REMEMBER we (CPWDA) do not keep copies of certificates or test sheets, it is the responsibility of the handler to insure it gets to his pd and/or records division. To receive a certificate please send copies of the test sheet to  Dave Buck via e-mail at dbuck@meridenct.gov.  Please email or mail copies of your test sheets to Officer Dave Buck at Meriden Police Department,  50 W Main St. Meriden, CT 06451.

The following test standards have been adopted by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, hereinafter referred to as the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. The following test is designed to determine the proficiency of the police service dog team for certification.  Each test is based on a pass/fail system.

JUDGES/EXAMINERS:  Master Trainers from the North American Police Work Dog Association can act as Examiners for these tests.  Examiners approved by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Executive Committee may also act as examiners for these tests.

Master Trainers or Examiners will designate the phase and manner of each test.  The Master Trainer or Examiner should make every effort not to interfere with or distract the dog.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will observe the work dog during each phase for willingness, interest and accuracy.  Handlers will be observed for ability and overall control of their dog.  Upon successful completion of all phases, a certificate of certification will be issued by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.  The certification will be valid for a period of one year from the date of issue.  It will be the responsibility of the handler to arrange for re-testing or certification, upon expiration.

APPEAL:  A work dog team that fails any phase of the testing may re-apply for testing at the next and most convenient date.

PASS/FAIL SYSTEM:  All of the following tests are scored on a pass/fail basis.  No scores will be used or recorded by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.  Any work dog team that fails a test and feels they have been judged wrongly, will, at the time of the test, notify the Master Trainer or Examiner of their appeal.  The handler will then file a complete report of their observations and the reasons they felt unfairly judged.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will file a report of his observations, all testing sheets and the basis for failure of the team.  Both reports will be forwarded to the President of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. and an Appeals Committee will be established to investigate the case.  The decision of the Appeals Committee must be by a majority vote and will be final.

REGULAR MEMBERS:  Police Service Dog Teams wishing to be tested and certified under these rules and by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. must be regular members of this organization. Regular members are defined as fully sworn law enforcement officers that have provided documentation that their police canine is utilized by their agency.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Associate members wishing to be tested and certified may do so under the following phases ONLY: Obedience, Tracking, Area Search, Article Search and Agility.

OBEDIENCE CONTROL TEST:

This test is to determine if the police work dog is capable of performing off-lead obedience exercises.  This test is also designed to test the dog's ability and proficiency and the handler's control of his/her dog.

THIS TEST MUST BE PASSED BEFORE PROCEEDING ON TO ANY OTHER PHASE WHERE THE DOG WILL BE UTILIZED OFF LEAD.

The police dog team will be tested in the following (3) phases:

1)  Heeling Phase

2)  Walking Phase

3)  Distance Phase

Each phase may be tested in any order and will be judged on a pass/fail basis.  All phases will be done under the direction of the Master Trainer or Examiner.  No cruel or abusive corrections will be displayed at any time.  If such conduct is observed, the Master Trainer or Examiner will note same and forward a report to the President of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. for filing.


HEELING PHASE

1)  Normal Pace

2)  Fast Pace

3)  Slow Pace

4)  A minimum of (2) right turns, (2) left turns and (1) about turn.  Each leg must be a minimum of (40) 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 (3) stationary persons.


WALKING PHASE

The handler and dog will begin from the "heel" position and walk forward together.  At a point designated by the Master Trainer or Examiner, the handler will place the dog in a stay position of his/her choice.  The handler must not break stride when commanding his/her dog.  At a point designated by the Master Trainer or Examiner the handler, while walking away, will call the dog back to a moving heel position.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will instruct the team to about turn and then move forward.  At a point designated by the Master Trainer or Examiner, the handler will stay his/her dog in a position of his/her choice, without breaking stride.  The handler will continue walking, and at the direction of the Master Trainer or Examiner, return to his/her dog and remain stationary.


DISTANCE PHASE

At a point designated by the Master Trainer or Examiner, the handler will leave his/her dog in a "STAY".  At a distance of not less than (40) feet but not more than (60) feet, the handler will be directed to turn and face his/her dog.  The handler will be directed to complete the following commands;

1)  Down by hand or voice.

The Master Trainer or Examiner will then instruct the handler to recall the dog by hand or voice.  At a point prior to reaching the handler the Master Trainer or Examiner may direct the handler to stop his/her dog by voice or hand.  In this phase the handler may choose what command he/she would like to utilize.  The dog can be stopped in a down, sit or stand.  Upon completion of the stop the Master Trainer or Examiner will direct the handler to recall his/her dog to the stationary heel position.

