑ the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre that provides dog team training and breeding and reports to the National Co‐
ordinator: Police Dogs
‑ the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs who reports to the Director: RNZPC.
Police has more than 20 dog sections, from Kaikohe to Invercargill, made up of over 130 dog teams.
See: Organisation chart in
Annex A.
Human resource allocation
District Dog sections
The human resource allocation for district dog sections is determined by the District Commander. There is no nationally set resource
allocation for dog sections. District Commanders must determine what resource level they require dependent on their district or
national policing need.
Dog Training Centre
The human resource allocation for the Dog Training Centre is determined by the Director: RNZPC.
Patrol dog teams
Patrol dog teams (previously known as 'general purpose teams') operate in all dog sections and districts and make up 90 percent of
capability. Many patrol dogs have advanced capability that is developed after initial training. These dogs are dual‐trained in:
‑ Tactical (AOS and STG)
‑ search and rescue
‑ victim recovery
‑ narcotic detection.
Detector dog teams
Detector dog teams are used for narcotic, currency, firearm and explosive detection and are deployed nationally. These teams are
based in the larger centres and are able to provide inter‐district support. Some of the handlers also deploy a firearms detector dog or a
dual‐purpose dog trained to find firearms as well as narcotics.
Explosives detector dog teams are deployed nationally. These teams are based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and are able
to provide inter‐district support. The handlers also deploy a second dog, either a firearms detector or narcotics detector dog.
Supervision and leadership
District dog sections are managed by Officers in Charge (OCs) Dog Section who are:
‑ responsible for supervising dog teams and delivering continuation training
‑ either stand‐alone positions or they have dog section supervisors reporting to them.
In areas where the dog section does not have an OC dog section or supervisor, they are managed by a station supervisor (non dog
section) and an OC dog section or supervisor delivers continuation training and consults with the manager on dog section operations
and administration.
Continuation training
District supervisors and trainers (supported by the Dog Training Centre where required) provide continuation training to dog teams.
They are responsible for three areas of training:
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‑ Developmental training for dog teams during the home phases of the Initial Training Programme and when a handler is
allocated a replacement dog.
‑ Ongoing training for operational dog teams to develop and maintain the standards of each dog team to ensure effective
operational capability.
‑ Development of dual response or new roles for operational teams.
Note: As part of continuation training, the district supervisors/trainers are responsible for maintaining appropriate training records.
See 'District continuation training' section in the '
Dog team training' chapter.
Reporting lines for dog handlers
The direct reporting lines will depend on the dog section.
‑ Large section (Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch), report directly to your dog section supervisor/trainer, who then reports to
the OC Dog Section.
‑ Medium sections (Tauranga, Rotorua, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Tasman sections, Dunedin,
Invercargill) report directly to the OC Dog Section.
‑ Small sections (Kaikohe, Gisborne, Whakatäne, Whanganui, Masterton, Timaru) report to their OC Station, with a functional line
to an OC Dog Section.
