These guidelines are intended as helpful guidance for agencies who utilize K-9 teams on a recurrent basis for deployment with a tactical team.

A SWAT K-9 team is a designated unit, consisting of a handler and dog, which is specifically selected, trained, and equipped to work in conjunction with SWAT /tactical teams to assist in tactical incidents.

Agencies should establish procedures for both initial selection and full deployment of canine handlers with the SWAT team, which are consistent with POST K-9 guidelines.

Agencies should establish procedures for the selection of dogs used as part of the SWAT K-9 team.
Not all police canines are suitable for SWAT operations.

SWAT K-9 handlers should be provided with appropriate SWAT-specific safety and communications equipment appropriate to the assigned tactical mission, consistent with department policy.

SWAT K-9 teams should participate in mission briefings prior to a tactical operation, after-action evaluations and team debriefings.

Agencies should establish SWAT K-9 core skills proficiency levels for K-9 tactical teams.
Agencies should conduct core skills proficiency assessment on an ongoing basis.

Appendix E provides a suggested listing of core competencies for SWAT K-9 teams.

SWAT teams and SWAT K-9 teams should jointly participate in documented quarterly scenario-based training to maintain SWAT K-9 team core competencies, consistent with the type of SWAT missions performed.

It is recommended that the K-9 handler and K-9 successfully complete a SWAT orientation program that emphasizes basic SWAT procedures, practices, and equipment.

Command personnel who may assume SWAT K-9 Team command responsibilities and SWAT K-9 handlers should remain current on legal issues pertaining to law enforcement K-9 deployment.

Rescue procedures for the SWAT K-9 team (i.e. handler down) should be developed, trained and practiced prior to deployment.
Medical emergency contingency planning should be incorporated as part of the rescue procedures.

SWAT K-9 Teams should be evaluated as to their suitability for deployment with a tactical team prior to deployment and on an ongoing basis.

SWAT K-9 handler:

1) Firearms qualification with assigned weapon(s) at least twice per year with K-9 in close proximity to handler.
2) Team and stealth movement techniques (tactical obedience)
3) Team approach to objective
4) Team entry into objective
5) Directed and non-directed tactical searches
6) Confined space and limited access insertion and extraction
7) Limited access searching (confined spaces – attics, crawlspaces, vehicle interiors, etc.)
8) Long-line utilization
9) Ability to recall K-9 during tactical searches
10) Auditory alert by K-9 upon locating inaccessible suspect
11) Hand and/or audible down commands for K-9 during tactical search
12) Calm/controlled behavior by K-9 during search exercises.
13) Calm/controlled behavior by K-9 with team during live fire exercises.
14) Operating in a chemical agent and smoke environment
15) Operating in conjunction with diversionary device deployment
16) Tactical out and team arrest procedures.
17) Tactical tracking consistent with agency procedures
18) Suspect containment
19) Suspect apprehension
20) Suspect distraction
21) Clearing high-risk areas (entryways, stairwells, hallways, etc)
22) Extraction of a non-compliant high-risk subject
23) Other skills consistent with agency mission profile, based on local needs