PPCA
CERTIFICATIONS
The
following list of certifications is offered by the PPCA and is governed under
the rules and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Police Canine
Association.
A.
Obedience
B.
Protection
C.
Building
Search
D.
Open Area
Search
E.
Article Search
F.
Evidence
Tracking
G.
Man Tracking
H.
Agility
I.
Narcotics
detection
J.
Explosive/Bomb
Detection
K.
Search and
Rescue***
OBEDIENCE
The judge(s) shall call out all movements
required in the obedience certifications.
A.
On Leash
1.
As directed by
the judge(s), the team will execute left and right turns, halts, pace changes,
and while in motion from a walking and running pace, execute a stand, sit, and
a down.
2.
The team shall enter a moving group of at
least four (4) people , make a left and a right turn around them, stopping next
to one of them.
3.
After directed by the judge, the K9 team
shall exit the group and remove the leash and place it either around the
handlers’ body or hand the leash to the judge.
B.
Off Leash
1.
The K9 team
shall be directed to heel within the moving group again. The team will make a
left and a right turn around the group, stopping next to one of the member of
the group. After directed by the judge, the team shall heel away from the
group.
2.
The judge shall direct two (2) gunshots to be
fired.
3.
As directed by the judge, the team will
execute left and right turns, halts, pace changes, and while in motion from a
walking and running pace, shall execute a stand, sit, and down.
4.
After walking at least ten (10) paces, the handler
will stand the dog in motion. The handler will continue to go another thirty
(30) paces, then shall turn and face the dog. After appx. three (3) seconds,
the handler will down the dog by voice or hand signal. After appx. three (3)
more seconds the handler shall give a sit command by voice or hand signal.
After appx. another three (3) seconds the handler shall recall and finish the
dog.
C.
Long Down
1.
Five (5) minutes in length minimum.
2.
Three (3) distractions at the judge’s
discretion.
3.
Handler must remain in sight of dog, at least
thirty (30) paces away.
4.
The dog must be placed in an appropriate
“basket” type muzzle during this exercise.
PROTECTION
A.
Apprehend
a Fleeing Suspect
1.
K9 team shall
enter the field on leash. Approximately fifty (50) yards away a suspect shall
flee away from the K9 team. After telling the suspect to stop, the dog shall be
released. The dog shall then chase down the suspect gripping him/her firmly
thus preventing any further escape.
2.
After the dog has apprehended the suspect,
the handler will order the suspect to give up. At this time the dog shall be
ordered to release his grip.
3.
The K9 handler shall have three chances to
“out” his/her dog. If the dog fails to “out” (release), the fails this
exercise.
4.
The suspect will then be searched and
escorted to the judge.
B.
Handler
Protection (Attack on Handler)
1.
A different
suspect other than the one utilized in exercise A, begins to walk down the
field.
2.
The K9 team walks toward the suspect. A brief
conversation takes place and the handler and suspect shake hands. The suspect
then exits, walking past (behind the K9 team) and the K9 team exits walking
straight ahead.
3.
After approximately five (5) paces separates
the suspect and K9 team, the suspect shall turn around and make a realistic
attack upon the handler.
4.
The dog should grip the attacking suspect
firmly.
5.
The suspect will offer a realistic fight
toward the dog.
6.
The handler will then order the suspect to
give up, at which time the dog shall be ordered by his handler to release his
grip (“out”) upon the suspect.
7.
The K9 handler shall have three (3) chances
to “out” his/her dog. If the dog fails to out, the team fails this exercise.
8.
The suspect shall then be searched and
escorted to the judge.
THE
K9 HANDLER WILL HAVE THE CHOICE BETWEEN EXERCISES “C” OR “D” LISTED BELOW, AND
MUST INFORM THE JUDGE WHICH EXERCISE HE/SHE CHOOSES.
C.
Call-Off
from Apprehension
1.
The K9 team
enters the field.
2.
A suspect
begins to run away from the K9 team approximately fifty (50) yards down the
field.
3.
The K9 handler
then releases his/her dog. After the dog has gone a minimum of twenty five (25)
yards, the handler orders the dog to stop the pursuit or recalls the dog.
4.
The handler
shall then call his dog to heel and remain in position until the judge declares
the exercise complete.
OR
D.
Minimal
Force Apprehension
1.
The K9 team
shall enter the field.
2.
The suspect
shall enter the field approximately fifty (50) yards away and begins to run
away from the K9 team.
