Police and Military Dogs: Criminal Detection, Forensic Evidence, and Judicial Admissibility

Oct. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Police procedures, forensic science, and the law have all had to take into account the tasks that police dogs perform and the evidence that their work produces. As such, it is essential that those in the criminal justice system understand this type of evidence and its value. Police and Military Dogs: Criminal Detection, Forensic Evidence, and Judicial Admissibility examines the use of police and military dogs for a wide variety of functions and explores canine biology and behavior as it applies to police work.

The book begins with an overview of the changes that have occurred in the field in the past four decades as discoveries have been made about canine capabilities. The author examines how a canine handler’s work with a skilled police dog can affect the subsequent investigation and prosecution of the crime. He discusses optimal procedures for finding and processing evidence, and describes the boundaries of admissibility of evidence produced by police dogs. The book examines the many diverse detection functions police dogs are being trained to perform, ranging from cadaver detection to the discovery of explosives. It also describes the use of dogs to apprehend criminals and in search and rescue operations.

Written for a wide audience including canine handlers, forensic scientists, attorneys, and the judiciary, this volume covers topics pertinent to all aspects of the police dog in contemporary law enforcement.

About the Author

John J. Ensminger, a lawyer practicing in New York, has written extensively on tax and financial issues, and more recently on legal, scientific and judicial procedures affecting the functions, rights and protection of specially trained dogs. His most current research focuses on canine scent identification and criminal prosecution applications. His publications include: Service and Therapy Dogs in American Society: Science, Law and the Evolution of Canine Caregivers; Money Laundering, Terrorism, and Financial Institutions; the USA Patriot Act Monitor. Contributions on canine legal issues have appeared in the Journal of Animal Law, GP Solo: ABA General Practice and Tax Notes. He received his BA from the University of California at Berkeley in zoology and marine biology, and earned his JD and LLM degrees from Hastings College of the Law, and New York University School of Law.

Endorsement

"A solid, hands-on, quick reference source for K9 Officers to use as guidance in their normal day to day cases. Also, an excellent reference tool for state and district attorneys to use when researching case law. Truly exceptional!"
— Detective Jan Scofield, Master Trainer, North American Police Work Dog Association; National Instructor, National Narcotic Detector Dog Association

ISBN: 9781439872390, 304 pp., Hardback, $79.95

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