A West Vancouver Police Service Dog (PSD) has been temporarily taken out from service following a training incident in which a member of the public was injured.

On 2010 March 09 shortly before 11PM, the dog and his handler were conducting training near the West Vancouver Community Centre located in the 2100 block of Marine Dr.

During the exercise, The PSD encountered two youths seated on a park bench in a low lit area. The PSD came into contact with the upper body, arm and jacket sleeve of one youth before the PSD handler was able to react.
 

The youth suffered abrasions and bruising as a result. EHS was immediately called and attended within several minutes. After receiving medical treatment, the youth was released at scene by EHS.

West Vancouver Police have remained in close contact with the youth and family. The incident remains under review by senior officers who have expressed sincere regret for the incident and resulting injury.

The PSD was ordered out of service immediately and will undergo a re-certification process to ensure BC Provincial Police Standards are met. Duty status of the PSD will be reviewed at the conclusion of the recertification process.  The PSD and handler have been a team for approximately 3 years.

West Vancouver Police conduct ongoing training of Police Service Dogs and regularly review training methods to conduct training in a way that does not pose risk to the public. In light of this incident, a new review of West Vancouver Police Service Dog training practices has been ordered.