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APCA EVENT CALENDAR A.P.C.A. 2008 National Conference Sept 22 - 26, 2008 FT Wayne, Indiana



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THE AMERICAN POLICE CANINE ASSOCIATION
POLICE SERVICE DOG CERTIFICATION TITLE

Master Trainer                        Trainer

OBEDIENCE CERTIFICATION TEST
     HEELING PHASE:
     WALKING PHASE:
     DISTANCE PHASE:

AGGRESSION CONTROL CERTIFICATION TEST
     PHASE ONE: FALSE START
     PHASE TWO: RECALL
     PHASE THREE: HANDLER PROTECTION
    PHASE FOUR: SHORT CHASE WITH GUNFIRE

AREA SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

BUILDING SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

ARTICLE SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

Further Certification

TRAILING CERTIFICATION TEST
     POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL ONE
     POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL TWO
     POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL THREE

NARCOTIC DETECTOR CERTIFICATION TEST

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CERTIFICATION STANDARD

Explosives Detection Search Test

Explosives Search Certification

Explosives Odor Identification Testing

law enforcement Cadaver Detector certification Test

To receive the Police Service Dog Certification Title, the Police Service Dog team must pass all patrol dog certification test phases.

Prior to testing for this certification, the handler must notify the Master Trainer of his/her intent to obtain this certification title.

The team must pass each certification test phase. NOTE: There will be a break between each test phase. The team will be tested in the following patrol dog phases:

1. Obedience (This phase must be passed first, prior to testing in the other phases).
2. Article Search
3. Area Search
4. Trailing/Tracking
5. Building Search
6. Aggression Control

The test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer determines if the team will be certified upon completion of the test. If certified, the handler and dog are considered a team and it is the team that is certified. In the event the dog changes handlers, a new team will then exist, which will immediately invalidate the previous certification. The new team will then need to be certified.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

OBEDIENCE CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is to determine the Police Service Dog’s ability and proficiency in performing off lead obedience exercises and the handlers total control of his/her dog. Passing this test is a prerequisite before proceeding to any other certification phase in which the dog will be utilized off lead.

The Police Service Dog team will be tested in the following three (3) phases:

1. Heeling Phase
2. Walking Phase
3. Distance Phase

Each phase may be tested in any sequence and will be judged on a pass/fail basis. No cruel or abusive corrections will be displayed by the handler at any time. Master Trainers observing such abuse will document the violation and forward to A.P.C.A. headquarters for file information.

Heeling Phase:

This phase will consist of the following exercises:

1. Normal pace
2. Fast pace or at the double-time
3. Slow pace or at the half-step
4. A minimum of two (2) right turns; two (2) left turns; two (2) about turns
Each leg of the above must be a minimum of thirty (30) feet long.

The different phases may be conducted on any leg. On one leg of the course, the team must heel through a group of, at least three (3) stationary people.

Walking Phase:

1. The handler and dog will start from the “Finish” position and walk forward together.
2. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler without breaking stride, will place his/her dog in a “Stay” position, (sit or down), and continue walking.
3. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler, while continuing to walk away from his/her dog, next commanding his/her dog to “Heel.”
4. The Master Trainer will instruct the team to “About Turn” and then to walk forward.
5. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler without breaking stride, will “Stay” his/her dog, (sit or down), and continue walking.
6. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler will turn and retrieve his/her dog and return to the original starting point.

Distance Phase:

1. At a point designated by the Master Trainer, the handler will leave his/her dog in a “Stay,” at a distance of no less than twenty-five (25) feet, or more than fifty (50) feet.
2. The handler will then be directed to turn and face his/her dog.
3. The Master Trainer will then advise the handler to complete the following commands. “Sit & Down” (by voice) and / or “Sit & Down” (by hand signal) Note: Choice and order of commands or signals will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer.
4. The Master Trainer will then advise the handler to recall his/her dog by hand signal or by voice command.
5. At a point prior to the dog reaching the handler, the Master Trainer will advise the handler to “Stop” his/her dog by voice or by hand signal. Stopping the dog may be by either a “Down, Sit or Stay” command.
6. After the dog has stopped, the Master Trainer will advise the handler to recall his/her dog to the heel position by hand signal or voice command.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current

AGGRESSION CONTROL CERTIFICATION TEST

This certification test is to determine a Police Service Dog teams capabilities, in the performance of specific exercises, while under simulated conditions which the team may encounter during their official duties. This test is designed to test the dog’s ability, proficiency, and courage, and the handler’s total control of his/her dog.