3.
The handler shall
order the suspect to stop.
4.
When the
suspect does not stop, the handler shall then release his/her dog.
5.
As the dog
approaches approximately twenty (20) yards away from the suspect, the suspect
shall turn and face the approaching dog and stand still. The suspect shall hold
his arms at his side or directly in front of his/her body.
6.
The dog is not
allowed to grip the suspect. Slight mouthing, bumping, or touching the suspect
will be tolerated at the discretion of the judge.
7.
The only body
movement allowed by the suspect is he/she may pivot to remain facing the dog.
8.
The handler
under the direction of the judge shall approach his/her dog and the suspect,
search the suspect, and escort the suspect to the judge.
E.
Apprehension
Under Gunfire
1.
The judge
shall inspect all guns and blanks utilized in this exercise.
2.
A suspect
enters the field with a gun in hand and begins a verbal confrontation directed
toward the handler from a distance of approximately eighty (80) yards.
3.
The K9 handler
orders the suspect to desist in his actions and drop the gun.
4.
The suspect
fires a blank gun (center fire large caliber or shotgun blank) in the direction
of the K9 team, but not directly at them.
5.
The K9 handler
upon the hearing the gun shots which have been directed at him/her, releases
the dog. As soon as the dog has been released, the handler returns fire, with a
center fire blank gun, firing a minimum of three (3) shots.
6.
While the dog
is approaching, the suspect shall fire two (2) more shots. Upon being
apprehended by the dog, suspect shall drop (lay down) the blank gun.
7.
After the
apprehension has occurred, the handler shall order the suspect to give up. Upon
the suspect offering no more resistance toward the dog, the will then order
his/her dog to release (“out”) his grip from the suspect.
8.
The K9 handler
shall have three (3) chances to “out” the dog.
9.
The handler
shall then search the suspect, retrieves the weapon, and escorts the suspect to
the judge.
Building
Search
A.
The judge
shall keep written records of all previous finds.
B.
The suspect
shall be hidden in the same location within the building for each K9 team.
C.
The judge
shall see that the building is contaminated before the first team begins their
search.
D.
The handler is
not permitted to open any doors without first getting the judges permission.
E.
All buildings
must first be approved by the judge. (Approximately 1200 sq. ft.)
F.
The suspect
shall not where any protective clothing, but will be hidden in an area providing
for his/her safety.
G.
The handler
must make his/her announcement of intent to utilize the dog into the building.
H.
The test
shall consist of one find of a person unknown to the dog, and may be done
either on or off lead; a time limit of
fifteen (15) minutes allowed for each team.
I.
The dog must
indicate to the handler and the judge the hiding place of the suspect.
Open
Area Search
A.
The suspect
shall be well protected, but is not permitted to wear an exposed sleeve.
B.
The handler
must make an announcement as to his/her intention to utilize the dog.
C.
The suspect
shall be hidden at least ten (10) minutes prior to the beginning of the test.
D.
The judge
shall insure that the area to be utilized for this test will be contaminated
before the K9 team begins their search.
E.
The dog must
indicate to his/her handler and the judge that he/she has located the suspect: twenty (20) minute time limit per team.
Article
Search
A.
The area to be
utilized shall be approved by the judge.
B.
The search may
be conducted either on or off leash, however the handler will not be allowed to
influence the dog during the search.
C.
The handler
must inform the judge how his/her dog will indicate the finding of articles
before beginning the test.
D.
The test shall
consist of four (4) articles to be approved by the judge. One article must be
of metal and is preferred to be a handgun.
E.
The dog must
find and indicate three (3) of the four (4) articles that have been hidden in
order to pass this test: twenty (20)
minute time limit per team allowed.
Evidence
Tracking
A.
The tracking
field shall be approved by the judge.
B.
The start of
the track will be marked with a flag or other marker.
C.
The track
shall be approximately 800 to 1000 paces in length.
D.
The track
shall consist of four (4) turns.
E.
Four (4)
articles will be laid on the track at the judges’ discretion.
F.
In order to
pass this test the dog must track to and indicate two (2) of the four (4)
articles.
G.
One of the
articles shall be made of metal, preferably a handgun.
H.
The handler
must notify the judge before the test begins on the manner in which his/her dog
indicates the found articles.
I.
The track will
be at least thirty (30) minutes old.
Man
Tracking
A.
The tracking
field shall be approved by the judge(s).
B.
