The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has cleared a Calgary police officer of any wrongdoing after a police dog bit a youth on the neck and ear during an arrest in November 2023. The incident, which occurred during a project targeting youth robberies, was deemed a lawful use of a canine.
Details of the Incident
On November 16, 2023, officers visited the home of a youth offender to arrest him. The youth, whose age was not disclosed, initially complied but fled while gathering his footwear at the back door. A chase ensued, but the officer could not catch him. Shortly after, the officer heard on the radio about a group of four boys nearby and located the offender among them. The youth fled again, jumping a fence into a yard.
The officer called for backup, and another officer suggested deploying a police dog to search the yard. Officers announced their presence and warned that the dog would be released if the youth did not surrender. One officer drew his pistol and ordered the youth to show his hands, repeating the command.
Canine Search and Bite
The dog tracked through yards and went under a deck, where the youth was hiding under debris. The youth yelled that the dog was biting him, and the dog pulled him out, tearing his hood. An officer estimated the dog was in contact with the youth for about 10 seconds. The officer initially thought the dog only grabbed the hood and did not realize skin contact occurred. Video evidence showed blood running down the youth's neck. He was taken to the hospital by emergency services.
ASIRT Findings
The youth's mother reported scarring on his ear and head, but ASIRT could not access medical records due to administrative issues at the hospital. ASIRT Acting Executive Director Matthew Block concluded that using a police dog to search for a fleeing suspect is a valid tactic. Officers repeatedly warned the youth to show himself and about the dog. The youth later said he fled because he did not want to go to the remand centre.
Block noted that the officer did not command the dog to bite. "There is no evidence that the officer showed a wanton or reckless disregard for the life or safety of the youth offender," Block wrote. "The search with the dog was valid and not a marked and substantial departure from the standard of care. While the use of the police dog resulted in injuries, this was an unfortunate and unintended consequence of a lawful use of the canine."
