Widespread Use — And Abuse — of Dogs in Police Departments Across the U.S.

An investigation from The Marshall Project, AL.com, IndyStar, the USA TODAY Network and the Invisible Institute exposes the widespread use — and abuse — of dogs in police departments across the U.S.

(https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/10/02/police-use-of-force-dog-bite-k-9-investigation-excessive-force-arrests-lawsuits/5879123002/)

Street medics may be in a position to provide first aid and care to individuals who have been attacked by police dogs. While dogs do great work as service dogs, providing emotional support to victims of trauma, finding lost hikers as part of search and rescue, and so many other important services... some believe that States should ban the use of police canines for arrests, apprehensions and crowd control, saying officers have long targeted and brutalized Americans of color with police dogs.  

When Police Dogs Bite: 6 Takeaways from the Investigation (Oct. 2, 2020)

(https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/news/investigations/2020/10/02/police-k-9-dog-bites-use-of-force-response-investigation-what-you-need-to-know/5884736002/)

1. Some police forces use biting dogs far more than others.
2. K-9 Bites can cause life-altering injuries, even death.
3. Many people bitten were not violent and were suspected of minor crimes.
4. Most police dogbite victims are men.
5. Police officers sometimes can’t control the dogs, worsening injuries.
6. There’s little accountability or compensation for many bite victims.