This track shall
have a search start between two (2) flags approximately thirty (30) feet apart.
C.
The track will
be approximately 1000 to 1200 paces in length, and cover at least two (2)
different types of terrain (surfaces).
D.
The track will
cross a road.
E.
The dog must indicate
the person at the end of the track.
F.
The track will
be at least one (1) hour old.
Agility
A.
The handler
shall enter the field facing the first obstacle. Handler will then take the
leash off the dog, and either hand it to the judge or rap it around his/her
body.
B.
The handler
shall command the dog over the first obstacle and will proceed through the
course. Handler will be allowed to offer verbal praise and encouragement as the
dog completes each obstacle.
C.
The handler
will not be allowed to touch the dog, except to prevent injury.
D.
The judge may
allow a second attempt for an obstacle if in the judges opinion the dog is a
victim of circumstance.
E.
The following
obstacles shall be utilized:
1.
Four (4’) foot
high chain link fence jump
2.
Four (4’) foot
high wall jump.
3.
Six (6’) foot
high slanted wall jump.
4.
Window jump.
5.
Car door jump.
6.
Open stairs,
cat walk, and slant board.
7.
Tunnel crawl.
F.
All jumps
shall be examined by the judge prior to the start of the test. He/she shall
inspect the obstacles for safety and to see that the jumps/obstacles comply in
his/her opinion with that which is to be tested.
Narcotics
Detection
In this test the dog will be searching for
the odors of marijuana/hashish, cocaine and heroin.
A.
In order for the
dog to be considered for certification, the handler shall submit to the judge
(on demand) training records, certificates or diplomas that cover a continuous
ninety (90) day period prior to the certification test. There shall be a find
ratio of 90%. The training records should exhibit training in the following
areas:
1. Open area detection (ten {10} minute time limit)
2.
Vehicle
exterior ( ten {10} minute time limit)
3.
Vehicle
interior ( ten {10} minute time limit)
4.
Package(s) or
luggage ( five {5} minute time limit)
5. Building or room. ( ten {10} minute time limit)
B.
The
certification test shall include one training aid placed in the above listed
locations. The dog may be worked either on or off lead. Scents used for this
test will include:
1.
Marijuana/hashish
2.
Cocaine
3.
Heroin
Street drugs shall not be used unless they
have been tested by a forensic laboratory and are certified by same to be pure
with no additives or cutting agents added. Pseudo-narcotics may be used for the
odors of cocaine and heroin. Scenting agents should be contained in an
odor-free canvas bag. Scenting objects should be placed and packaged with care
taken not to contaminate the aids with foreign odors or human scent.
C.
The K9 handler
shall inform the judge whether the dog indicates (alerts) actively or
passively.
D.
The test(s)
shall be conducted in the following manner:
1.
Open Area
Detection: The training aid
shall be placed in an open area out of the handlers’ sight in the crook of a
tree, fence post, etc… The dog will be started downwind of the scent article
and at least one hundred (100’) feet away. The dog should quarter back and
forth until he/she indicates, and then should follow the scent to its source.
2.
Vehicle
Exterior: The scent article
shall be placed on any exterior portion of the vehicle within ready reach of
the dog. This can include articles placed in doorjambs, gas cap covers,
headlight frames, etc… The K9 team should exhibit a definite search pattern
while conducting the search.
3.
Vehicle
Interior: The scent article shall be placed anywhere
in the interior of a passenger car, small truck, or van. The trunk shall be
considered the interior of the vehicle. Dogs should be worked off leash while
in the passenger compartment. The same vehicle shall not be used for both
interior and exterior searches
4.
Package or
Luggage: Scent articles
shall be packaged in an unused cardboard container and tightly sealed at least
twenty four (24) hours prior to the test. A separate container shall be prepared
for each dog being tested (hot box). The container shall be placed in a group
of ten (10) similar packages. At least three (3) of the packages shall contain
scent-producing articles (distracting scents) such as dry dog food, coffee
grounds, and hay or straw is suggested. The dog will be permitted to show
interest in the distracting odors, but must correctly identify the package
containing the narcotic odor. The handler shall interpret the dogs alert and
call it out to the judge.
5.
Building or
Room: the scent article
will be concealed in a building or room within reach of the dog while standing
on his/her hind legs. The team should demonstrate a systematic pattern while
conducting the search. Consideration to airflow patterns caused or varied by
heating or cooling systems should be considered when placing the scent
articles.