The Police Service Dog team will be tested in the following four (4) phases. Each phase is tested on a pass/fail basis and must be passed before proceeding to the next phase.

AGGRESSION CONTROL TEST - FOUR (4) PHASES

1. False Start
2. Recall
3. Handler Protection
4. Short Chase with Gunfire

Protective equipment in good condition will be worn by the suspect during each phase of the aggression control test. The type of lead used by the handler will be at his/her discretion, but will not be more than six (6) feet in length. Each phase will be completed off lead unless otherwise specified.

The gunfire phase of the test will use .38 caliber handguns and .38 caliber blank ammunition ONLY. All weapons and ammunition will be safety checked by the certifying Master Trainer prior to the gunfire phase of the test.

Whenever possible, the suspect will be unknown to the dog. Those acting as suspects for the test may include handlers being tested, trainers, or other individuals approved by the Master Trainer, or the Master Trainers themselves.

In the phases requiring the dog to physically apprehend the suspect, the dog must fully engage and hold the suspect. Failure to engage is grounds for failure.

In the phases requiring the dog to stop his pursuit and apprehension of the suspect, the handler may use any command or series of commands to control his/her dog. The handler will inform the Master Trainer prior to testing as to the command sequence used. Failure of the dog to release and/or to respond to obedience commands in a timely manner is grounds for failure.

PHASE ONE: FALSE START

The handler will place his/her dog in the heel sit or down stay position. The suspect will then approach the front of the team and close to a distance of ten (10) feet from the team. The suspect may or may not engage in conversation with the team. The suspect will then walk or run away in the opposite direction of the team. The handler will command his/her dog to stay prior to the suspect leaving the teams vicinity. During this phase the dog must remain in the commanded heel position as the suspect leaves the area.

PHASE TWO: RECALL

The dog will start this phase from the heel position. The suspect will be at a distance of approximately forty (40) yards away from the team. The Master Trainer will direct the suspect to run from the team in any direction. The Master Trainer will direct the handler to send his/her dog to make the apprehension. The suspect will stop and surrender, terminating the pursuit when instructed by the Master Trainer. The handler will call off the dog. The type of call off is at the discretion of the handler. The Master Trainer must be advised of the type of call off prior to the test.

Call offs may include the following:

1. The dog is recalled to the heel position.
2. The dog will be commanded to a down, sit or standing position, and the handler will join the dog.
3. The dog will be commanded to a down, sit or standing position, and the handler will recall the dog.

The importance of this phase is that the suspect is not bitten or “mouthed” by the dog on the call off. Active non-aggressive contact made by the dog during the call off is not a failure. This phase is completed upon the dogs return to the heel position with the handler.

PHASE THREE: HANDLER PROTECTION

This phase simulates a suspect being taken into physical custody by the handler. The handler commands the dog into a sit, down, or stay position at a distance of twenty feet (20) from the decoy.

The handler will approach and pat down the suspect. The suspect will simulate an attack upon the handler during the pat down/simulated handcuffing. The dog will apprehend and hold the suspect without command from the handler. The dog will be called off in any of the three methods as described in phase two (2). The dog is then placed back into the sit, down, or stay position.

The handler will pat down the suspect a second time with no attack being initiated by the suspect.

The dog will remain in the sit, down, or stay position. The Master Trainer will advise the handler to back away from the suspect and call his/her dog to the heel position. The phase is completed when the dog returns to the heel position with the handler.

PHASE FOUR: SHORT CHASE WITH GUNFIRE

The suspect will be approximately forty (40) yards distance away from the K-9 team. The suspect will be armed with a gun with .38 caliber blanks. The suspect will run away from the team and fire a minimum of two shots in a direction away from the dog. The handler will release the dog after the second shot and apprehend the suspect. The suspect will be ordered by the handler to drop the gun if still in his possession. The dog will be called off in any of the three methods as described in phase two (2). The phase is completed when the dog returns to the heel position with the handler.

