The following text is the Reality-based format, presented here to offer K-9 Officers a certification option that is both efficient and humane, adhering to high professional standards while considering civil rights issues. These guidelines are also comparable to the Utah Department of Public Safety Peace Officer Standards and Training K-9 Program.
The skills outlined herein are considered important for the seasoned/veteran Patrol Dog. However, if an Agency or Handler does not perceive the need for all the K-9 skills listed within the PSP-1, there is one certification option available.
- A Handler or Agency may participate in the following skills and achieve an internationally-accepted certification which is designated by the acronym PSP-1.
- Shots Fired Scenario
- Tracking Scenario
- Evidence Search Scenario
- Building Search Scenario
- Open Area Search Scenario
- Apprehend a Suspect In-Sight Scenario
- Recapture an Escaping Prisoner Scenario
- Apprehend a Hostile Suspect Scenario
- Tactical Windscenting Scenario
- Pursuit Out of Sight Scenario
- A Handler or Agency may participate in the following skills and achieve an internationally-accepted certification which is designated by the acronym DH.
- Shots Fired Scenario
- Building Search Scenario
- Open Area Search Scenario
- Apprehend a Suspect In-Sight Scenario
- Recapture an Escaping Prisoner Scenario
- Apprehend a Hostile Suspect Scenario
- Recapture an Escaping Prisoner Scenario
- Apprehend a Hostile Suspect Scenario
- Tactical Windscenting Scenario
- Pursuit Out of Sight Scenario
- The skills favorable for successful deployment of a Patrol Dog are recognized within three categories.
- Scentwork
- Some Agencies or Handlers opt not to train and/or deploy a Patrol Dog in Tracking or Evidence Search. Accordingly and for certification purposes, Scentwork skills shall be considered optional.
- Obedience-Agility
- Obedience is a critical skill which must be manifested in a reliable manner. During training, only procedures which are approved and humane may be utilized. During deployment, conditions beyond the Handler's control may arise which require extreme control measures. An example is recalling an exhausted Dog to the Handler after it has engaged a combative perpetrator.
- Agility is an important skill which is necessary to confidently attempt to negotiate strenuous obstacles, such as privacy fences.
- Apprehension
- The Dog can be successfully trained to an appropriate skill level by a qualified Patrol Dog Handler or Instructor. The competency can then be evaluated and declared by a qualified PSP-1 Judge.
- These Reality-Based PSP-1 performance objectives were validated at a PSP Judges Collegium held 25 March 1998 in Salt Lake City, Utah, presided over by EPHK Alfred Maciejewski of the German Police. The PSP-1 Apprehension scenarios may be performed by a muzzled or unmuzzled K-9, to establish realism. If the K-9 is muzzled, the simulated suspects shall have no protective clothing, which approximates as closely as possible the conditions a Patrol Dog will experience in actual deployments. A Dog which does not perform well while muzzled shall not be penalized for its muzzle-sensitivity when being evaluated for certification. The Apprehension scenarios may be performed by an unmuzzled Dog, but in this case the simulated suspect shall have sufficient protective clothing on to ensure personal safety from receiving an actual bite injury.
- The Patrol Dog evaluation shall be concluded within a reasonable length of time after it is begun. Most evaluations may be concluded within 24 hours, however, climate conditions, injuries, etc. may cause delays. This is to establish that the Dog's mental and physical endurance are sufficient to withstand the rigors of active service.
- The Handler/Department of a PSP-compatible Certified Detector Dog (PSP-2, etc.) with current certification status may substitute that Detector Dog's grade for the Patrol Dog Scentwork phase grade.
- A certification is an official police function. Accordingly, official uniforms shall be worn by any Handler presenting a Dog for an examination. Handlers are expected to display appropriate tactical skills during the course of the examination. All collars, harness, etc. worn by the dog shall be approved by the Judge prior to an examination.
- In the event a Handler or Dog does not exhibit suitable skill during an examination, no certification shall be issued at that time. A re-take of certain elements may be permitted, at the Judge's discretion. If elements are re-taken, they must be examined within the "reasonable-time" constraint. The entire examination may be re-taken if desired, after a period of time to be established by the respective Judge or Agency.
- The Patrol Dog Judge shall issue a weapon (pistol, knife, etc.) to the perpetrator in at least one of the apprehension exercises. The weapon shall be carried such that it can be discovered only by a careful frisk.
- No portion of these performance objectives should be construed to suggest a restriction against participating in other types of Dog Trials, so long as the event carries significant benefit to the Dog's official function. Handlers should exercise caution when determining whether or not to participate in such Trials. Handlers should seek competent input from administrators or other experienced Handlers or Trainers as to the degree of benefit versus the risk.
- In the interest of equity for all certificants, the following should be ensured during an examination:
- All scenarios are deployed within a reasonable time frame;
- All simulated suspects are strangers to the Dog; and
- All locations utilized in the scenarios are foreign to the Dog.
- Each DPO Reality-Based examination shall begin with the Shots Fired Scenario to establish the presence of certain critical skills. Then the Patrol Dog Judge may determine the order of the remaining scenarios. A Dog which does not defend its Handler sufficiently or exhibits gunshyness or lacks suitable skill of overall obedience shall not continue past that point in the examination.
- Voice commands or hand signals are permitted. Repeating a command or a signal is permitted only if it is evident the Dog did not hear or see it or if it is integral to the exercise. The Judge shall determine the appropriateness of the action. Commands or signals other than those declared as official shall be considered Handler Help. Excessively loud commands, objects, and food used as motivations are not professional and are not allowed. The Dog should respond to commands in a professional manner.
- The Handler shall act in a professional manner at all times during the examination. Questions and clarifications may be directed to the Patrol Dog Judge at any appropriate time.
- The Patrol Dog Judge shall issue a weapon (pistol, knife, etc.) to the simulated suspect in at least one of the apprehension scenarios. The weapon shall be carried such that it can be discovered only by a careful frisk. The Handler is expected to find all weapons thus assigned and failure to do so shall be grounds for withholding the certification from the Handler.
- The Patrol Dog Handler and Dog form an operational team. Therefore, a Dog is to be examined with the respective Handler it is to be deployed with.
- The Patrol Dog must achieve an overall skill rating of at least "Suitable" in each scenario to be declared serviceable. Additionally, the Dog must also achieve a skill level rating of "Suitable" in each of the following critical behaviors:
- Detaining a submissive person;
- Subduing a furtive, hostile or fleeing person;
- Releasing a person on command;
- Indicating the presence of a person and evidence;
- Disengaging upon command;
- Over-ride Command;
- Tactical Release; and
- Emergency Release.
- The Patrol Dog must achieve a skill rating of "Pass" in the following skills, which are evaluated on a Pass-Fail basis:
- Sociability;
- Gunfire; and
- Pain Tolerance.