http://www.icje.org/id104.htm

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More reading for those interested

Back when we were guarding nuclear weapons with dogs, the psychotic biting dog was fine and it served it's purpose. NO ONE, was allowed unauthorized entry into such an area and those that didn't heed the warning were dealt with severely. Time marches on. In the 60's, the use of dogs in law enforcement (for those of us in the south anyway) was not viewed in the most favorable light. A perception that many of us still deal with today. But time marches on (thank God). Dogs are considered less than lethal, and it us up to the trainers, handlers and law enforcement supervisors to ensure that it continues like that. Most everything a law enforcement officer does today envolves some discretion. There will always be that few that abuse the trust placed in them. We as law enforcement canine professionals must do everything in our power to ensure those handlers, supervisors etc, are removed from our profession. Each department should have a policy, continuum of force, or whatever you want to call it, on proper deployment, but above all, common sense. If we don't police ourselves, others will do it for us.

DFrost

Glad to hear you learned something Mr. Geel. I personally learn a great deal by engaging in these type conversations. It allows me to express my thoughts and concerns, while absorbing differing points of view. Like Mr. Frost said, it all comes down to policing ourselves above all.

While there are many factors when determining X (discretion), there should always be one constant you are dealing with, and that is an officer who has his/her head on straight. Just as the dogs must be properly tested, so should the potential handlers. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. So much to muddle through.......Mr. Geel, it seems to me that it is now up to you to set the standard for your area. I suppose you'll have to heed the advice of the court, as "bass ackwards" as it is, but be creative, you'll find the right path to take. There is a time and a place for everything.