The Dade County Sheriff's Office released its new policy for K-9 handlers on Saturday. The 14-page-long guidelines, which took effect July 24, come a month after the death of K-9 Georgia, a bloodhound left in a patrol vehicle during extreme heat for "an unacceptable amount of time".
“I just want to be transparent and show them (citizens) that when things do happen that we are willing to face it and make things better," said Chief Deputy Tommy Bradford.
Officers must bring canines into the sheriff's office, where there is now a kennel, when leaving their vehicle for "longer than an average bathroom break."
During extreme heat, all canines must also remain at home or in the office when a deputy goes to court or training. Handlers can monitor the kennel from a camera, which connects to the