Law Enforcement and Animal Encounters
Lesson Title
Law Enforcement and Animal Encounters
Unit Code
Hours
2 hours
Prepared By and Date Completed
SPO A. E. Soeldner March 2014
Approved By
Major D. Tolleson
Revised Date(s)
July 2014
In The Line of Duty (2005). “What Dogs Try to Tell Cops” [Video File] Volume 10
Program 5.
Atlanta Police Department Policy Manual (2012). Electronic Control Devices. (APD
SOP.3042
Law Enforcement Charges For Animal Related Calls Handout Revised and Updated
City of Atlanta Ordinances for Running at Large (portions applicable to Fulton and Dekalb County updated. Tethering updated (Fulton County)
September 2014
Title 16. Crimes and Offenses Chapter 12. Offenses Against Public Health and Morals
Article 1. O.C.G.A § 16-12-4 (b) (2014), O.C.G.A § 16-12-4 (d) (2014), O.C.G.A § 16-12-37 (2014)
City of Atlanta Ordinance added, Cruelty to Animals 18-123
Two test questions added relating to the Georgia misdemeanor and felony animal cruelty statutes.
January 2015
APD calls for service Jan 1st, 2014 to Jan 1, 2015 updated
Of Men and Dogs trailer added
Happy Dog video added
Dogs shot since 2010 video removed
Cruelty to Animals Flyer updated
Pre-course or Additional Reading Assignments (if applicable, See Appendix D)
None
References (using APA Citation Style
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Atlanta Police Department Policy Manual (2012). Electronic Control Devices. (APD.
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Atlanta Police Department Policy Manual (2013), Use of Force. (APD. SOP. 3010)
Atlanta Police Department Policy Manual (2013). Weapons. (APD. SOP. 3040)
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Gaffney, J. (2012). Who Let the Dog’s Out? Law Enforcement Today)(May 2012)
Gary, P. Maddox, “Dogs and the Police Response: A Guide for Safe, Successful, and
Humane Enounters,” Officer Safety Corner, The Police Chief 80 (August 2013):
10-12.
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Against Public Health and Morals Article 1. General Provisions. Retrieved from
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Maddox, G. (2013). Dogs and the Police Response: A Guide for Safe, successful, and
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National Canine Research Council (2013). Use of Force Considerations. [Video file].
Retrieved from httpcops.igpa.uillinois.edu/ resources/police-dog encounters
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O.C.G.A § 16-12-4(d) Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
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Equipment/materials (describe type and amount)
(1) Laptop computer
(1) Data projector
(1) Flip chart and markers
(2) Posters
(Approximately 30 to 35 white notecards)
(Approximately 30 to 35 pens or pencils)
TOPIC: Law Enforcement and Animal Encounters
The lesson is taught via a combination of lecture, audio presentation, discussion, and practical exercise. The purpose of this lesson is to give Law Enforcement in the City of Atlanta a variety of nonlethal methods to use in the handling of all animal related calls whether by dispatch or random encounter. Safety of officers is paramount. However the use of a firearm should be used as a last resort rather than the first. We have many “tools” we can use to diffuse situations and at the same time keep ourselves safe as well as the animal unharmed and alive. Officers will learn how their own body language can influence the behavior of dogs. They will also learn how to interpret a canine’s body language. Tactical responses to keep the officer safe are discussed. Officers will also learn how the Fourth Amendment plays a large role in today’s shootings of citizen’s companion animals and how to avoid the liability that goes along with this. In additionthere is a section where Atlanta’s city ordinances arediscussed. These codes are in accordance with, City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances, and the Georgia Criminal and Traffic Law Manual. The students will be receiving several handouts relating to the shooting of citizen’s companion animals, nonlethal tactics and considerations. They will also receive a handout of the most common charges on a city and state level as they refer to animal related contacts.
This course is best taught by using the traditional classroom setting. Instructors should be able to discuss non-lethal methods of dealing with animal encounters.They should be able to discuss how an officer’s body language may diffuse or escalate a situation. Students will learn how to read canine’s body language.The instructor should also be knowledgeable about City of Atlanta ordinances as well as Georgia misdemeanor and felony charges police can useas they apply to animals. During this block of instruction several videos from COPS will be played demonstrating, body language, tactical considerations, and liability issues.Methods of non-lethal force are discussed. There is an entire section of resources/groups available and willing to work with law enforcement to assist them in conducting their day- to- day activities. These resources/ groups also help citizens abide by the laws that are in effect. In this course APD officer’s cultural and environmental backgrounds and histories in their exposure to animals is examined using an interactive practical exercise and discussion.
