Embedding Elements of Functional Skills in K-9

Embedding Elements of Functional Skills in K-9 Handling

Skills in individual areas become much more valuable to instructors and to learners when they are fully integrated or embedded within functional applications (Gravells, 2008). Generally, a good canine handler needs to have a command of factual knowledge about canine behavior, human psychology, criminal law and procedure, computer Internet technology, (ICT), and good writing skills. However, raw knowledge about canines, or so-called "textbook" knowledge (breed identification, history, physiology, general behavior, etc.) is comparatively useless in the field. Instead, the functional or "embedded" knowledge a canine handler must understand about dogs would include identifying predictable behaviors of various canines in specific situations. For example, knowledge about the respective lineage of the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd is not particularly useful in the field as compared with embedded knowledge of their respective likely responses to gunshots.

Likewise, textbook knowledge of the history of the discipline of human psychology and the identity and contributions of its early theorists is much less important in the field than a functional grasp of embedded knowledge. Embedded knowledge in that area would include recognizing the way that principles of human psychology dictate reactions of individuals in the various contexts in which law enforcement canine officers typically encounter them. For example, recognizing the indicators or "tells" consistent with deliberate deception during field interviews is an element of embedded knowledge of human psychology.

When it comes to knowledge of law and criminal procedure, there are volumes of textbook knowledge that would be of comparatively little value in the field. By contrast, functional embedded knowledge would include understanding the most recent Supreme Court decisions in the areas of Fourth Amendment searches of electronic devices and the definition of "reasonableness" in connection with the maximum amount of time patrol officers may detain a motorist without probable cause pending the arrival of a canine unit to conduct an exterior vehicle search absent consent for an interior search.