There was also a high academic standard. The policy and practice that were forced upon the California agencies in recent civil actions were already in place in Seattle. Yet, despite this beneficial status, the academic standards for Seattle K9 have been dropped since the ACLU's civil suit against Seattle, and there still is no formalized performance standard. Until the State of Washington makes performance standards mandatory, they will not exist. Doctors are required to be licensed through a process that assures the public of, at least, a minimal level of competency and lessens the probability of the snake oil salesmen of yesteryear.
Lawyers face the bar examination.
While the majority of Police K9 handlers and trainers are prepared to practice the highest standards, as in all professions there will always be those willing to accept lower standards. Utah's P.O.S.T. This organization also provides training and technical assistance for the smaller agencies which they would otherwise not be able to afford or do well. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the W.S.P.C.A. would be well-served to study Utah's P.O.S.T. and develop a program to set and maintain police dog performance standards in Washington State. There is a common mindset in some people that contributes to most bad bite situations. There is more than one origin for this misunderstanding.