SOUTH CAROLINA POLICE k-9 ASSOCIATION

Article Search

This test is designed to test the canine's ability and proficiency in searching a designated area for articles having human scent on them. This would represent a search for discarded evidence or lost items. Certifying officials and handlers should review these rules in their entirety. Certifying officials will observe the test from outside the search area. The certifying official will designate the search area.

Search Area:

The area to be searched will be no less than 60 feet by 60 feet nor larger than 70 feet by 70 feet. It will be covered by heavy vegetation no less than four (4) inches high nor higher than twelve (12) inches. One or more subjects crossing through the area at least twice with a canine will contaminate the search area prior to the test.

Search Articles:

Three (3) articles of different composition (metal, wood, paper, etc.) will be thrown at random into the search area. The team to be tested will not view this being done. One (1) article will be of metal composition. The articles to be used will be selected from, but not limited to, the following list:

a)       Plastic credit card                                b)       Purse

c)       Shotgun shell                                        d)       Leather Wallet

e)       Screwdriver (4" - 6")                           f)       Crumpled cigarette package

g)       Empty metal handgun                          h)       Knife

Articles are to be selected by the Certifying official according to availability.

Time

There will be a five (5) minute time limit for this test. A warning will be given when one (1) minute remain for the test. Time will start when the handler sends his/her canine into the search area.

Handler

The canine, on clearly indication or finding an article may be encouraged to retrieve it. Preferably, the handler will treat the item as evidence and mark the location or recover it him or herself. The handler may enter the search area and direct the search as he/she would in an actual situation. After each indication and article recovery the handler will command the canine to continue to search. The canine will be judged on their abilities to alert and indicate to the search article. The canine must make two (2) finds out of three (3) to pass the test. Failure of this test may be based on lack of handler control, disinterest on the part of the canine, biting of the certifying official. All tests given the canine team will be on pass/fail basis. The certifying officials will determine if the team will be certified upon the completion of the test.

The handler and canine will be considered as a team and it is the team who will be certified. If the canine changes handlers, a new team exists and the team will need to be certified.

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Last modified: 05/30/07