Henderson, Nev. – The Nevada Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) offers a five‑part video series that teaches officers basic tactics for safely handling dog encounters. While the series gives a useful start, local law‑enforcement leaders say it must be paired with more detailed scenario work and frequent refresher sessions.
Expert backs the state program
Dr. James Crosby, a nationally recognized canine aggression specialist and retired police officer, called the videos “a great foundation.” Crosby, who has testified in numerous court cases involving police shootings of dogs, noted that the series was produced with the Chicago Police Department and is intended to deliver “the basic tools in a reasonable amount of time.”
“It’s not an all‑encompassing, all‑in‑one package,” Crosby said. “There are scenarios that can be run through that are in more detail.” He stressed that officers need opportunities to ask questions, practice decisions, and revisit the material regularly.
Henderson adds local policy
Deputy Chief Matthew Murnane of the Henderson Police Department confirmed that officers have watched the POST videos and signed a roster to document compliance. The department’s policy now requires periodic refresher sessions, a step taken after a News 3 investigation revealed gaps in tracking compliance with the state’s dog‑encounter training statute.
“The statute does not specify how often this training must be completed, but when the agency creates its own policy regarding this training, it may set the frequency,” a POST spokesperson explained. Henderson chose to make the training a recurring requirement rather than a one‑time check.
Why ongoing training matters
Crosby pointed to the fatal shooting of Rocky, an eight‑year‑old Labrador mix, by a Henderson officer earlier this month as a reminder of the stakes. Surveillance video showed two dogs approaching a patrol car, pepper spray being deployed, and an officer firing a round that killed Rocky. The incident sparked community concern and prompted the department to review its handling of canine encounters.
“If they only hear once what they’re supposed to do, and two years later they have a dog incident, they’re not going to have the time to run through, ‘Let me see where are those files that I — what did he tell me to do?’” Crosby warned. He added that officers should “almost absolutely never run from a dog,” emphasizing the importance of calm, deliberate action.
State resources and local flexibility
POST makes the video series available to any Nevada agency that cannot locate training that meets the dog‑encounter training statute. Agencies are free to use additional resources as long as they satisfy the legal requirements.
“The Chicago team behind the video series produced a great product,” Crosby said, acknowledging the quality of the existing material while advocating for supplemental, interactive courses. He noted that he authored a separate six‑to‑eight‑hour dog‑encounter course for the National Sheriffs’ Association that includes live scenario work.
Looking ahead
Henderson’s new policy aims to ensure that every officer not only watches the state videos but also practices the techniques in realistic drills. The department plans to schedule quarterly refresher sessions and to track participation through an updated compliance system.
By combining the state‑provided foundation with local scenario‑based training, Henderson hopes to reduce the likelihood of tragic outcomes and to protect both officers and the community’s beloved pets.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
