The decision is flush with logic supporting the use of force consistent in the policies and procedures of most police agencies using bite and hold dogs. Litigation and liability are ever present factors. Our policies and procedures are the best defense. Each case will be judged upon its own merits comparing the facts against a standard. If our standard is kept high, we may lose a case due to aberrant actions of an individual or unavoidable circumstances, but we will not be shown negligent.
Case law supports our present policies and application.
This echoes my beliefs in regards to the use of bite and hold training. The decision to apply the dog is multifaceted, and the decisions as to how the dog is to be applied must be left up to the handler, not the dog. Canada and the United States both have seen a dramatic increase in the use of firearms in the commission of offenses, as well as an increase in the number of young offenders carrying guns. A method of training that is ideal for European situations does not necessarily mean that it is ideal for North American problems. The use of circle and bark dogs have resulted in the deaths of many police dogs.