UPWDA Master Trainer Certification Requirements

Amended 10/12/2021

A United Police Work Dog Association Trainer applying for a new Master Trainer Accreditation in a phase(s) that he or she does not already have with the United Police Work Dog Association must only do the following:

1. Submit a letter of written request.

2. Submit a resume, including information of all trained/certified dogs in the discipline applying for.

3. Submit a letter of recommendation for a United Police Work Dog Association Master Trainer that holds accreditation(s) in the area he or she seeks to obtain.

4. The applicant must submit his or her completed application package at least sixty (60) days before the next meeting of the Accreditation Committee.

5. Appear before the United Police Work Dog Association Accreditation Committee for an oral/written interview process.

A current resume update will be submitted, in writing, to the United Police Work Dog Association Secretary no later than January 31st of each year for Trainer renewal status. Failure to do so may result in suspension of his or her accreditation. It is the responsibility of the Trainer to confirm that the United Police Work Dog Association Secretary, as required, received their updated resume.

Members wishing to be accredited as a Master Trainer with the United Police Work Dog Association must conform to the following:

1. Applicant must be a regular member in good standing with the United Police Work Dog Association.

2. The United Police Work Dog Association does accept accreditation from other National Canine Associations as proof of their experience and knowledge.

3. The Master Trainer or Trainer must apply before the United Police Work Dog Association Accreditation Committee and must be accepted by the Accreditation Board. The Accreditation Committee decision is final.

4. Applicant must be a qualified Trainer for the discipline which he or she is applying for.

5. Active United Police Work Dog Association Trainers must have been an accredited trainer for the United Police Work Dog Association for a minimum of three (3) years.

6. The applicant must be a full-time law enforcement officer who is either a canine trainer or handler for his or her department for at least two (2) years. Exceptions are listed below in the bullet portion.

• is a retired law enforcement officer and was the department's full time canine trainer or handler for at least two (2) years.

OR

• Was a law enforcement canine officer for and is employed full time as the law enforcement agency's trainer for at least two (2) years.

The Master Trainer standards must meet all local or area requirements and conform to the standards set forth by the United Police Work Dog Association.

The applicant must be capable and experienced in training for any phase for which he or she is applying. Dogs trained must be trained to the United Police Work Dog Association testing standards.

The applicant must have a written letter of recommendation from at least two (2) United Police Work Dog Association Master Trainers that hold accreditation in the disciplines he or she seeks to obtain.

UPWDA Trainer Certification Requirements

Amended 10/12/2021

• The applicant must be a regular member, and in good standing with the United Police Work Dog Association.

• The United Police Work Dog Association does accept accreditation from other National Canine Associations as proof of experience and knowledge.

• The Trainer must apply before the United Police Work Dog Association Accreditation Committee, and must be accepted by the Accreditation Board. The decision made by the Accreditation Committee is final.

• The applicant must be a full-time law enforcement officer who is either a canine trainer or handler for his or her department for at least two (2) years or equivalent.

1. Or is a retired law enforcement officer and was the department's full time canine trainer or handler for at least two (2) years or equivalent.

2. Or was a law enforcement canine officer for and is still employed full time as the law enforcement agency's canine trainer for at least two (2) years or equivalent.

The applicant must have a written letter of recommendation from at least one (1) United Police Work Dog Association Master Trainer that holds accreditation in the disciplines he or she seeks to obtain trainer status in.

Canines trained must be trained to the United Police Work Dog Association testing standards.

The Applicant must send a copy of his or her complete application package at least sixty (60) days before the next meeting of the Accreditation Committee.

1. One (1) copy to United Police Work Dog Association Accreditation Committee Chairman.

2. The Chairperson is to review this package to see that all United Police Work Dog Association requirements have been met.

PLEASE NOTE: If the package is not complete, the applicant will not be considered at the next Accreditation Committee meeting.

The application package must include the following:

1. A current resume stating dates of his or her employment status, position, and job description.

• Must include an account of his or her practical experience with working police canines.

• Their length of time as a handler and trainer.

• A list of canines trained.

• Copies of applicable certificates.

2.   A signed waiver so employment can be verified.

3.   A letter of recommendation from at least one (1) Master Trainer.

4.  All applicable critique sheets.

5.  A letter stating their reasons for applying for the accreditation.

• A copy of their curriculum they offer or assist within the training of police canines.

• List of all canine teams trained by him or her.

• List of all canine teams for which they have assisted in training, whichever is applicable.

• A current photo of the applicant. The member shall submit one photo with each resume.

PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete packages and packages not received postmarked by the deadline will not be considered at the next meeting of the Accreditation Committee.

The Accreditation Committee Chairperson will return all incomplete packages with an explanation as to why they could not be considered. They will then have to be submitted at a later date, after they have been completed.

1. Applicants must pass a written and oral test before the Accreditation Committee.

2. Upon initial accreditation as a Trainer, the applicant will serve a two (2) year probationary period.

3. The Accreditation Committee has the authority to order a Trainer to appear before the Accreditation Committee Board in response to any formal or informal complaint(s).

4. The Accreditation Committee also has the authority to temporarily suspend the Trainer's privileges and rights until the Trainer appears before the Accreditation Committee or until a formal grievance is filed.

Said accreditation may be removed or revoked at any time by the United Police Work Dog Association for "just cause" after a full investigation and hearing is held by the United Police Work Dog Association, Accreditation Committee.

Accreditation will be valid as long as the member remains in good standing and remains active.

Active is defined as attending one (1) United Police Work Dog Association sanctioned workshop yearly. Normally, the Trainer will not have to appear before the Accreditation Committee in person to renew his or her status. However, if for any reason the Accreditation Committee wishes to have the Trainer appear in person to discuss his or her renewal, the Accreditation Committee Chairperson will have the authority to require the Trainer to appear before the committee in order to renew his or her status. If the Trainer fails to appear, his or her status will not be renewed and can be grounds to suspend or revoke his or her accreditation.