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Part 2 - New Zealand Police Dog Section
Annex A ‐ Organisation chart
Download the organisation chart:
‑
Organisation_chart.doc
36 KB
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Part 5 - Dog team training
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
2
Summary
5
Introduction
5
Application
5
The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) policy
5
National standard
5
Training methods
5
Application
5
Responsibility
5
Definitions
6
Training related definitions
6
National Dog Training Courses
7
Purpose of courses
7
Qualifying courses
7
Advanced courses
7
Refresher training courses
7
Employee training courses
7
Training conferences
8
Other training
8
Training delivery for courses
9
Course structure and length
9
Qualification of dog handlers
9
Certification of dog teams as operational
9
Training and qualification of trainee dog handlers
10
Training Management Plan
10
Trainee dog handlers
10
Replacement of dogs during training
10
Dog replacement process for trainees during training
10
Operational handlers training replacement dogs
11
Training Management Plan
11
Dog replacement process for operational handlers during training
12
Operational handlers allocated an operational dog
12
Operational handlers multi handling an operational dog
13
Training methods
14
Policy statement
14
Positive reinforcement
14
Physical correction
14
Compulsion
14
Punishment
14
Training methods
14
Mistreatment or abuse of dogs
14
District continuation training
16
Purpose
16
Annual continuation training days
16
Length of training days
16
Training day curricula
16
Self led training
16
Roles and responsibilities
17
Dog handlers
17
Dog section supervisors
17
Failure in safety, control or efficiency
17
Training records
18
Qualification records
18
Training record
18
Description of training
18
Certification Record
18
Training diary
18
Content of training diary
18
Description of training
19
Inspection of training diaries
19
Inspection of training and certification records
19
Annual continuation training requirements
20
Training equipment
21
Policy
21
Regular inspection
21
Dog handling equipment
21
Approved equipment
21
Protective equipment
21
Detector dog training aids
21
Electronic collars
21
Use of electronic collars
22
Who can authorise their use
22
Decision to use an electronic training collar
22
Procedure
22
Continued use of electronic collars
22
Use of an electric training collar
22
Electric bark collars
23
Reporting
23
Pinch collars
23
Supply of equipment
23
Testing and approval of equipment
23
Trialling equipment
23
Narcotic training aids
25
Drugs and substances supplied
25
Changing or refreshing training samples
25
Request for training samples
25
Records
25
Controlled Drugs Register
25
Daily training record
26
Packaging of narcotic training aids
26
Damage of narcotic training aids
26
Security checks and audit
26
District Dog Sections
26
New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre
26
Checking weights and integrity of training samples
27
Storage
27
Security
27
Integrity of odour must be maintained
27
When integrity of odour is in question
27
Explosive training aids
28
Explosives Code of Practice
28
Other explosive substances
28
Explosive training aids
28
Explosives and substances supplied
28
Changing or refreshing training samples
28
Destruction of explosives
28
Request for training samples
28
Records
29
Explosives Register
29
Dangerous goods declaration form
29
Packaging of explosive training aids
29
Damage of explosive training aids
29
Security checks and audit
29
District Dog Sections
29
New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre
29
Checking weights and integrity of training samples
30
Storage
30
Security
30
Integrity of odour must be maintained
30
When integrity of odour is in question
30
Currency training aids
31
Storage
31
Security
31
Training roles and responsibilities
32
Summary of roles and responsibilities
32
Part 5 - Dog team training
Summary
Introduction
This part of the 'Police dogs' chapter outlines the policy and practice regarding the training of Police dogs and their handlers and
includes:
‑ national training courses
‑ district training
‑ training methods
‑ training records
‑ training equipment.
Application
This chapter applies to all members of Police Dog Section and other Police employees who:
‑ have a Police dog
‑ have Police dog handlers or dog section employees reporting to them.
The Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) policy
Dog Training Courses must comply with RNZPC
Training Delivery policies.
National standard
All Police dog handlers, Police dogs and Police dog teams must be trained to, and assessed against, national standards.
Training methods
Only
approved training methods must be used to train Police dogs.
Application
Training standards, and methods of training, apply to all aspects of Police dog team training including:
‑ national training courses
‑ supervised district training
‑ individual dog team training
‑ any other formal training session
‑ informal training by groups or individuals.
Responsibility
The National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs must approve training and assessment standards and methods of training.
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Definitions
Training related definitions
This table defines terms relating to training.
Term
Definition
Approved
Includes training methods described in policy and in training manuals. Training directed by a dog section supervisor or
training
instructor that has been endorsed by the Practice Leader: Dog Training, the Dog Section Working Group or is
method
acknowledged as an accepted and approved training method and meets the requirements of
'Training methods'
described in this section.
Certification The process approved by the National Coordinator: Police Dogs to ensure Police dog handlers, Police dogs and Police
dog teams are competent for operational deployment.
Dog section Includes any supervisor position in the dog section including trainers and instructors.
supervisor
Dog team
One dog handler and one Police dog.
Instructor
A Police employee, or employee from any other organisation, appointed to manage and deliver training at the New
Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham, or a Police employee who has been approved by the National
Coordinator: Police Dogs to be a dog section instructor.
