Our local police k9 handlers use electric shock sticks on the dogs testicles to get them off the sleeve. Is this an accepted method of training police dogs?

Dear Mr Frawley,

I am quite disturbed about a training technique that my police K-9 unit is using with their K-9's. To fairly evaluate my decision I attempted to search for articles regarding this but have found none so I am writing to ask for your opinion. I learned that the agitator will regularly use a cattle prod or shock stick on the dog's testicles to increase agitation or get him to out/off the sleeve. I am not an Officer but work with the police Dept. and have watched some training but never saw that technique used. It seems exceptionally cruel! When I asked another Officer about it he said " Oh, I thought that too the first time I was told to do it. The dogs don't feel it like we do, it's not the same, it doesn't really hurt them." Now, he did say he doesn't recall having to use it with the Shepherd as much as the Malinois(which is all they use now). I would like to understand this but I can't. I am a psych nurse for the police dept and assist with their 5150's, I feel I do have an understanding of behavior/psychology and I am open to hearing other ideas and opinions. I would greatly appreciate any info or referral to articles regarding this.

Respectfully yours, jdotson