The police service dog handler who serves the general public is not only constantly confronted with the interpretation of specific laws, but also intervenes with the personal freedoms of the people; for instance the right to freedom and the right not to suffer physical harm. This is especially true in cases where the dog is called into action.  Interventions of this kind usually make a poor impression on the individual against whom it is directed and, in most cases, also on society in general.

It is therefore very important that the police service dog handler and trainer keep this fact in mind during the dog’s training period, and even more so during his active employment. Handler and trainer must be aware of their responsibility to the public and the law enforcement establishment itself which, in turn, must constantly justify and vindicate its actions.

Events throughout the history of the international law enforcement establishment show that armed police forces mirror the power structure of the government they serve. A democratic system demands a citizen-oriented police force. The credibility of a police force serving under these conditions is determined, to a great extent, by experiences the individual citizen gathers when he deals with a police officer.
Police work must be based on a principle which avoids overpowering the offender, showing him as much consideration as possible and, at the same time, still guarantees enforcement of the law. When a police officer intervenes against a citizen his actions must be determined by his own moral decision, rather than official guidelines and orders issued by his superior.

The police officer who is faced with an emergency and must decide what he is authorized to do and what he must do, is in a similar position as a pilot whose airplane is in trouble.  If the outcome is good, his decisiveness will be praised. If the outcome is good, his decisiveness will be praised. If the outcome is bad he will be blamed for ignoring regulations.

Police service dog handlers who rally understand their work should be independent and responsible people, who will limit the aggressive use of their dogs to absolute emergencies and delay deployment until they have evaluated cause and effect and made a discretionary decision. The deployment of a police service dog must not be regarded as emotional and idealistic devotion to the law, to safety and order, or as an undefined activity in an undefined society, but as a service to the citizen. A police service dog handler whose actions are rooted in this principle is a welcome friend and helper to citizen and society alike and fully satisfies the demands for protection and service.