AGILITY TEST:

This test is to determine the ability of the police work dog to surmount obstacles.  This test will be done either on leash or off leash, at the discretion of the handler.  The Master Trainer/Examiner will decide the order of the obstacles for each dog.  There will be no set routine.  Handlers will be allowed to verbally encourage their dog. Handlers will only be allowed to physically assist the dog when it appears injury may result if assistance is not rendered to the dog.


HURDLES

1)  36" - 40" in height and a minimum of 36" in width. Also, (4) jumps, one of which will be a window jump.

2)  Handlers will be allowed to run with their dogs during this phase, commanding the dog over each jump if necessary.


TRESTLE WALK

1)  Trestle shall be 36" off the ground; 12 - 15 feet long with 2" X 4" boards 4" apart. The width shall be at least 36".

2)  The dog will mount the trestle by jumping onto it, walking from one end to the other.

3)  The handler may walk alongside the dog, but will not physically assist the dog except to prevent injury.


TUNNEL

1)  Tunnel shall be 18" - 32" in diameter and 8 - 12 feet long.

2)  Tunnel can be made of wood, metal or concrete.

3)  The dog must walk through the tunnel to pass.


CATWALK / PLATFORM

1)  The catwalk will have a 4' by 4' platform at least (6) feet off the ground with a ladder or stairs attached to it.

2)  Ladder will be attached at a minimum of 35 to 45 degree angle to the platform.

3)  Platform will have a ramp at the other end at a lesser angle.

4)  Material of ladder is optional, either metal or wood is acceptable.

The dog will climb the ladder on command and upon reaching the midpoint of the platform be given a command to stay.  The handler will then move his/her dog upon command from the Master Trainer/Examiner down the ramp to a heel position.

TRACKING TEST:

This test is designed to determine if the police work dog is capable of tracking an unknown subject in an unfamiliar area.  This test is intended to closely simulate actual natural working conditions.  This is a test of the dog's ability and proficiency's well as the handler's control of his/her dog.


HANDLER

Handlers may use leads, tracking ropes, harnesses, correction collars or leather collars while tracking.  They MAY NOT USE whistles, pinch collars, spike collars, electronic or ultrasonic devices.


TRACK LAYER

The tracklayer will be unknown to the dog, whenever possible.  The tracklayer will receive instruction from the Master Trainer or Examiner for the method and direction that the track will be laid.  The tracklayer will remain at the end of the track if the handler chooses.


ARTICLES

The handler may choose to have up to (4) articles on the track, inclusive of the end article. If the handler chooses to have the tracklayer and articles, only (3) articles may be used on the track. The articles must have been in the possession of the tracklayer for no less than (15) minutes prior to the start of the track.


TRACK

The handler and the dog will be hidden from view of the track while it is being walked.  When the test begins the Master Trainer or Examiner will inform the handler of the approximate area to begin.  The handler will not be told in which direction the track leads.  The track will be approximately 200 yards long. The track will be approximately (30) minutes old at the start.  There will be (2) turns and (1) change of surface.  There will be (1) cross track laid no less than (15) minutes after the original track was walked.  The cross track shall be walked by a second person designated by the Master Trainer or Examiner.  Due to climatic conditions the track may be reduced in age at the discretion of the Master Handler or Examiner.

AREA SEARCH TEST:

This test is designed to determine the police work dog's ability and proficiency in searching for a hidden suspect within a large area, when no known track is available.  The team being tested should use the wind and air currents to their advantage.


MASTER TRAINER/EXAMINER

The Master Trainer or Examiner will accompany the team during the entire test.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will make every effort not to distract or interfere with the dog while it is working.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will designate the general area to be searched.


HANDLER

Handlers may select the starting point outside the search area.  This test may be done on or off leash at the handler's discretion.  The leash may be no shorter than (6) feet and no longer than (30) feet.  Standard leashes, collars, correction collars or harnesses may be used.

SUSPECT

The suspect will hide in an area at least (10) minutes prior to the beginning of the test.  The suspect should be unknown to the dog.  The suspect will hide from view of the handler and dog using available cover and concealment.


TIME AND AREA

The area size and the time allowed for the search will be at the discretion of the Master Trainer or Examiner.

EVIDENCE SEARCH TEST:

This test is designed to determine the police work dog's ability and proficiency in searching a designated area for articles having human scent on them.  This would represent a search for discarded or concealed evidence or lost items.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will observe the test from outside the search area.  The handler will be allowed to enter the search area with his/her dog.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will designate the search area.


SEARCH AREA

The area to be searched will be no less than (50) feet by (50) feet square.  It will be in an area with vegetation at least (4) to (6) inches in height.


