Detection Dogs

Richard E. Myers II, 14 Geo. Mason L. Rev. 1 (2006) – argues that an alert by even a well-trained dog with an exceptional track record cannot by itself constitute probable cause to search. Includes a statistical analysis of the value of dog alerts and suggestions for improved use of detector dogs.

Lisa Lit etal, 14:3 Anim Cogn 387(2011) – researchers evaluated eighteen drug and/or explosive detection dog/handler teams to determine how human beliefs affect detector dog outcomes.

Guidelines for detector dog training, procedures, and care. Failure of a dog/handler team to implement these national-level guidelines may be a source of cross examination.

After its decriminalization at the federal level, states have begun implementing programs to oversee the production, manufacture, and distribution of hemp products. Some North Carolina farmers have been participating in a pilot program which allows the legal production of industrial hemp. Since hemp’s legalization, North Carolina faces several areas of uncertainty in enforcement of marijuana …

  Today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the second of two dog sniff cases before it this term. In Florida v. Jardines, the Court held that taking a drug-sniffing dog on the front porch of a house is a search for purposes of the Fourth Amendment. The Court held that the front porch is within …

The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear two Florida cases at the end of October regarding dog sniffs and the Fourth Amendment.   The Florida Supreme Court ruled in Florida v. Jardines that taking a drug detection dog to the front porch of a home to sniff for marijuana violated the Fourth Amendment.  They held …

This training contains recommendations about what records to request and areas of cross examination. Contains a transcript of an interview of a dog handler.

Outline of LeAnn Melton’s 2007 Public Defender Conference training addresses case law, discovery requests, and potential areas for cross examination of dog handlers.

Law and Technology Resources for Legal Professionals comprehensive compilation of online publications, research, resources and standards on canine detection evidence.

K-9 trainer and detection team certification program that is a joint project of the International Forensic Science Research Institute, the National Forensic Science Technology Center, the Florida Highway Patrol Contraband Interdiction Program and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement

UNC School of Government blog post by Shea Denning that examines the status of dog sniffs under the Fourth Amendment as it applies to searches of individuals if a dog alerts to the person.

The Dogs and Sensors Subcommittee of OSAC focuses on standards and guidelines related to performance of deployed dog/handler teams and optimization of their combination with electronic detection devices. 

A partnership of local, state, federal and international agencies working to establish best practices for use of detection dogs. Funded by the National Institute of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Transportation Security Administration. See the Approved Guidelines section of the website for training requirements.

UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty that explains the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 holding in Florida v. Harris. Harris holds that when a trained and certified drug dog alerts on a vehicle, that normally provides probable cause to search the car, even if there are no records regarding the dog’s performance in the field. However, challenges to drug dog reliability will likely continue because the case holds that defendants are entitled to make such challenges through cross-examining the testifying officer or by introducing his own fact or expert witnesses and that courts will determine the weight given to evidence regarding the adequacy of the dog and handler’s training, the team’s prior performance in the field, and other factors.

Website contains certification requirements for dogs and handlers.

No. COA 11-384

Defendant’s Brief contains caselaw regarding canine sniffs and Fourth Amendment protections.

UNC School of Government blog post by Jeff Welty that explains the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 holding in Florida v. Harris. Harris holds that when a trained and certified drug dog alerts on a vehicle, that normally provides probable cause to search the car, even if there are no records regarding the dog’s performance in the field. However, challenges to drug dog reliability will likely continue because the case holds that defendants are entitled to make such challenges through cross-examining the testifying officer or by introducing his own fact or expert witnesses and that courts will determine the weight given to evidence regarding the adequacy of the dog and handler’s training, the team’s prior performance in the field, and other factors.

Sample discovery motion for detection dog records, includes a cite to Florida v. Harris, 113 S. Ct. 1050 (2013).

Sample discovery motion for detection dog records