Operational In reference to either a dog team, dog handler or Police dog means that they are certified as operational and are to do
police duties.
Police dog In accordance with section
4 of the Policing Act 2008, 'Police dog' means a dog that is:
(a) undergoing or has successfully completed a course of instruction at the Police Dog Training Centre; and
(b) being used for Police duties.
In terms of Police policy relating to the care and management of dogs it also includes a dog that is owned by Police or, in
the possession or under the control of a Police employee or an authorised foster person for the purpose of being used by,
or trained for Police for any authorised purpose.
Police dog In accordance with section
4 of the Policing Act 2008, 'Police dog handler' means a Police employee who is undergoing or
handler
has successfully completed a course of instruction at the Police Dog Training Centre that qualifies the employee to
perform duties as a Police dog handler.
QualificationA dog handler is qualified when they have successfully completed a training programme at the Dog Training Centre and
qualified as an operational dog handler.
Trainee dog Means a Police employee who is appointed to a position to train as a dog handler or is otherwise training to be a dog
handler
handler.
Trainer
Means a Police employee appointed as dog trainer in a district dog section.
Training day Includes a working day or part of a day where a dog team undergoes planned continuation training.
Training
Includes any period of time where a dog team trains.
session
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National Dog Training Courses
National dog training courses are RNZPC courses delivered by the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham, in districts
and other locations and including:
‑ national courses
‑ qualifying courses for dog teams
‑ advanced courses for dog teams
‑ refresher courses for dog teams
‑ staff training
‑ training conferences
‑ other training.
Purpose of courses
The purpose of courses is to:
‑ produce new dog teams
‑ develop the capability of operational teams
‑ provide refresher and continuation training for teams
‑ provide professional development opportunities for staff.
Qualifying courses
Qualifying courses include patrol and detector dog courses that qualify handlers or dog teams to operational standard and include:
‑ puppy, initial, intermediate and final course phases of patrol dog training programme
‑ detector dog courses for:
‑ narcotic detection
‑ currency
‑ explosive detection
‑ firearms detection
‑ victim recovery.
Advanced courses
Advanced courses are for operational dog teams trained in another capability and include:
‑ training patrol dog teams in:
‑ Tactical ‐ Armed Offenders Squad ‐ Special Tactics
‑ Narcotic detection
‑ Firearms detection
‑ Search and rescue
‑ Victim recovery
‑ training narcotic detector dog teams in firearm detection and or currency
‑ training detector dog teams in people searching.
Refresher training courses
Refresher training courses include specific refresher courses, or training opportunities on other existing courses or over part of those
courses to:
‑ enhance or develop the capability and or efficiency of a dog team in a particular discipline
‑ provide continuation training opportunities for annual certification of dog teams.
Employee training courses
Employee training courses are provided for the professional development of staff and include:
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‑ instructor and trainer training
‑ puppy development officer training
‑ opportunities for staff to observe, learn or practice current or new training practice.
Training conferences
Conferences and workshops are used to communicate and develop training practice, train employees and provide professional
development opportunities for employees. This includes:
‑ trainers conference for Police employees
‑ trainers conference with other agencies.
Other training
Other dog team or dog training that may be initiated or undertaken.
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Training delivery for courses
The Practice Leader: Dog Training at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre is responsible for delivering the curriculum of all
courses and training programmes conducted by or under the control of the Dog Training Centre and for the assessment of dog
handlers, dogs and dog teams.
Course structure and length
The Practice Leader: Dog Training is responsible for reviewing and adjusting course length and structure to ensure:
‑ efficient and effective training of dog teams
‑ best practice in training delivery
‑ achievement of course outcomes
‑ compliance with Police policy and practice.
Qualification of dog handlers
Dog handlers must be certified as operational on the successful completion of a course of instruction at the Dog Training Centre. Refer
also to section
4 of the Policing Act 2008.
Certification of dog teams as operational
On achieving the qualification standard dog teams must be certified as operational in accordance with the
'Certification of Police dogs
' chapter.
