SECTION 4.0                        REVISED: 01 MARCH, 2002

TRACKING CANINE CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

TRACKING CERTIFICATION- Level I or "Basic" (defined):
The demonstration of the Tracking Team's ability to track a specific human scent, over various available terrains, to the satisfaction of the Certification Official(s).

HANDLER:
Must be a law enforcement officer or correctional officer of a federal, state, county or local agency, or approved volunteer associates, AND must have completed 40 hours of LETS training.

CANINE:
  Must have completed 40 hours of LETS training with the assigned handler.

NOTE: If handler and canine change and are no longer a "team" the certification is null and void.

TEAM:
The handler and canine must pass the LETS Basic Obedience Skills Test to the satisfaction of the Certification Official(s). The Certifying Official(s) decision will be final.
 
The purpose of the level I skills test is to establish a basic certification level for handler and canine in the area of TRACKING. The objective is for the Canine Team to demonstrate their ability to follow scent tracks laid by Track Layers over the available terrain. Each track shall be established and approved by the Certification Official(s) conducting the certification.

A minimum of three tracks shall be required, with no maximum established. Available resources, and the constraints of a 40-hour LETS seminar will control the total amount of tracks worked. Successful completion for certification will require that 80% of all tracks tested on be completed.

One (1) of the tracks shall be over a contaminated area such as hiking trails, or public park. The Certification Official (s) shall use a distance of approximately one thousand (1,000) feet as a guideline. An average time of one (1) hour shall be established as the age of the track.

Objects may be dropped exactly on the trail to simulate evidence and are to be returned to the Certification Official(s) as proof of the Canine Team covering the established track. The track may be placed in an open area or in a covered area at the discretion of the Certification Official.

The tracklayer may remain at "end of track" to reward the canine as instructed by the Canine Team Handler. The Certification Official(s) may or may not accompany Canine Team on the track, however, if the Certification Official cannot observe at least fifty (50) per cent of the track, the Certification Official shall accompany the Canine Team.

Re-testing may be done at the discretion of the Certification Official(s) the next testing day, providing an additional certification fee is paid. It is not necessary to use the same tracklayer(s).

In the event the Canine Team fails the second Level I Skills Test, a period of thirty (30) days shall elapse prior to conducting another Level I Skills Test.

A pre-scent shall be provided by the tracklayer(s) as required and directed by the Certification Official(s) to each Canine Team. Tracks may cross other tracks, however only one (1) Canine Team shall run a track. Each Canine Team shall run a "fresh" track.

No consideration shall be given to a female being "in season".

Level I Skill Test shall not be conducted in a populated area, but in a rural setting. Tracks may cross hard surfaces, but shall not be run on hard surface.

NOTE: At the discretion of the Certification Official(s), there may be no time requirement between Level I and Level II.