Note: Handlers with dogs trained to ignore gunfire will notify the Master Trainer prior to this test phase.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

AREA SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is to determine the Police Service Dog’s ability and proficiency in searching for a hidden suspect within a large area where a known track is not available.

The Master Trainer will determine the general area to be searched and the search time allocated for the test. During the test, the Master Trainer will observe the working team from a distance that minimizes distractions and/or interference for the team during the search.

The Handler will begin the test from a starting point he/she has selected, using downwind conditions (if present), located outside of the search area perimeters. The handler may conduct this test on or off lead. If the test is conducted on lead, the lead utilized may not be shorter than six (6) feet nor longer than thirty (30) feet. Standard leads, collars, correction collars, or harnesses may be used. The handler will advise the Master Trainer an area within ten (10) feet of the hidden suspect. The handler will command the hidden suspect to make the themselves physically or verbally known to the team.

The Suspect should be unknown to the dog, who is not normally used in the dogs training. The suspect will conceal themselves from the team, within the search area perimeters ten (10) minutes prior to the start of the test.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

BUILDING SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is a simulation of a working building deployment. Three (3) types of building structures are authorized for use in this test. The Master Trainer will accompany the team during the test, in which his presence will represent a backup officer during an actual search. Officer survival using cover and concealment tactics during the test will be also evaluated.

Building Structure Types:

1. Residences. Dwellings
2. Warehouses, Stores, Barns, Open areas within a building
3. School, hotels, office buildings, multi room interior
4. Any building judged acceptable by the Master Trainer.

Suspect:

1. Will be hidden ten (10) minutes prior to the start of the test.
2. Will conceal themselves in a location not visible to the K-9 team.
3. Will wear protective equipment if necessary for protection.
4. Should enter the building structure by a different entry route, than to be used by the K-9 team.
5. Will be concealed at any height or depth.

Master Trainer:

1. Will designate the area of the building to be used for the test.
2. Will designate the area for the team to start their search.
3. Will accompany the team into the building to observe the test.
4. During the test, the Master Trainer will observe the working team from a distance that minimizes distractions and/or interference for the team during the search.
5. A Master Trainer, who determines a dog not to be searching for the suspect will fail the team.

Handler:

1. This test may be conducted on or off lead. Standard equipment may be used such as collars, harnesses, etc....
2. The handler may encourage his/her dog with commands and/or praise as needed during the test.
3. Under no conditions will the handler open any doors that are closed in his/her search area.
4. The dog’s indication in locating the suspect must be obvious to the Master Trainer.
5. The handler will advise the Master Trainer of their observations, when his/her dog indicates the presence of a suspect behind a closed door.

This test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer determines if the team will be certified upon completion of the test. If certified, the handler and dog are considered a team and it is the team that is certified. In the event the dog changes handlers, a new team will then exist, which will immediately invalidate the previous certification. The new team will then need to be certified.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

ARTICLE SEARCH CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is to determine the Police Service Dog’s ability and proficiency in searching a designated area for articles having human scent on them. The test represents a search for discarded evidence or lost items.

The Master Trainer will designate the search area for the test. The Master trainer will observe the test from outside of the search area.

The Search Area for testing purposes will be sixty (60) by sixty (60) feet in dimension. Ground surface will be covered by heavy vegetation less than ten (10) inches high. One or more persons will contaminate the test area by traversing through the area twice with a dog prior to the test.

Three Search Articles of different composition will be selected by the Master Trainer. Articles may consist of metal, wood, paper, plastic etc.. and will be thrown at random into the search area. One of the three articles used for testing must be of metal composition.

Articles to be used will be selected from, but not limited to, the following list:

A. Plastic credit card
B. Plastic/Metal cigarette lighter
C. Shotgun shell
D. Nylon/Leather Wallet
E. Metal handgun
F. Crumpled cigarette pack
G. Wood handle tools
H. Paper match book
I. Keys
J. Sunglasses

The Handler may conduct this test on or off lead at his/her discretion. The test will begin when the handler and dog enter the search area. The team will have approximately five minutes to search and locate the three articles being tested. The dog must locate two (2) of the three (3) articles with strong indications on both articles to pass this test. The dog will be judged on the alert and indication to the search article. This must be obvious to the Master Trainer. After each indication and article recovery, the handler will command the dog to continue to search for the remaining article(s).