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Training and qualification of trainee dog handlers
Training Management Plan
A Training Management Plan will direct all phases of the initial training programme for patrol and detector dog training. The training
management plan will be developed and approved in line with RNZPC and the Director: RNZPC.
Trainee dog handlers
All employees appointed to dog handler positions as 'Trainee Dog Handlers' must be trained and certified on national training courses
conducted by the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham.
All trainee handlers must complete each of the formal course phases of training at the Dog Training Centre.
Replacement of dogs during training
When a handler's dog is replaced during the training programme, the decision as to what course(s) the handler needs to redo must be
decided by the Practice Leader: Dog Training at the Dog Training Centre. The Practice Leader: Dog Training must consult with the
handler's dog section supervisor prior to making that decision.
The only exception for a trainee handler to train in their home district is that:
‑ the replacement dog has been trained to or beyond a specific training course phase (such as the Initial or Intermediate course),
and
‑ the trainee handler has successfully completed that phase of training with their previous dog, and
‑ a district trainer is able to deliver the training to the standards set by the Practice Leader: Dog Training
‑ the training complies with the Training Management Plan.
In considering the decision for a trainee handler not to redo a course that was completed with their previous dog, these factors must
be taken into consideration:
‑ The ability of the district to provide the required level of supervised training to the trainee.
‑ The competencies that the handler is required to achieve, or were not achieved on a previous course.
‑ The availability of courses and or spaces on courses at the Dog Training Centre.
‑ The training needs of the trainee, and the best means for meeting those needs.
‑ The Training Management Plan.
Convenience, or the desire of a handler not to redo another course must not take precedence over the training needs of the handler or
dog, in the decision making process.
Dog replacement process for trainees during training
This table shows the process steps to be followed for replacing dogs during a training programme.
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StageDescription
1
The Dog section supervisor recommends to the Practice Leader: Dog Training that the dog needs to be replaced and options are
discussed and a course of action agreed.
2
A replacement dog is allocated to the handler.
3
The supervisor:
‑
documents an assessment of the replacement dog
‑
documents the ability of the district to deliver training
‑
advises the Practice Leader: Dog Training and provides the documents above
‑
discusses training options.
4
The Practice Leader: Dog Training determines what training courses are required and informs the supervisor and handler.
5
The Practice Leader: Dog Training implements and monitors the training.
6
The dog handler attends a final course.
7
The dog team receives certification.
Operational handlers training replacement dogs
Training Management Plan
A Training Management Plan will direct all phases of the re‐training programme for operational dog handlers for patrol and detector
dog training. The training management plan will be developed and approved in line with RNZPC and Training Approvals Committee
policy.
Qualified handlers training or allocated a replacement dog must be trained or qualified on national training courses held at the New
Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham.
The exceptions for operational handlers to train in their home district are:
‑ When qualifying with a replacement dog that has been or is operational.
‑ Multi‐handling an operational dog.
‑ The replacement dog has been trained to or beyond a specific training course phase (such as the Initial, Intermediate Final
course).
‑ The dog and handler can be trained to the required Initial and Intermediate level in district by a district trainer who is skilled in
current training practice at that level.
The decision as to what course(s) the handler needs to do must be decided by the Practice Leader: Dog Training at the Dog Training
Centre in consultation with the handler's dog section supervisor.
When considering whether a qualified handler needs to attend a course, these factors must be taken into consideration:
‑ Currency of the handler's knowledge relating to the management, training and deployment of a Police dog.
‑ The ability, behaviour and operational status of the dog.
‑ The ability of the district to provide the required level of training to the handler.
‑ The availability of courses and or spaces on courses at the Dog Training Centre.
‑ The needs of the handler, and the best means for meeting those needs.
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‑ The ability of a handler to train a dog.
‑ The fact that the dog has been trained to or beyond the Initial, Intermediate or Final course level in district.
‑ The Training Management Plan.
Convenience, or the desire of a handler not to redo another course must not take precedence over the training needs of the handler or
dog, in the decision making process.
