Utah Admin. Code R728-507-9 - Policy for Canine Deployment as Use of Force

(1) This policy shall apply only to deployment of a police service canine as an intentional use of force.

(2) When deciding whether to deploy a canine, a handler should consider the totality of the circumstances, including:

(a) the nature and severity of the offense for which a suspect is sought;

(b) the potential danger posed to the public or officers by the suspect;

(c) whether the suspect is actively resisting arrest, escaping or evading capture; and

(d) whether there are any innocent persons, children, bystanders, or other officers contained within the area in which the canine will be deployed, and whether such persons are reasonably likely to hear and respond to canine deployment warnings.

(3) Canine deployment should be limited to circumstances where a suspect:

(a) is wanted for a serious felony involving violence or a threat of violence;

(b) is reasonably suspected of being armed or otherwise dangerous; or

(c) is wanted for a serious misdemeanor involving violence or a threat of violence, and refuses to comply to lawful orders, or is reasonably suspected to be armed.

(4) A canine shall not be used to apprehend a known juvenile suspect unless they pose an imminent threat of serious bodily injury or death to the officer or another person.

(5) Officers must evaluate the subject for injuries that may have been sustained in the canine deployment and provide appropriate medical treatment as soon as practicable.

Notes

Utah Admin. Code R728-507-9

Adopted by Utah State Bulletin Number 2022-01, effective 12/27/2021