Article X – Police K-9 Legal Protections
State of San Andreas – State Register of Laws
Introduction
The purpose of this legislation is to formally recognise Police Service Dogs (“K-9s”) and their Handlers within the State of San Andreas, ensuring that all existing legal protections and penalties under the Penal Code apply to them during lawful law enforcement duties.
Constitutional Justification
Right to Dignity: K-9s and their Handlers shall be protected from unlawful harm, interference, or intimidation.
Right to Health and Protection of Others: Recognises K-9s as active participants in public safety operations.
Right to Fair Trial and Due Process: Governs lawful enforcement actions and remedies for violations.
Section 1 – Definitions
Police Service Dog (K-9):
Any dog trained, certified, and assigned by a recognised Law Enforcement Agency in the State of San Andreas for official law enforcement duties.
Handler:
A sworn Law Enforcement Officer assigned to and in control of a Police Service Dog.
Lawful Duties:
Any activity performed by a K-9 and/or Handler under lawful command of a recognised Law Enforcement Agency, including apprehension, search and rescue, detection of contraband, or protection of life and property.
Section 2 – Legal Protections
- Police Service Dogs (“K-9s”) and their Handlers, when engaged in lawful duties, are recognised as agents of the State.
- All existing Penal Code offenses, including but not limited to:
- Reckless Endangerment (Felony)
- Obstruction of Justice (Misdemeanor)
- Battery on a Government Employee (Felony)
shall apply equally to K-9s and their Handlers.
Acts that would constitute these offenses if directed at a human officer—including harm, injury, disabling, interference, obstruction, or assault—shall be prosecuted under the same statutory penalties when directed at a K-9 or its Handler.
Section 3 – Oversight and Enforcement
- K-9s and their Handlers remain under the authority and oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in accordance with the Powers and Definitions of Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) Act.
- Any violation involving a K-9 or Handler shall be investigated and prosecuted under existing Penal Code procedures.
Section 4 – Severability
If any provision of this Act is found invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 5 – DOJ Oversight of the Police K-9 Division
Authority:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall exercise supreme oversight over the Police K-9 Division within all Law Enforcement Agencies of the State of San Andreas.
Scope of Oversight:
a. All K-9 operations, deployments, and handler conduct fall under DOJ oversight to ensure compliance with the Constitution, the Powers and Definitions of Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) Act, and all applicable statutes.
b. The DOJ may review, audit, and investigate incidents involving K-9s or their handlers, including alleged misuse, negligence, or violations of law.
c. Any interference, harm, or misconduct affecting a K-9 or handler shall be subject to DOJ review and appropriate administrative, disciplinary, or criminal action under existing law.
Coordination:
a. The DOJ shall coordinate with Law Enforcement Agencies to maintain uniform standards of legal compliance and accountability for the K-9 Division.
b. The DOJ may issue directives relating to K-9 legal authority, deployment authorization, and enforcement responsibilities as needed to uphold constitutional rights and public safety.
Final Authority:
In any dispute, conflict, or ambiguity regarding K-9 operations, authority, or enforcement actions, the DOJ shall serve as the final arbiter consistent with its constitutional and statutory powers.
Section 6 – Effective Date
This Act shall take effect immediately upon passage and apply to all current and future Police Service Dogs and Handlers operating in the State of San Andreas.
Signatories
- Justice Mina Mercy
- Justice Peter Brackley
- Justice Bailey Harvey
- Justice James Anderson