For testing purposes, it is preferred that the handler will elect to recover the article(s) him/herself, which were located by the dog.

Failure of this test may be based on the lack of handler control, disinterest on the part of the dog, biting of the Master Trainer or other non-aggressive personnel assisting in this test.

TRAILING CERTIFICATION TEST

DEFINITIONS:

TRAILING - To follow fallen human scent on ground surface (s) as determined by wind condition.
TRACKING - To follow a track as determined by ground disturbance.

POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL ONE

The team shall initiate an unknown trail, consisting of a minimum age period of fifteen (15) minutes from the initial starting point. The team shall be required to trail for a minimum distance of 1/4 mile. During the certification test the trail shall include the following:

1. Conducted on a vegetative surface, which will include a minimum of one (1) road crossing, which may consist of dirt or gravel.
2. Laid with the wind direction, (if present) coming from the team’s rear.
3. A minimum of two (2), forty-five (45) degree turns in any direction.
4. A person at the end of the trail.

The handler shall be capable of casting his/her dog within a ten (10) foot vicinity of the trail, advising the Master Trainer when his/her dog had indicated to the trail. There is not a time limit for the team to complete the trail. However, the team must prove during the trailing process that they possess applied abilities to follow the trail.

Note: This certification test does not indicate limitations of a team’s abilities, but demonstrates a team’s planned and proven capability in having performed and passed this certification test.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL TWO

The team shall initiate an unknown trail, consisting of a minimum age period of thirty (30) minutes from the initial starting point. The team shall be required to trail for a minimum distance of one (1) mile. During this certification test the trail shall include the following:

1. Conducted on a vegetative surface, which will include a minimum of two (2) hard pavement road crossings.
2. Laid with the wind direction, (if present) coming from the team’s rear.
3. Have a minimum of one (1), ninety degree turn in any direction.
4. Traverse through a wooded area or high vegetation.
5. A stream crossing.
6. One (1) human cross track, layed fifteen (15) minutes after the original trail.
7. A person at the end of the trail.

The handler shall be capable of casting his/her dog within a twenty (20) foot vicinity of the trail, advising the Master Trainer when his/her dog has indicated to the trail. . There is not a time limit for the team to complete the trail. However, the team must prove during the trailing process that they possess applied abilities to follow the trail.

Note: This certification test is designed to demonstrate the handler’s knowledge, training and experience in acquiring an unknown trail through graduating levels of difficulty. This certification test does not indicate limitations of a team’s abilities, but demonstrates a team’s planned and proven capability in having performed and passed this certification test.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

POLICE TRAILING DOG - LEVEL THREE

The team shall initiate an unknown trail, consisting of a minimum age period of one (1) hour from the initial starting point. The team shall be required to trail for a minimum distance of one and one-half (1-1/2) miles. During this certification test the trail shall include the following:

1. Conducted on a vegetative surface, which will include a minimum of two (2) hard pavement road crossings.
2. Laid with the wind direction, (if present) coming from the team’s rear.
3. Have a minimum of two (2), ninety degree turns in any direction.
4. Traverse through a wooded area or high vegetation.
5. A stream crossing.
6. One (1) human cross track, laid fifteen (15) minutes after the original trail.
7. Must traverse through areas consisting of vehicular traffic and businesses with human activity present.
8. A person at the end of the trail.

The handler shall be capable of casting his/her dog within a fifty (50) foot vicinity of the trail, advising the Master Trainer when his/her dog has indicated to the trail. There is not a time limit for the team to complete the trail. However, the team must prove during the trailing process that they possess applied abilities to follow the trail.

This test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer determines if the team will be certified upon completion of the test. If certified, the handler and dog are considered a team and it is the team that is certified. In the event the dog changes handlers, a new team will then exist, which will immediately invalidate the previous certification. The new team will then need to be certified.
This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

NARCOTIC DETECTOR CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is to determine the proficiency and reliability of Police Service Dogs in the detection of narcotics. The test will be conducted by an accredited Master Trainer in narcotics detection.

