My Washington Defense Lawyer

Washington State Criminal Defense Lawyers

Free Initial Consultation

(888) 205-9314

  • Home
  • About
  • Court Procedures
  • Criminal Charges
  • Blog

Washington Police Dogs Have Brutal Past

March 12, 2013

Police dogs are considered members of the force. Officers who handle them consider them both pet and partner. But when a police dog is known for brutal behavior, why isn’t he “fired”? Perhaps, like the police officers who train and handle them, police dogs are also above the law.

According to the Seattle Times, 17 people have complained that they were unjustly attacked by Western Washington police dogs. So far, the attacks have resulted in more than $1 million in settlements and many other cases are still pending. Insurers of Washington police forces say the dog attack incidents happen multiple times throughout the year.

Otto the Police Dog demoIn one case, a 17-year old was attacked as he watched police search a home while standing in a friend’s driveway. Another case involved a man who was actually helping police capture a suspect. Sometimes the attacks are committed by the same dogs, with one dog, named Cliff, being named in at least three incidents.

Still, this and other dogs like him are still used on the force.

These bites aren’t minor, small lacerations—they are big and ugly and leave behind large scars. Part of the reason for this is police dogs in the U.S. are trained to bite and not let go until instructed to do so by their handlers. Even then, some don’t want to release their grip. In the case of the 17-year old boy, officers had to pry Cliff’s mouth open with a flashlight.

In other countries, police dogs are trained to surround and stop a suspect, but not to attack unless the suspect tries to flee. No so here.

Even when the person in the grip of the dog’s jaws is a suspect, there are some questions as to the appropriateness of the attack.

In one case, police were after Noel Saldana for a domestic violence incident. Police say he hid in the bushes and refused to come out. Saldana says he came out and laid down like the officer requested. Both versions of the story end in a brutal dog attack.

Saldana says that as the dog latched on to his leg the officer said repeatedly, “Get him boy, get him boy, get him boy,”. Saldana was hospitalized for 11 days and at one point doctors discussed removing his leg below the knee.

Police dogs are an extension of the officer handling them. But neither the dog nor the handler ever seem to be held responsible for their actions.

If you are accused of a crime like resisting arrest or disorderly conduct, even if a dog wasn’t involved, you need someone on your side when you go before the judge. Contact our offices today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.

Please Share.Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Linkedin
Share on Facebook
Facebook
0Buffer this page
Buffer
Email this to someone
email

Filed Under: criminal law

Free Consultation

Contact our attorneys for a free legal case evaluation on any criminal charge by calling:


(888) 205-9314


Receive our free legal defense consultation and case evaluation. We'll explain what you are facing in plain language, and tell you how we can help.

Criminal Charges

  • Assault
  • Burglary
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Domestic Violence
  • Driving On a Suspended License
  • Drug Possession
    • Drug Possession – Marijuana
    • Cocaine Possession
    • Heroin Possession
    • Methamphetamine Possession
    • Drug Possession – Intent
  • DUI Laws
  • DUI – Second Offense
  • DUI – Marijuana
  • Failure to Appear
  • Fraud / Forgery / Identity Theft
  • Harassment / Stalking Laws
  • Hit and Run
  • Malicious Mischief (Property Damage)
  • Reckless and Negligent Driving
  • Restraining Order Violations
  • Robbery
  • Shoplifting / Theft
  • Weapons Charges

Free Legal Consultation!

Call now to speak to a Washington state criminal attorney:


(888) 205-9314

Copyright © 2021 Get Lawyer Leads, Inc.
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT. This is not a law firm or referral service and does not provide legal advice. This is a free matching service only, claim reviews will be performed by a third party attorney. An attorney-client relationship is not formed when you submit the form and you are under no obligation to retain a lawyer who contacts you through this service. Services are not available in all states.