Detective Partnership Programme Agreement

TASMANIA POLICE
DETECTIVE-K9 PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME
FORMAL AGREEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

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AGREEMENT NUMBER: DK9-2017-001
DATE OF EXECUTION: 3 November 2017
EFFECTIVE DATE: 3 November 2017
REVIEW DATE: 3 November 2018 (Annual)

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PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT

THE HANDLER:
Detective Karl Matthew Jenkins
Badge Number: D-4471
Rank: Senior Detective
Division: Organised Crime Division, Hobart
Years of Service: 14

THE CANINE PARTNER:
K9 Jargus-9B
Registration: K9-9B-2015-10
Breed: German Shepherd
Certification Date: 2 November 2017
Certification Score: 97.4%

THE AUTHORITY:
Tasmania Police
Represented by: Chief Superintendent James Morrison
Witnessed by: Sergeant Charlie Claiborne

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PREAMBLE

This agreement establishes the terms and conditions for the experimental Detective-K9 Partnership between Detective Karl Matthew Jenkins (hereinafter "the Handler") and K9 Jargus-9B (hereinafter "the K9 Partner") under the Tasmania Police Detective-K9 Partnership Programme (hereinafter "the Programme").

This partnership represents a pioneering initiative in Australian law enforcement, extending traditional K9 capabilities into complex investigative work requiring sustained detective-dog collaboration.

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SECTION 1: HANDLER RESPONSIBILITIES

The Handler agrees to the following obligations:

1.1 PRIMARY CARE DUTY

• Assume complete responsibility for the K9 Partner's welfare, health, and wellbeing on a 24-hour, 7-day basis
• Provide appropriate nutrition according to veterinary-approved dietary plans
• Ensure access to fresh water at all times
• Maintain regular exercise schedule minimum 2 hours daily

1.2 ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

• House the K9 Partner at Handler's primary residence
• Provide appropriate indoor sleeping arrangements
• Maintain secure outdoor access area minimum 20 square metres
• Install department-approved security fencing where required
• No kennelling except in emergency circumstances pre-approved by K9 Unit

1.3 MEDICAL OBLIGATIONS

• Attend all scheduled veterinary appointments
• Administer prescribed medications as directed
• Maintain current vaccination schedule
• Report any illness or injury within 2 hours to K9 Unit
• Authorise emergency treatment as required

1.4 TRAINING COMMITMENTS

• Complete initial 40-hour Partnership Integration Course
• Attend monthly training sessions (8 hours minimum)
• Maintain daily training exercises (30 minutes minimum)
• Document training progress in official logbook
• Complete annual recertification requirements

1.5 OPERATIONAL DUTIES

• Deploy K9 Partner only within trained capabilities
• Ensure K9 Partner wears official vest during operations
• Maintain control at all crime scenes
• Protect K9 Partner from unnecessary risk
• Document all deployments in case files

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SECTION 2: K9 PARTNER DEPLOYMENT PARAMETERS

2.1 INVESTIGATIVE DEPLOYMENT The K9 Partner is authorised for:

• Crime scene examination and evidence location
• Suspect tracking in urban and rural environments
• Witness location and missing person searches
• Covert surveillance support (with approval)
• Interview room presence (non-threatening capacity)
• Document and electronic storage detection

2.2 PROHIBITED DEPLOYMENTS The K9 Partner shall NOT be deployed for:

• Crowd control or riot response
• Aggressive apprehension without backup
• Political demonstrations or civil protests
• Media events without authorisation
• Personal protection outside official duties
• Loan to other units without written approval

2.3 OPERATIONAL LIMITATIONS

• Maximum continuous deployment: 6 hours
• Mandatory rest between deployments: 4 hours
• Temperature restrictions: Not below -5°C or above 35°C
• Required equipment checks before each deployment

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SECTION 3: PROGRAMME PROVISIONS

3.1 FINANCIAL SUPPORT Tasmania Police agrees to provide:

• Annual care allowance: $4,800 (paid monthly)
• Food and dietary supplements: Direct supply
• All veterinary costs including emergency care
• Official equipment and protective gear
• Home modification grant: Up to $2,000 (one-time)
• Vehicle modification for K9 transport: Approved costs

3.2 TRAINING RESOURCES

• Access to Rokeby Training Centre facilities
• Monthly professional development sessions
• Specialist detection training courses
• Interstate training opportunities as approved
• Annual conference attendance (handler and K9)

3.3 OPERATIONAL SUPPORT

• 24-hour K9 Unit consultation availability
• Emergency veterinary service access
• Backup handler provisions for leave/illness
• Specialist equipment as required
• Dedicated vehicle with K9 modifications

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SECTION 4: PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1 CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE

• Annual recertification required
• Minimum passing score: 85%
• Remedial training if below standard
• Three attempts permitted

