10.
Law Enforcement.
a. During each shift, all patrol dog assets performing law enforcement
should be under operational control of the MP desk sergeant; they should be
capable of immediate response to his direction.
For this reason, radio
communications are necessary for dismounted as well as mounted patrol
elements. Variance from this procedure may be required. Such variance may
be needed to meet needs unique to a certain post of activity.
b. Normally, at least one patrol dog team should support each duty
shift. Most teams should be assigned duties as mounted patrol; most should
also be required to function in about the same capacity as a noncanine unit.
This practice increases exposure to the public, and it helps develop a
psychological deterrent to crime.
It also contributes to the overall cost
effectiveness of the team.
c. At times, dismounted patrols are extremely effective.
This is
especially true of dependent housing areas.
Also included are areas near
troop billets, adjacent to EM clubs, around PXs and theaters, or in poorly
lighted parking lots.
Immediately following payday, dismounted patrol dog
teams may also be used to patrol recreation areas, parks, or heavily forested
areas. These are sites where soldiers use shortcuts between post facilities
and their barracks.
Employment of this nature reduces loitering; it
minimizes opportunity for criminal acts and should be used both day and
night.
d. When buildings are found open, or a burglary is otherwise suspected,
a patrol dog team should be sent to the scene. A building search should then
be conducted by the dog and its handler.
Actions of this type can be
accomplished quickly and efficiently by the patrol dog.
Such actions can
take place without endangering the lives of law enforcement personnel. To do
so without canine aid is hazardous and time-consuming; it stands only a
limited chance of success.
A voice warning must be given before a dog is
released to search an open building.
e. Tracking skills may also be used to aid MPs in gaining information
about a crime.
These skills also aid in discovering evidence left at the
scene and trailing suspects until captured.
When used promptly, tracking
skills can be extremely useful at the scene of burglaries, robberies and
rapes.
Tracking skills are also useful upon the discovery of abandoned
stolen vehicles.
Although an apprehension cannot be expected after each
tracking, much valuable data can be obtained. Such data includes, but is not
limited to, ascertaining the direction of flight, discovering abandoned
articles or items of evidence, and determining whether or not the subject
fled on foot or in a vehicle.
f. Crime scene searches should be done after using patrol dogs.
All
law enforcement personnel should be instructed accordingly.
Above all,
tracking skills should not be used as a last resort after all other efforts
have failed. This is true regardless of whether the subject is a criminal, a
lost child, an elderly person, or a mental patient.
MP1001
4-8
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