“Another K9 Handler Indicted:” Best Practices-Based Strategies to Save Your K9 Unit, Protect Your Officers, and Better Serve Your Community

Monday, October 16, 2023

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM PST

Location: Room: 2

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Scott Sargent, JD

Founder, Consultant
Policing Solutions LLC/USPCA
Arcadia, California, United States

Speaker(s)

Eugene Ramirez, JD

Police Defense Attorney
Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP
Los Angeles, California, United States
Steve White

Founder
ProActiveK9 LLC/USPCA
Woodinville, Washington, United States

Concerns over the use of police dogs (K9s) have become a focus of police reform movements, and media/investigative reporting. Handlers have faced criminal charges for the use of their K9s; and many have called for limiting or restricting the use of police dogs. Also, recent legal decisions are impacting how the courts’ view the use of a K9 as a force option. The police K9 is an essential tool and operational resource and can save lives. However, changes to agencies’ policies based on contemporary U.S. best practices, including the application of de-escalation and “proportionality” concepts, are required. This panel will discuss trends in K9 operations and what agencies should do to protect their officers and departments from criminal or civil liability.