Page 66 - Original 2020 Legal Guide By Jack Ryan

Task: Use of Canine as Force

Kuha v. City of Minnetonka, 328 F.3d 427 (8th Cir. 2003).

A jury could properly find it objectively unreasonable to use a police

dog trained in the bite and hold method without first giving the

suspect a warning and opportunity for peaceful surrender.

Robinette v. Barnes, 854 F.2d 909 (6 Cir. 1988).
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The use of a properly trained police dog to apprehend a felony

suspect does not constitute a use of deadly force. In this case the

canine seized the suspect’s neck because it was the only part of his

body exposed. As a result, the suspect died.

©2020 Jack Ryan Legal & Liability Risk Management Institute 65