Canine Handler Officer

Description

Position Summary:
Reports to the designated lieutenant. Responsible for the full canine care and management as well as
custody and discipline of inmates in compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA)
standards, Management & Training Corporation (MTC) and Mississippi Department of Corrections
(MDOC) directives.
Essential Functions:
1. Must have the ability to maintain the canine at home when not at work. Will be reimbursed for all
expenses relating to the care of the canine.
2. Responsible for ensuring drug detention dog receives sufficient training, trail testing, and
appropriate medical care.
3. Maintain canine medical records and ensure records are up-to-date and available for immediate
review. Ensure canine always wear appropriate identification tag.
4. Provide appropriate care and a safe shelter for the canine which includes feeding, water, and
grooming.
5. Assists in conducting searches for narcotics while using the canines both inside and outside the
facility and during visiting periods. Assists in the detention and processing of individuals
introducing contraband into the institution.
6. Ensures officers and others assisting do not contaminate the area or interfere with canine
responsibilities when overseeing inspections and searches.
7. Always maintains control of the canine(s) and provides safe vehicles for transportation utilized
both on and off duty.
8. Prepares comprehensive reports regarding status of the canines and searches. Prepares rule
violation reports as appropriate.
9. Testify in hearings and court cases concerning drug interdiction activities and searches.
10. Protect, instruct, train, and counsel assigned employees as directed.
11. Responsible for the care, custody and adherence to rules and regulations of inmates assigned to
specific work area.
12. Supervise and provide custody and security of inmates including observation of inmates and
inmates assigned to work duty.
13. Respond to emergencies including climbing stairs, steps, and ladders while searching for
escaped offenders, hearing calls for and calling for help, giving first aid at the emergency site,
carrying an injured or unconscious offender or employee various distances to safety up or down
stairs, steps and ladders; and use force and deadly force to include the use of chemical agents
and firearms to control offenders.
14. Must be able to perform physical activity required for canine training.
15. Perform security functions including “pat” and “strip” searches, by squatting and bending to
perform such functions.
16. Read, review and properly apply information found in inmate records which is related to the
inmates’ health and safety and to the security of the facility. Provide appropriate information to
other personnel.
17. Supervise the preparation and maintenance of records, forms and reports.
18. Perform specific duties if assigned to the following areas: unit, safety, disciplinary, special
management area and intake.
19. It is expected that the incumbent will work any shift, any day and any overtime, as directed.
20. Regular and predictable attendance on-site is required.

Position Description
21. Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and
intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed. Provide regular feedback to staff
regarding social skills procedures and intervention techniques.
22. Maintain accountability of staff, inmates and property; adhere to safety practices.
It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as
determined by management.
Education and Experience Requirements:
High School Diploma or equivalent required. Experience with canine training or handling preferred. Valid
driver’s license in the state of Mississippi with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by
management

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