SEARCH ARTICLES

(3) articles of different composition will be thrown at random into the search area.  The team will be hidden from view while this is being done.  The articles will be selected from, but not limited to, the following list:

1)  Plastic Credit Card
2)  Paper Matchbook
3)  Shotgun Shell
4)  Leather Wallet
5)  Screwdriver
6)  Metal/Plastic Handgun
7)  Article of Clothing

TIME

There will be a (5) minute time limit for the search and a (1) minute warning will be given by the Master Trainer/Examiner.  Time will start when the dog is released into the search area.  The dog must find (2) of the (3) articles in order to pass this test.


HANDLER

The handler may choose to conduct this search on a leash, which may be no longer than (15) feet.  The handler must readily identify the dog's alert and it must be apparent to the Master Trainer or Examiner.  The handler, upon identifying the alert, can either pick up the article or have the dog retrieve it.  After each indication the handler will have the dog continue to search.  The dog will be judged on alert and indication to the article.

BUILDING SEARCH TEST:

This test is designed to simulate an actual working situation.  Three basic types of buildings are selected and described for use on this test.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will accompany the team on the search and observe the entire test.  Officer survival skills should be utilized and noted by the Master Trainer/Examiner.


BUILDING TYPES

Residence
Warehouse or Commercial Building 
School


SUSPECT

1)  Will be hidden (10) minutes prior to the start of the search.

2)  Will be hidden in a place of concealment from the handler and dog.

3)  Will wear appropriate protective equipment, if necessary.

4)  The person hiding will be unknown to the dog.

5)  Location of the suspect is at the discretion of the Master Trainer or Examiner.


MASTER TRAINER or EXAMINER

1)  Will designate the area of the building to be used.

2)  Will designate the area in which the team is to start the search.

3)  Will make every effort not to interfere with the search.

4)  When it obvious to the Master Trainer or Examiner that the dog is not searching and has stopped working the test will be ended and the handler notified that this phase has been failed.


HANDLER

1)  This test must be done off leash.

2)  The handler will accompany the dog throughout the test, keeping in mind tactical movement.

3)  The handler can encourage the dog verbally when required.

4)  The handler CAN NOT open any doors for the dog, unless otherwise instructed by the Master Trainer or Examiner.

5)  The dog's indication must be readily identifiable to the handler and Master Trainer/ Examiner (bark, scratch, circle, whining, etc.)

AGGRESSION CONTROL TEST:

This test is to determine if the police work dog is capable of performing aggression control exercises that they may encounter on the street in working situations.  The test is designed to test the dog's ability, proficiency and courage as well as the handler's control over his/her dog.

There are (3) phases to this test.  The dog and handler will be tested in all phases, in the order listed.  Each phase is tested on a pass/fail basis and must be passed before proceeding to the next phase.

There are options for equipment utilized during the test.  Prior to the test, the Master Trainer must inspect and approve the type of equipment chosen for the test.

Hidden, concealed protective gear will be worn by the suspect.  This equipment is to be completely concealed by clothing so as to provide no physical cue for the dog as to it's existence or location.  A visible colored (other than jute) full protective aggression suit may be used.  In the event of any safety issue raised by the suspect, handler, or Master Trainer, the Master Trainer has the discretion to mandate the use of a protective, non-jute colored protective suit.

The type of lead used by the handler will be at his/her discretion, but will not exceed (6) feet in length.  Each phase shall be completed off leash unless otherwise directed by the Master Trainer or Examiner,

GUNS AND BLANKS WILL BE CAREFULLY INSPECTED BY THE MASTER TRAINER/EXAMINER. The following caliber blanks are allowed: .22, .32, .38, 9mm, or .40.

Whenever possible, the suspect will be unknown to the dog.  The suspects may be other handlers being tested, or volunteers with the approval of the Master Trainer, or in some cases the Master Trainers themselves.

In the phases requiring the dog to physically apprehend the suspect, the dog must fully engage and hold/fight the suspect.  Failure to engage or excessive, unnecessary mouthing/readjusting of the apprehension may be grounds for failure.

In phases requiring the dog to stop his pursuit and apprehension of the suspect, the handler will inform the Master Trainer, prior to testing, the intended command sequence to be utilized.  Failure of the dog to release and or respond to obedience commands in a timely manner is grounds for failure.

The handler must demonstrate sound tactics during all phases of the test.  When a search of the suspect is called for the handler must demonstrate a safe approach, simulate handcuffing and thoroughly search for weapons.

Only the phases and exercises listed/described are required for successful completion of this test. The order of the phases and the exercises performed in each phase are as follows:


PHASE 1:  Termination of Chase 

The dog will begin this phase from the heal position.  The suspect will begin at a distance of approximately 40 yards away from the team.  At the direction of the Master Trainer, the suspect will run away from the team in any direction.  The Master Trainer will inform the handler when to send their dog.  The suspect will stop and surrender terminating the pursuit when instructed by the Master Trainer.