Dog replacement process for operational handlers during training
This table shows the process steps to be followed for replacing dogs during a training programme.
Stage Description
1
A replacement dog is allocated to the handler.
2
The OC District dog section or district trainer document:
‑
documents the capability or stage of training of the replacement dog
‑
documents the ability of the handler to train their dog and the training supervision available
‑
advises the Practice Leader: Dog Training and provides the documents above
‑
discusses training options.
3
The Practice Leader: Dog Training determines what training courses are required.
4
Training is delivered.
5
The dog team receives certification.
Operational handlers allocated an operational dog
Where an operational handler has been allocated an operational dog the dog section supervisor must consult with the National Co‐
ordinator: Police Dogs to determine:
‑
when and where the dog team can be certified and by whom
‑
whether the team require any specific training and by whom.
If the team needs to attend a dog training course the Practice Leader: Dog Training and dog section supervisor must determine what
training will be done as in '
operational handlers training replacement dogs' above.
StageDescription
1
The operational handler is allocated an operational dog.
2
The supervisor consults with the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs to determine what training or certification requirements
are required.
3
The handler and dog train to certification standards.
4
The dog team is certified as operational.
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Operational handlers multi handling an operational dog
Where an operational handler has been approved by the district OC Dog Section to multi‐handle an operational police dog the dog
section supervisor must consult with the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs as to determine:
‑ when and where the dog team can be certified and by whom
‑ whether the team require any specific training and by whom.
If the team need to attend a dog training course the Practice Leader: Dog Training and dog section supervisor must determine what
training must be done as in '
operational handlers training replacement dogs' above.
All handlers multi‐handling a dog must be qualified in deploying that type of dog. Each handler should complete four training days
and the quarterly control assessments with the dog.
StageDescription
1
The district dog section decides to multi‐handle a dog.
2
The supervisor consults with the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs to determine what training or certification requirements
are required.
3
The handler and dog train to certification standards.
4
The dog team attains certification.
5
The handlers multi‐handling dogs maintain quarterly training and control requirements.
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Training methods
Policy statement
The training of Police dogs must be by appropriate methods that comply with the guidelines of these Police dog chapters and dog
section training manuals. Training methods must be:
‑ lawful
‑ effective
‑ animal friendly.
Positive reinforcement
The primary method of training Police dogs must be by methods that use ' positive reinforcement'.
Physical correction
Physical correction should be the minimum necessary to produce the required effect by correct use of appropriate training equipment
and training techniques.
Compulsion
Compulsion training is the use of methods designed to make use of the dog's natural instincts to compel it to perform a given
command. It is recognised that in the training of dogs, there may be occasions when compulsion is required.
Punishment
Punishment means providing consequences for a behaviour that reduces the probability that the behaviour will occur in the future and
includes:
‑ withdrawal of attention
‑ verbal reprimands
‑ physical punishment.
Physical punishment should be the minimum necessary to produce the required effect by correct use of appropriate training
equipment and training techniques.
‑ If used, physical punishment should never cause any long lasting pain or discomfort.
‑ Harsh forms of physical punishment must not be used.
Training methods
The Dog Section Working Group must consider and identify suitable training methods.
Suitable methods must be approved by the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs and communicated in training manuals, manual of
practice or other forms of formal communication.
Where any Police employee wants to use a training method that is not readily accepted, identified or known as a current acceptable
training method, they must seek approval from the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs before using that method.
Mistreatment or abuse of dogs
The mistreatment or abuse of a Police dog is not acceptable. Mistreatment includes deliberately injuring a dog or doing any act to a
dog that is cruel. It includes:
‑ kicking, punching or hitting a dog so as to injure it or attempt to injure it
‑ failure to provide the standard of care directed by a dog section supervisor
‑ failure to provide the standard of care identified in dog section training manuals.
All employees must report any instance of mistreatment of a Police dog to their OC Dog Section or the Practice Leader: Dog Training if
the employee is attending a course.
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The OC Dog Section or the Practice Leader: Dog Training must then commence an investigation into the matter and should be guided
by the
Code of Conduct.