Teams will be tested in a minimum of three (3) phase areas which are as follows:

1. Vehicle Phase (Required)
2. Building Phase (Required)
3. Luggage/Container Phase (Optional per Master Trainers discretion)
4. Other Designated Areas (Optional per Master Trainers discretion)

Note: There will be a mandatory break between each test phase. Pseudo narcotics are not authorized for narcotic detector certification testing.

NARCOTIC DETECTOR TEST

1. A minimum of one (1) hide of each odor attempted to be certified in will be hidden in the two (2) required phases and one (1) optional phase by the certifying Master Trainer.
2. Odors attempted to be certified in will have a minimum set time of twenty (20) minutes prior to beginning the test.
3. Narcotics hides will be unknown to the team and may be placed high or low.
4. Narcotics amounts to be used in the test will be determined by the certifying Master Trainer. A minimum of one (1) gram of each odor will be used in testing.
5. The narcotic detector certification test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis.
6. Only One (1) overall miss, of all odors being attempted to be certified in, will be permitted to pass the certification test. A team miss is defined as any incorrect response by the handler or canine.
7. Narcotics hides in the vehicle phase may be either on the interior or exterior of the vehicles per Master Trainers discretion.
8. Vehicle phase testing will include a minimum of one (1) blank/uncontaminated vehicle.
9. Building phase testing will include a minimum of one (1) blank/uncontaminated room.
10. Time limits during each search phase are per discretion of the certifying Master Trainer and so long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is working.
11. Teams attempting to certify in only one (1) narcotic odor, will be tested for a minimum of six (6) total finds, consisting of a minimum of two (2) hides in the building phase, a minimum of two (2) hides in luggage/container phase or other designated areas, and a minimum of two (2) hides, one (1) inside and one (1) outside a vehicle.
12. The Certifying Master Trainer(s) conducting the test will be responsible for ensuring all test phase areas are safe for the certifying team(s). Certifying Master Trainer(s) will take every precaution in securing and concealing narcotics hides in an effort to prevent accidental exposure and ingestion of narcotics substances used for testing purposes.
13. Searches may be conducted on and/or off lead at the handlers discretion.
14. Searches may be conducted by “free search” and/or “detailed search” at the handlers discretion.
15. The dogs reward toy or object used during the narcotic detector certification test will not contain any narcotics or narcotic odor/residue.
16. Master Trainers certifying the narcotic detector team(s) will issue the certification certificate listing the narcotics odors certified by their “laboratory” names.

This certification will be valid for two (2) years from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.

Click here for School Resource Officer Certification Standards Access Request Form.

Explosives Search Certification

This test is designed to test the reliability of dogs in the detection of explosives. It is a two part testing process. It will consist of Odor Identification testing and Operational Search testing. Both portions must be passed to receive certification as an explosives detection team.

For either portion of the test the Team is not allowed to miss any training aids.

Testing is on a pass/fail basis and all final decisions rest with the Master Trainer conducting the testing.

If a team fails in one test area, the Master Trainer has the discretion to either retest only the area missed or the entire testing process at a later time. Only one retest attempt may be done on the same day as any failure. The odor testing section must be passed before any search testing can be attempted.

The testing can be done over a one day period or more. This decision shall rest with the Master Trainer. It is recommended however that all testing be completed on the same day.

All aids will be placed at least thirty (30) minutes prior to testing.

No detonating devices will ever be used as aids or used in testing.
If an aid has to be moved to a new location, the previously used area can be removed as a testing sight. This decision is at the Master Trainers discretion.

Only a “Master Trainer Accredited in Explosive Detection” can do the testing of an explosives detection team.

Prior to the first detection team entering the test area, a man and a K-9 may be walked through the testing area. This is at the Master Trainers discretion.

Each handler must tell the Master Trainer how his/her dog will alert and response to an aid prior to testing.

Each indication to an aid by the canine must be obvious to the Master Trainer. Any dogs who scratches or shows any aggression toward an aid is an immediate failure.

Certification will be Valid for a one (1) year period from the date of issue.
All aids used in testing should be of recent manufacture and stored in separate containers.

It shall be the responsibility of the agency being tested to provide the testing aids. Strict safety measures shall be upheld during testing. No smoking will be allowed in any testing areas.

