American Police Dog Tactics Association
"Real Training for the Real World"

S.W.A.T Dog Team Certification Standards

This certification is designed to test the canine teams’ ability to perform in a tactical or S.W.A.T. team environment. The certification will be a pass/fail evaluation based on a points system. All certification programs are valid for 1 year from the date completed. If a new handler is assigned to the team, the certification is no longer valid. Certification will be performed in standard duty uniform. Handlers must have, at a minimum, a pistol belt with flashlight, handcuffs (with key), and a training weapon or unloaded duty weapon. The handler should also provide any departmentally approved canine training equipment to the evaluation (i.e. collars, harnesses, leashes and lines).

Prerequisites: Any team attempting to obtain a SWAT Dog Team certification must first successfully complete an APDTA Patrol Dog Certification or possess a valid APDTA Patrol Dog certification.

SWAT Dog Test

The SWAT dog test will consist of a minimum of four scenarios. This test will be designed to demonstrate the handlers' ability to make sound decisions and judgments in the application of his/her canine. The tests will take place in a realistic setting. These exercises will be designed to test the following:

Movement with a team
Exposure to chemical munitions
Exposure to automatic gunfire, ballistic breaching, concussion grenades, etc.
Apprehension (bite)
Recall (call-off)
Release from the bite
Courage test
Passive Apprehension
Apprehension under gunfire
Perimeter Control

Firearms Exercise

This pass/fail certification is designed to test the handlers ablity to engage a target and move utilizing cover/cocealment along with his canine. The scenario will be a live fire exercise and will be conducted at a range or other appropriate facility. The handler will be required to engage a minumim of four targets with his primary weapon and at least one target with a shotgun. This exercise will be similar to a typical combat course. The handler will be evaluated on his/her ability to move through the course with his canine, accurately engage the targets, complete the exercise in the time allowed and his/her ability to adapt and over come any and all obstacles placed before the canine team by the evaluators.

Building Search Exercise

This pass/fail certification is designed to test the teams ablity to effectively and safely search for and locate a subject during a scenario such as a barricaded subject, hostage situation, etc. Scenarios may include but not be limited to residential structures, commercial structures, airplane hangers, etc. During this exercise the team will be likely be exposed to chemical munitions, breaching, concussion grenades, etc. The information regarding the scenario will be provided to the handler / team by the evaluators during a pre-scenario briefing. The handler will be evaluated on his/her ability to move safely to through the building, effectively apprehend suspects (if necessary), his/her ability to communicate information to the other members of the exercise, maintain control and discipline over his canine and his/her ability to adapt and over come any and all obstacles placed before the canine team by the evaluators.

Perimeter Exercise

This pass/fail certification is designed to test the teams ablity to effectively and safely maintain a perimeter for a scenario such as a barricaded subject, hostage situation, etc. The team will be assigned a designated perimeter position by the evaluators during a pre-scenario briefing. The handler will be evaluated on his/her ability to move safely to the perimeter position given to him by the evaluator, effectively apprehend suspects (if necessary), his/her ability to communicate information to the command post and other members of the exercise, maintain control and discipline over his canine and his/her ability to adapt and over come any and all obstacles placed before the canine team by the evaluators.

Armed Subject Exercise

This pass/fail certification is designed to test the teams ablity to effectively and safely deal with and armed subject during a scenario. Scenarios may include but not be limited to mental subjects, armed robbery subjects, etc. During this exercise the team will have very little information regarding the scenario and will be required to deal with the events as they unfold. During this exercise the handler will likely deal with suspect(s) as well as innocent civilians. The handler will be evaluated on his/her ability to deal safely with the subject(s), effectively apprehend suspects (if necessary), his/her ability to communicate information to the other members of the exercise, maintain control and discipline over his canine and his/her ability to adapt and over come any and all obstacles placed before the canine team by the evaluators

Canine teams will not be certified if any of the following occur: Apprehension or accidental bite of any bystander, evaluator or person not deemed a suspect in the test, failure of the handler to utilize proper officer survival skills or general safe practices (concealment/cover), failure of the handler to maintain control over the canine. Teams may attempt to recertify if time permits during the certification period, this will be at the discretion of the evaluators.