The National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs should be informed of any allegations of mistreatment or abuse of a Police dog.
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District continuation training
Purpose
The purpose of continuation training is to:
‑ maintain the operational standard (certification standard) of dog teams
‑ increase or enhance the capability of operational dog teams
‑ achieve competence in new or variations of training, operational, or certification standards
and includes:
‑ informal training sessions conducted by the handler
‑ informal training sessions with other handlers
‑ formal training sessions or training days conducted by a trainer
‑ formal training sessions or training days conducted by the Dog Training Centre.
Annual continuation training days
Police dog teams should undergo a minimum of eight training days between annual certifications. The training days should be led by a
dog section trainer or competent handler appointed by the OC Dog Section to conduct the training.
Length of training days
Each dog team should receive at least two hours training (including overheads) on a training day. The length of training days will
generally be determined by the number of teams training and or the objectives of the training day.
Where it is not practicable because of operational requirements or other reasons to allocate or roster a training day, training sessions
may be spread over a day or over a number of days to achieve continuation training requirements.
Training days should be flexible to fit around and respond to the operational and service needs of the district.
Training day curricula
Training days or training sessions for operational teams should be planned to enhance the capability of dog teams. They should also
ensure that dog teams maintain operational certification standards in key competencies including:
‑ for patrol dog teams:
‑ tracking
‑ searching
‑ apprehending ‐ tactical options framework
‑ safety and control
‑ tactical deployment
‑ SAR
‑ for detector dog teams:
‑ searching
‑ target odour recognition
‑ safety and control.
Self led training
All dog handlers are required to use available opportunities during shifts and at other times to conduct their own training to ensure
that they:
‑ maintain operational capability (efficiency)
‑ enhance operational capability
‑ maintain safety and control
‑ maintain the fitness of their dog.
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Roles and responsibilities
Dog handlers
Dog handlers are responsible for maintaining the safety and control and efficiency of their Police dog in all disciplines and areas of
operational capability.
Where safety and control cannot be maintained to the required certification standards at any time, or is in any way in doubt, handlers
must inform their dog section supervisor as soon as possible.
Where efficiency does not meet certification standards, or is in any way in doubt, handlers must inform their supervisor as soon as is
possible.
Dog section supervisors
Dog section supervisors must know the operational capability of all of their dog teams and be able to provide assurance to districts
and the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs of the safety and control, and efficiency of dog teams.
Dog section supervisors, trainers and instructors are responsible for providing continuation training opportunities for all dog teams in
their district to deliver annual continuation training requirements.
Failure in safety, control or efficiency
When a supervisor is informed by a handler or becomes aware of a failure in safety and control of a dog team, they must take
immediate steps to manage the situation in terms of the certification of Police dogs chapter.
Where a supervisor is informed by a handler or becomes aware of failure in efficiency they must implement a training programme with
the handler or direct the handler to undertake specific training to resolve the problem. Refer '
Certification of Police dogs' chapter.
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Training records
Qualification records
Dog handler qualifications including academic records and dog team certification records are maintained in MyPolice and in the Dog
Data Base by the Dog Training Centre in Trentham.
Training record
The training record is used to record formal training sessions, training days and quarterly assessments conducted as part of the annual
certification processes.
Dog training records may be recorded in a training record book provided by the Dog Training Centre or in an appropriate electronic
form that can be accessed by managers and supervisors.
The description of training in the record may be completed by the handler or the trainer involved, but must be signed off by the dog
section trainer or supervisor who delivered the training. In the case of a handler appointed to deliver the training the training needs to
be signed off by the dog section trainer or supervisor.
Description of training
The training record should record:
‑ time, date and place of training
‑ the trainer or supervisor who conducted the training (signed)
‑ a brief description of the training exercises carried out
‑ a brief description of the dog teams performance
‑ enough detail to allow a supervisor to understand what training took place and the outcomes of the training.
Note: The handler is still required to record the details of this training in their training diary as detailed below.