All teams must be tested on all basic odors.
The basic odors are:

Powders (Black or Smokeless)
Commercial Dynamites
C4 or Flex-X Data Sheet (RDX)
TNT or Military Dynamite
Primer Cord (PETN)
Slurries (Water-Gel)

The maximum weight of the explosive used shall be unlimited; however, a minimum weight of a half (1/2) pound or 1 stick shall be used for testing.

The term “Aid” shall mean an explosive substance.
Each area tested will contain a Minimum of two with each aid being a different explosive.
The handler will not be told the number or type of explosives they are searching for prior to any testing.

Explosives Odor Identification Testing

This testing provides for basic odor identification of explosive odors to ensure the team’s ability to indication on their presence. The testing process shall be a series of rows of cinder blocks with glass jars inside each, or clean paint cans. These items shall be placed in rows spaced equally apart to allow easy access by the teams to effectively check each. All jars or cans shall be clean and due care shall be used to ensure no cross contamination of odors or contamination with human odors when placing and handling aids, jars or cans. There shall be at least forty containers or blocks used and maximum of sixty. Indication must be obvious in nature and the handler must notify the Master Trainer of each indication. The handler may not point out hides or guide their dog to indicate on a hide. Any urinating, defecating, or aggression shown towards training aids will be immediate failure. Retesting is at the discretion of the Master Trainer, however no more than two attempts are allowed in the same day to pass this testing.

All aids will be placed at least thirty (30) minutes prior to testing.

The basic odors to be used are:

The term “Aid” shall mean an explosive substance. There shall be at least 6 aids used and maximum ten used. The more aids used the more total blocks or cans must be used. It must be proportional in nature.

No detonation devices shall be used in testing.

This is a pass/ fail testing format, and the final decision rests solely with the Master Trainer conducting the testing.

Explosives Detection Search Test

Areas to be tested In:
These areas can be used for testing. The canine team will be tested in four different areas. The areas will be picked by availability at the Master Trainers discretion.

The areas that can be tested in are:
Buildings-Interior
Vehicles
Building- Exterior
Aircraft
Baggage
Mass Transit Vehicle
Lockers

Open Area Searching

Building Search: The building search will consist of a minimum of four rooms and a maximum of eight rooms. Each room should be realistic in setting. Only one explosive aid may be placed in each room. At least one room should contain no aid. The aids will be placed so the canine cannot retrieve it. The handler may not open cabinet doors, desk drawers, closet doors, etc.

Vehicle Search: Eight vehicles minimum with a maximum of twelve of any may be used. Only one aid may be placed on or in one vehicle. All detection will be done from outside the vehicle. One aid will be placed inside a closed engine compartment. Additional aids must be placed at the discretion of the Master Trainer and may be placed, but not limited to:

The exterior of the gas tank or fill pipe.
Drive shaft- or under carriage
Interior of closed trunk
Passenger compartment (Closed) (windows up if possible)
Under side and or outer body

Building Exterior Search: The exterior of any reasonable sized building may be used as a testing area. These may include buildings such as houses, office buildings, schools, warehouses etc. Hide location will be at the Master Trainers discretion, but common sense must prevail on locations used.

Aircraft Search: This will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer. Availability will be the ruling factor in the testing. The entire search shall include the interior and exterior of the aircraft along with all ground support equipment. One aid may be placed inside of the aircraft. Additional aids may be placed outside at the discretion of the Master Trainer. This can be either inside the aircraft or outside. All aids will be placed so the canine cannot retrieve them. Contamination rules (a bearer) will be strictly adhered to regarding the placement of aids inside any aircraft.

Baggage Search: Baggage shall be defined as hard and soft-shell suitcases, attaché’s case, clothing bags, brief cases, golf bags, sea bags, duffel bags, etc..
There shall be twenty bags minimum with a maximum of forty bags may be used. (Bags may contain some clothing or other materials). All aids will be placed inside the bags so the canine cannot retrieve it. Bags may be placed in rows with enough space between each bag to allow the canine to search.