4.2 FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

• Quarterly veterinary fitness assessments
• Handler fitness standards per police regulations
• Joint agility assessments biannually

4.3 OPERATIONAL REVIEWS

• Monthly deployment reports required
• Quarterly performance reviews
• Annual comprehensive assessment
• Peer review participation

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SECTION 5: LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

5.1 PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY

• Tasmania Police indemnifies Handler for authorised actions
• Coverage includes third-party injury/property damage
• Excludes negligence or policy violation
• Legal representation provided for duty-related incidents

5.2 INJURY PROVISIONS

• Full medical coverage for duty-related K9 injuries
• Rehabilitation services as required
• Disability retirement if permanently injured
• Death benefit: $5,000 plus memorial provisions

5.3 PROPERTY DAMAGE

• Department covers duty-related property damage
• Handler liable for negligent off-duty damage
• Home damage from K9: Covered under programme
• Vehicle damage: Assessed case by case

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SECTION 6: PARTNERSHIP DISSOLUTION

6.1 GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION

• Handler misconduct or policy violation
• K9 Partner fails recertification (after remedial)
• Medical incapacity of either party
• Mutual agreement with 90 days notice
• Handler promotion/transfer outside programme scope

6.2 K9 PARTNER RETIREMENT

• Mandatory retirement age: 9 years
• Medical retirement as veterinary advised
• Handler right of first adoption
• Pension provision: $200/month for retired K9
• Continued veterinary care for service-related conditions

6.3 SUCCESSION PLANNING

• 6-month transition period for new handler
• Gradual handover protocol required
• Original handler consultation rights
• Welfare monitoring during transition

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SECTION 7: SPECIAL PROVISIONS

7.1 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME ACKNOWLEDGMENT Handler acknowledges this partnership operates under experimental parameters. Programme modifications may occur with 30 days notice. Handler agrees to participate in programme evaluation and research activities.

7.2 MEDIA AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Media appearances require prior approval
• Community engagement encouraged with K9 Unit coordination
• School visits: Maximum 2 per month
• Photography rights retained by Tasmania Police

7.3 INTERSTATE OPERATIONS

• Deployment outside Tasmania requires Chief Superintendent approval
• Interstate certifications honoured under reciprocal agreements
• Travel expenses covered for approved operations

7.4 PERSONAL BOND ACKNOWLEDGMENT This agreement recognises the unique bond between Handler and K9 Partner. Reasonable accommodation will be made for maintaining partnership integrity whilst ensuring operational effectiveness.

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SECTION 8: AGREEMENT TERMS

8.1 DURATION This agreement remains effective until:

• K9 Partner retirement
• Handler reassignment
• Programme termination
• Mutual dissolution

8.2 MODIFICATIONS

• Amendments require written approval
• Annual review mandatory
• Emergency modifications with 24-hour notice

8.3 DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• Internal review through K9 Unit
• Escalation to Detective Inspector
• Final arbitration by Chief Superintendent

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SIGNATURES AND ATTESTATION

By signing below, all parties acknowledge understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth in this Detective-K9 Partnership Agreement.

HANDLER:
I, Karl Matthew Jenkins, accept the responsibilities and privileges of this partnership. I commit to the welfare of K9 Jargus-9B and the success of this experimental programme.

Karl M. Jenkins
Detective Karl Matthew Jenkins
Date: 3 November 2017

K9 UNIT PROGRAMME DIRECTOR:
The K9 Unit certifies K9 Jargus-9B as qualified for this partnership and commits to providing outlined support.

Claire E. Morgenstern
Claire E. Morgenstern
Senior Trainer & Programme Director
Date: 3 November 2017

TASMANIA POLICE AUTHORITY:
Tasmania Police authorises this partnership and commits to the financial and operational support specified herein.

James Morrison
Chief Superintendent James Morrison
Tasmania Police
Date: 3 November 2017

WITNESSED BY:
I have witnessed the execution of this agreement and attest to the voluntary participation of all parties.

Charlie E. Claiborne
Sergeant Charlie Claiborne
Organised Crime Division
Date: 3 November 2017

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APPENDICES ATTACHED:

• Appendix A: Dietary Requirements and Feeding Schedule
• Appendix B: Approved Equipment List
• Appendix C: Emergency Contact Protocols
• Appendix D: Training Schedule Year One
• Appendix E: Veterinary Care Providers
• Appendix F: Interstate Reciprocal Agreements

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DOCUMENT REGISTRATION

• Original: Tasmania Police Legal Division
• Copy 1: Handler Personnel File
• Copy 2: K9 Unit Records
• Copy 3: Organised Crime Division
• Digital: TASPOL Database DK9-2017-001

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END OF AGREEMENT

This agreement supersedes all previous K9 handler contracts and establishes new precedent for Detective-K9 partnerships within Tasmania Police.