Certification Record
The Certification Record must be entered into the Dog Data Base. It is used by dog section supervisors to record the dates that
continuation training, and safety and control assessments were delivered to a dog team and the date and outcome of annual
certification. Refer:
Part 6 Certification of Police dogs.
Training diary
All dog handlers must maintain a dog training diary (hand written or electronic) to:
‑ keep track of the handler's professional performance and development
‑ keep track of the handler's dog's performance and training requirements
‑ assist handlers in planning effective training sessions
‑ enable supervisors to monitor the performance and training requirements of dog teams
‑ provide evidence in court of the competence of a dog team.
Content of training diary
The training diary must record all dog team training conducted by the handler or delivered to the handler and their dog, including:
‑ training on national courses
‑ district continuation training
‑ training that may already be included in the training record book
‑ self directed training.
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Description of training
The training diary should record:
‑ time, date and place of training
‑ whether the training was self‐directed or supervised and by whom
‑ the objectives and outcomes of training
‑ the training exercises carried out
‑ description of the dog's behaviour
‑ diagrams and environmental conditions (e.g. sketch of a track)
‑ enough detail to allow a supervisor to understand what training took place and the outcomes of the training.
Inspection of training diaries
Training diaries must be available for inspection by a dog section supervisor or trainer whenever a handler is on duty, or attending a
training course.
Inspection of training and certification records
Training and certification records must be available for inspection and for entries to be made by a dog section supervisor or trainer
whenever a handler is on duty.
These must also be made available for inspection and entry by a dog section assessor whenever a team is undergoing annual or any
other certification.
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Annual continuation training requirements
In addition to assessment standards and performance criteria identified in training manuals, qualification standards and certification
standards, the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs will identify additional or specific training requirements that dog teams are required
to train to and or be certified in.
The National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs must consult with the Dog Section Working Group when setting those requirements.
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Training equipment
Policy
All equipment used on or with Police dogs should be appropriate for the training to be undertaken and used by employees who are
trained in its use. The categories of equipment in this practice are:
‑ dog handling equipment
‑ protective equipment
‑ toys
‑ detector dog training aids
‑ electronic collars.
Regular inspection
Handlers and supervisors must regularly inspect equipment to ensure that it is in good condition and safe to use. Worn equipment that
could fail during training or daily or operational use, must be replaced as soon as possible.
Dog handling equipment
Dog handling equipment includes leads, collars, harnesses and check chains. This equipment is designed and tested for function and
safety before it is approved for use.
Approved equipment
Only dog handling equipment that has been approved by the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs must be used on a Police dog.
When staff require new equipment to be approved they must put the request in writing to the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs. The
National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs will manage the testing and approval process for new equipment.
Protective equipment
The training of Police dogs, in particular bite work training, involves physical risk to the health and safety of staff. It is imperative that
protective equipment is available to be worn. This includes:
‑ protective sleeves
‑ bite suits
‑ scratch pants
‑ muzzles.
Toys
Toys used for play or positive reinforcement include:
‑ bite roll
‑ kongs
‑ balls.
All toys must be of a suitable size and material to ensure that the risk of a dog swallowing the toy or part of the toy is minimised.
Detector dog training aids
The care and storage of detector dog training aids must ensure that:
‑ the training aid is not contaminated by other smells or substances
‑ the security and integrity of the training aid is maintained.
Electronic collars
Electronic collars include those that work by emitting:
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‑ an electric shock
‑ a spray or sound.
Use of electronic collars
Electronic training collars may be an effective training aid for training Police dogs when used appropriately and by staff trained in their
use. The circumstances when they can be used are where:
‑ traditional positive reinforcement methods of training have been correctly used and are unsuccessful
‑ the use of other forms of correction, compulsion or punishment would be harsh and not comply with Police dog training
standards
‑ the behaviour is such that the dog will need to be withdrawn from training or service if the behaviour cannot be modified.
Training collars do not replace good training practice or to solve poor or inadequate training practice, or as a 'quick fix' where training
of or responses in a dog has not been maintained.
Training collars cannot be used during operational deployment or any certification, or immediately before (including any time on the
day) a dog team is certified.