Appendix A: contains a master copy of the video and master copies of all PowerPoint slides. Also included in Appendix A is information to be written on The PowerPoint slide.
Appendix B: contains copies of the handouts
Appendix C: has explanations of the practical exercise and the test and test answers.
Time in MinutesSession Title
05 minutesIntroduction
10 minutesInteractive Practical Exercise #1
85 minutesHandling Animal Related Encounters using non lethal methods.
Body language, tactical responses, liability and the Fourth
Amendment as it relates to citizen’s companion animals.
15 minutes A summary of City of Atlanta ordinances as well as Georgia
misdemeanor and felony charges police can use when
dealing with reckless, irresponsible, or cruelindividuals.
05 minutesConclusion
I.Introduction (5 minutes)
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display PowerPoint #1 (Law Enforcement and Animal
Encounters
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display PowerPoint #2 (APD insignia/ Intro self)
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display PowerPoint Slide #3 (Introducing Harvey video)
55.39 sec
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display PowerPoint Slide #4 (Bennet smoking dog video)
19.55 sec
A.Opening Statement
Let me ask you all something. How many people in this room had a childhood pet? The pet could have been a dog, cat, bird, lizard, or horse. Maybe you had an iguana, a hamster, gerbil, or guinea pig? How many had dogs or cats roaming a farm? Or who are our city dwellers, having to walk the dog a couple times a day from an apartment or townhome? Maybe you were raised in a home where the dog was chained in the backyard and had a doghouse? Some of your families may have taken the family pet to the veterinarian every year for shots or when the animal got sick. Some of your families may have never sought vet care for any reason. What about your interactions with domestic animals? Were you ever chased or bitten by a loose animal? Did a parent or other authoritarian figure scare you however well meaning into the belief that all animals are to be feared? Some of you may have had little or no contact with animals growing up for whatever reason. Our early experiences with animals have helped shape whom we are today and how we react to them in our day to day duties as a police officer.
Now fast forward to years later. You have your own beat and are dispatched to an animal related call (signal 40). The 911 caller is stating that there are two dogs in her front yard and she is afraid to leave for work. She said that this is a recurring problem and that these dogs belong to a neighbor two doors down. How about that alarm call? Do you know how to determine if there is a dog onsite and how to protect yourself and that animal from harm? Let’s say you are responding to a prowler call and as you enter a citizen’s yard a dog runs up to you? Do you know what their body language is telling you? Or how about the calls where there are loose dogs and they have chased children at the bus stop? They usually belong to someone right? Would you know what to do?What if you were responding to a domestic violence call at a residence and there is a dog at the residence who may be protective of its owner? The animal may only know that its owner is fearful or agitated or excited. What if you are chasing a perpetrator on foot and have to go through the backyard where there is a dog? Or did you know that a chained dog can be very territorial and in response bite? Would you know that the city of Atlanta as well as the state has appropriate charges to hold irresponsible owners accountable?”
We all became police officers for various reasons. Most of us want to make a difference in some way, make a change for the better. We also want to go home everyday to our families safe and sound. We also have to remember everyday that we took an oath to protect life. Citizens call us for a myriad of issues. The ultimate goal is a resolution of the issue at hand. It is imperative that as public servants we protect people and their property when we can.
Police officers in general often have little to no idea what to do when encountering animals. Unfortunately the old standard has been to shoot a dog first rather then employing other methods that are much more effective and humane.
This is a class of solutions and empowerment. Being a first responder means you have the power to change not only people’s lives but animal’s lives for the better. This course was also written to build officer’s awareness and confidence when it comes to interacting with citizen’s companion animals. The problem is not with police officer’s wanting to defend him/herself against attack or harm. The problem is with police pulling their weapon and using it as a first line of defense. Many police officers have dogs and like them. They do not want to have to shoot them. There have been too many tragedies involving police shootings of dogs. Cities across the United States are paying out in large settlements for some of these shootings. Officers are being sued on a civil level. With everything else police have to worry about on a daily basis wouldn’t it be worth the peace of mind knowing that you have done everything possible to not take an animal’s life? The public, families, their children, will thank you for it. Bringing police, the public, and their animals together is an attainable goal.
B.Performance Objectives
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display PowerPoint Slide #5 (Terminal Performance
Objectives)
Terminal Performance Objectives
- When responding to an animal related call officers will be trained in the use of available non-lethal methods to subdue
canines. Tactical considerations, the Fourth Amendment, and liability issues are discussed.
INSTRUCTIONAL NOTE: Display Power Point Slide #6 (Enabling Objectives)