Mass Transit Vehicles: The Master Trainer based on availability will select the mass transit vehicles. Consideration may be given to the types of mass transit vehicles typically encountered by the handlers. These vehicles may include buses, trains, watercraft and etc. Training aids will be placed so that the canines cannot retrieve them. The Master Trainer will determine the number and placement of aids and blank areas.

Locker Searches: Lockers may also be used as a testing area. There should be at least fifty lockers, and no more than two hundred used. Hides may be in the lower portion or the upper portion of a locker. There must be a minimum of two hides and no more than three aids used for this testing.

Open Area Search: Open area to be no smaller than 50 X 50 yards. Aids will be placed at the discretion of the Master Trainer and may be placed anywhere from below the surface level to a maximum of 12 feet above surface level.
An open area may be:
Open Fields
Wooded Area
Any area outside not covered

CADAVER DETECTOR CERTIFICATION TEST

This test is to determine the proficiency and reliability of Police Service Dogs in the detection of human remains. The test will be conducted by an accredited Master Trainer in Cadaver detection.

Teams will be tested in Four (4) phase areas which are as follows:

Vehicle Phase
Building Phase
Buried Land Search
Other Designated Areas (Rubble, water, disarticulated remains)

Note: There will be a mandatory break between each test phase. Human remains consisting of blood material, tissue, and bone will be utilized for testing.

CADAVER DETECTOR TEST (Vehicles)

· Five vehicles free from any target odors of narcotics or explosives will be utilized for testing.

· One hide will be placed on the interior or exterior of a vehicle per the Master Trainer’s discretion 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the test.

The team will search all five vehicles.
The team must locate the vehicle containing the cadaver hide.

Buildings

Two hides will be placed in a building. One must be higher than four feet.
There must be at least two negative rooms.
The team will search at least four rooms but no more than six rooms.
The team must locate all of the hides.

Buried Land Search

One hide will be buried a depth of 6-12” in debris, loose vegetation, or loose soil four hours prior to the beginning of the test.
There will be three search areas, 50 yards by 50 yards.
Animal remains may be used as a distracter in one area.
One area must be a blank/negative.
A false alert on the animal remains constitutes a failure.
A false alert in the negative area constitutes a failure.
The team must locate the buried hide.

Master Trainer’s Choice: Rubble, Disarticulated Remains, or Water

The Master Trainer will choose the venue for this test.
Rubble will consist of manmade debris.
Two hides will be placed in the rubble pile.
The team must locate the two hides.
Dry bone will not be used on the rubble pile.
Disarticulated remains will consist of multiple hides of bone placed in an area of 150 feet by 150 feet.
These bones will not be visible to the handler.
The team must locate the bone field.
Water search will consist of a lake area no smaller than 300 yards by 300 yards.
There will be one hide supplied via a scent generator machine.
Bubbles from the scent generator will be minimized so as not to be visible to the handler.
The dog and handler must locate the surface scent within 20 feet (taking into account wind and current)
Under no circumstances will cadaver material be placed directly into a water source.

General Guidelines

Cadaver amounts to be used in the test will be determined by the certifying Master Trainer. A minimum of 1.5 cc liquid or 15 grams solid weight must be utilized.
The cadaver detector certification test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis.
Cadaver hides in the vehicle phase may be either on the interior or exterior of the vehicles per Master Trainers discretion.
Time limits during each search phase are per discretion of the certifying Master Trainer and so long as the Master Trainer determines that the team is working.
The Certifying Master Trainer(s) conducting the test will be responsible for ensuring all test phase areas are safe for the certifying team(s). Certifying Master Trainer(s) will take every precaution in securing and concealing cadaver hides in an effort to prevent accidental exposure and ingestion of cadaver materials used for testing purposes.
Searches may be conducted on and/or off lead at the handler’s discretion.
Searches may be conducted by “free search” and/or “detailed search” at the handler’s discretion.
The dogs reward toy or object used during the cadaver detector certification test will not contain any cadaver odor/residue.

The test will be conducted on a pass/fail basis. The Master Trainer determines if the team will be certified upon completion of the test. If certified, the handler and dog are considered a team and it is the team that is certified. In the event the dog changes handlers, the previous certification is invalid and the new team will have to be tested in order to be certified.

This certification will be valid for two (2) year from the date of issue, providing the member remains in good standing and his/her membership dues are current.