(a) The course of training leading to the basic certificate of compliance issued by the Tennessee peace officer standards and training commission pursuant to § 38-8-107, may include a course of instruction in animal behavior generally and canine behavior specifically.
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(b) The course shall be created and designed to instruct officer candidates in:
(1) Basic animal behavioral characteristics, traits and methods by which an officer can ascertain whether an animal is likely to be or become aggressive and thereby constitute a threat to the officer or other people;(2) Situations and environments in which an animal is more likely to be or become aggressive and methods by which the officer can control or alter these situations or environments in order to best protect the officer and other people; and(3) Ways in which a law enforcement officer can control and neutralize an animal that is or becomes aggressive in a manner that utilizes the least amount of force or likelihood of harm to the animal necessary to protect the officer and other people.(c)(1) For law enforcement officers who have completed the animal behavior training course required by subsections (a) and (d) of this section, any annual in-service training, necessary for the salary supplement authorized in § 38-8-111, may also include the animal behavior training course.(2) The annual in-service training course shall also include any updates or instructional or educational advancements that become available in this area.(d) Every officer who was employed prior to the time when the course of instruction was established and offered may be required to complete it as part of the officer’s annual in-service training.