Explosive/Bomb
Detection
[JK1]This test will determine proficiency and
reliability of canine teams in the detection of explosives.
Teams must be tested on the following basic
odors:
1.
Black or
Smokeless Powder
2.
Commercial
Dynamite
3.
TNT or
Military Dynamite
4.
C-4 or Flex-X
5.
Primer Cord
(Det Cord) or Safety Fuse
6.
Potassium
Chlorate
There is no maximum limit on the amount of
each substance used; however a minimum of four (4) ounces of each substance is
required for each “hide” and is to be provided by the K9 handler to the PPCA
Judge or Trial Chairman. All substances should be of recent manufacture and
stored in suitable, separate containers.
Five areas will be provided for testing.
Each team will be tested in four of the five areas. The K9 team must search the
areas of: Buildings, Vehicles and Open Area. The fourth area will be either
Baggage or Aircraft/Watercraft (at the discretion of the K9 handler) The five
areas will be:
1.
Building
2.
Vehicles
3.
Open Area
4.
Baggage
5.
Aircraft/Watercraft
A
twenty-five (25) minute time limit maximum is allowed for each category/search.
All hides shall be made at least forty five (45)
minutes prior to starting each test. Each area to be tested shall contain a
minimum of three (3) aids and a maximum of four (4), with each being a
different explosive compound. The handler will not be told the number or type
of substances they are searching for. Under no circumstances shall any
detonating devices be used in any testing or permitted near the testing area!
If a training aid must be moved or relocated
for any reason, the previously used area must be removed as a testing site.
Each handler shall brief the judge as to the
dogs alert and response to aids prior to testing. Each indication by the canine
should be obvious to the judge. All indications should be of the “passive type”
alert. An “active alert” (digging, scratching) shall result in immediate
failure of the team.
A
time limit of twenty five (25) minutes will be allotted for each phase of
testing. The time will be kept by the judge and shall begin when the team
leaves the starting point. The time will stop when the handler indicates his/her
search is complete or when the time limit expires. No conversation shall be permitted between
the tested and untested teams while certifications are in progress. All scoring
shall be by pass/fail criteria. The judge should exercise reasonable judgment
and all changes of behavior noted by the handler for consideration.
Building
Search
The building should consist of a minimum of
three (3) rooms and a maximum of six (6); preferably with some type of
furniture in each. Only one (1) aid is to be placed in each room. One or more
rooms should contain no aids. One aid must be placed high; a minimum of four
(4’) feet above the floor. Aids can be placed anywhere between floor grade and
six (6’) above same. All aids shall be placed so the canine cannot retrieve
same. Cabinet drawers, desk drawers, closet doors etc… may not be opened by the
handler.
Vehicle
Search
A minimum of three (3) vehicles with a
maximum of six (6) of any type including pick-up trucks may be used. The aids
shall be placed so the canine cannot retrieve same. Only one (1) aid can be
placed in or on each vehicle. One aid must be placed inside a closed engine
compartment. Additional aids will be placed at the discretion of the judge and
be placed (but are not limited to):
1.
Exterior gas
cap or filler tube
2.
Drive shaft
3.
Interior of a
closed trunk
4.
Passenger
compartment (closed)
5.
Underside of
outer body
Open
Area Search
The open area shall be defined as:
1.
Exterior of
buildings
2.
Open Fields
3.
Wooded Areas
4.
Any outdoor
area not covered above
The area will be no larger than 100 x 100
yards and no smaller than 30 x 30 yards or any configuration thereof. Aids will
be placed at the discretion of the judge and may be placed anywhere from a
minimum one (1’) below ground surface level to a maximum of eight (8’) above
surface level.
Baggage
Search
Baggage shall be defined as hard or soft
shell suitcases, attaché’ cases, clothes bags (suit carriers), briefcases, golf
bags, duffel bags, etc… A minimum of ten (10) bags and a maximum of twenty (20)
shall be used. All aids shall be placed inside the bags in a manner that the
canine cannot retrieve same.
Aircraft/Watercraft
All
teams must pass 100% of the tests. The certifying judge shall determine if the team
will be certified upon completion of the tests (pass/fail system). The handler
and dog are considered a team and it is the “team” that is certified. If the
dog changes handlers, a new team
exists, and this new team will need to certify.
A schedule of fees may be imposed on the teams to pay for expenses involved in holding this certification.
[JK1]Inception Feb. 1999