The type of call off used is at the handler's discretion, but the Master Trainer must be informed of the type prior to the test. It may be as follows:

1)  Dog is recalled to the heal position.

2)  Dog is commanded to down, sit, stand position and the handler will join their dog.

3)  Dog is commanded to the down, sit, stand position and then recalled by the handler to a heel position. 

The importance of this test is that the suspect is not mouthed, nipped or bitten by the dog regardless of the type of call off used.  Non aggressive incidental contact may be made by the dog while attempting to respond to the call off.  This phase will be complete when the dog is in the heel position with the handler.


PHASE 2:  Short Chase with Gunfire

The dog will begin this phase in the heel position.  The suspect will be carrying the designated blank filled firearm approximately 30 yards away from the team.  The suspect will run away firing a minimum of two shots, as directed by the Master Trainer.  The handler sends his/her dog when the second shot is fired.  The suspect must fire the last shot before the dog gets within (5) yards of him/her.  The dog will apprehend and hold the suspect.  Upon the handler's arrival to the dog/suspect, and at the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will order the suspect to drop the weapon.  Once the weapon has been separated from the suspect, the handler will command the dog to release and call off as described in phase (1).  This phase is complete when the dog returns to the heel position with the handler.


PHASE 3:  Chase From or Next to a Vehicle

The dog and handler while in or next to a stationary vehicle will order the suspect to approach them.  When the suspect refuses, and after the handler issues the appropriate verbal warnings, the handler will command their dog to apprehend the suspect.  The dog will pursue, apprehend and hold the suspect.  Upon the handler's arrival to the dog/suspect, and at the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will command the dog to release and call off as described in phase (1).  The handler then orders the suspect to an appropriate position, approaches, and simulates handcuffing the suspect.  The suspect then simulates assaulting the handler.  The dog will apprehend and hold the suspect.  At the direction of the Master Trainer, the handler will command the dog to release and call off as described in phase (1).  The handler orders the suspect to an appropriate position approaches and simulates handcuffing the suspect.  The handler then searches the suspect for weapons.  No assault of the handler will take place at this time.  The handler will return to the K9 and assume on lead control ending the complete Aggression Control Test.

All tests given the K9 team will be on a pass/fail basis.  The Master Trainer will determine if the team will be certified upon completion of the test.  The handler and dog will be considered a team and it is the team who will be certified.  If the dog changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified.  This certification will be valid for (1) year from the date of issued certificate.

NARCOTIC DETECTION TEST:

This test is designed to determine the proficiency and reliability of dogs in the detection of narcotics.  Pseudo-narcotics will not be used for certification of drug detector dogs in any phase.


NARCOTIC AIDS

Aids will be concealed in at least (3) areas with at least (6) total aids concealed.  If multiple aids are to be tested then there must be a minimum of (2) aids of each odor concealed. ONLY (1) MISS OVERALL WILL BE ALLOWED FOR ALL ODORS TESTED. Below is a schedule of odors and the minimum number of aids to be concealed;

1)  One odor tested - a minimum of six (6) aids of this odor concealed.

2)  Two odors tested - a minimum of three (3) aids of each odor.

3)  Three odors tested - a minimum of two (2) aids of each odor.

The Master Trainer or Examiner will place the aid in a location unknown to the handler.  The amount to be used for testing will be determined by the Master Trainer or Examiner.  The availability of training aids will be taken into consideration when placing the amount of the aids.


TESTING AREAS

Testing will be conducted in at least (3) areas.  Suggested areas of concealment are:

1)  Vehicles:  The search will be of whatever aid or aids the team is certifying for.  There will be a hide inside and a hide outside of the vehicle(s).  The placement of hides will be left up to the Master Trainer or Examiner.

2)  Buildings:  The search will be of whatever aid or aids the team is certifying for.  The placement of hide(s) will be left up to the Master trainer or Examiner.

3)  Parcels or Luggage:  The search will be of whatever aid or aids the team is certifying for.  The placement of hide(s) will be left up to the Master Trainer or Examiner.

THERE WILL BE UNCONTAMINATED VEHICLES, BUILDINGS, ROOMS AND ANY OTHER DESIGNATED CONTAINERS OR AREAS.

There will be no time limit on searches.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will determine when the search is over.

The safety of the dog will be solely the responsibility of the handler.

All tests given to the narcotic detection dog teams will be on a pass/fail basis.  The Master Trainer or Examiner will determine if the team will be certified upon completion of the test.  The handler and dog will be considered a team and it will be the team that is certified.  If the dog changes handlers a new team exists and the team will need to be certified.