Who can authorise their use
In consultation with the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs, only the OC Dog Section, dog section supervisors or the Practice Leader:
Dog Training can authorise the use of electric collars. In the case of dog teams training on a national course or to a national
qualification the instructor or Practice Leader: Dog Training can authorise the use of an electronic training collar. The use of the
electric collar must be followed by a report notifying the National Co‐Ordinator: Police Dogs.
Decision to use an electronic training collar
The decision whether or not to use an electronic collar must take into consideration:
‑ the exact behaviour that needs to be modified
‑ training that has occurred to date
‑ the skill of the trainer or handler in delivering that training
‑ whether training methods meet current practice standards
‑ the qualities and nature of the dog.
Procedure
StepAction
1
Speak to the handler to define the problem and identify what may have caused it.
2
Examine the handlers training diary to identify other training or behaviour that may have caused or contributed to the problem.
3
Discuss with other trainers and or the Practice Leader: Dog Training.
4
Consider alternatives and options.
5
Determine best option and plan implementation.
Continued use of electronic collars
If an electronic collar is still being used after six months, then the decision making and reporting process in this good practice must be
reviewed.
Use of an electric training collar
Inappropriate use, or incorrect use of an electric training collar can cause irreparable damage to other trained responses, or the
potential of a dog to be used for policing work.
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The use of the collar must be carefully planned and used by a skilled trainer to ensure:
‑ equipment is in good condition and working order
‑ the trainer runs and controls the training session
‑ all participants know their role, have a communication plan and know the exact interaction that will occur with the dog (stimuli,
commands, correction and praise)
‑ the collar is only used at the minimum level that produces a response from the dog
‑ continuous stimuli from the collar is not used.
Electric bark collars
The use of a bark collar may be an effective means to stop uncontrollable barking in kennels and dog vans, aggression towards other
dogs in those environments, and the loss of energy of a working dog caused by it constantly barking in a van or kennel.
The decision to use an electric bark collar should be based on the same decisions as for use of electronic collars.
It is acceptable practice for a dog to wear the collar in kennels, or in the back of a dog van as long as the dog is regularly checked on.
However, a dog must not wear the collar when on the lead or away from the kennel or van where the dog should reasonably be
expected to bark in response to an environmental stimuli or a trained response.
Take extreme care that the dog understands the trained response to 'speak' and the use of the collar does not inhibit the training
required of a police dog.
Reporting
The use of an electric training collar must be recorded by dog section supervisors and statistics on use reported to the National Co‐
ordinator: Police Dogs as required.
Dog handlers must record the use of an electronic collar or training devise in their training diary (in the same manner that other
training is required to be recorded) on every occasion that it is used.
All course reports and verbal reports prior to certification must identify the fact that a collar has been used, the reason and the
outcome.
Pinch collars
Pinch collars must not be used. Pinch collars are collars or choke chains that have metal prongs that dig into the dog when tightened.
The Animal Welfare (Dogs) Code of Welfare 2010 banned the use of pinch or prong collars under Minimum Standard No. 19 ‐ Aids for
behaviour modification.
Supply of equipment
Equipment is supplied to districts through the Police supply system or directly from manufacturers and suppliers. If equipment is not
listed in the SAP system staff should contact the Dog Training Centre who will advise on what equipment is approved and who the
supplier is.
Testing and approval of equipment
All equipment must be tested to ensure that it is fit for purpose and approved for use by the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs.
Any equipment used to control a Police dog or used to provide safety to a Police dog must be tested and approved before it can be used
for general use.
Trialling equipment
Equipment that is being tested and evaluated may be issued to specific staff for the purpose of trialling. Before being trialled the
equipment must have been assessed or tested for strength and durability through this process.
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Stage Description
1
Equipment identified or designed.
2
National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs identifies suitable person to manage project.
3
Equipment tested for strength and durability.
4
Equipment trialled.
5
Report provided to the National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs for tabling with the dog section working group.
6
Dog section working group reviews equipment and makes recommendation.
7
National Co‐ordinator: Police Dogs implements decision.
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