Washington § 4.24.410 - Police dogs — Immunity.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 4.24.410 — Police dogs — Immunity., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4.24.410. Police dogs — Immunity.

(1) As used in this section:
(a) "Police dog" means a dog used by a law enforcement agency specially trained for law enforcement work and under the control of a dog handler.
(b) "Accelerant detection dog" means a dog used exclusively for accelerant detection by the state fire marshal or a fire department and under the control of the state fire marshal or his or her designee or a fire department handler.
(c) "Dog handler" means a law enforcement officer who has successfully completed training as prescribed by the Washington state criminal justice training commission in police dog handling, or in the case of an accelerant detection dog, the state fire marshal's designee or an employee of the fire department authorized by the fire chief to be the dog's handler.
(d) "Lawful application of a police dog" means employment or specific use of a police dog as allowed by law.
(2) Any dog handler who uses a police dog in the line of duty in good faith is immune from civil action for damages arising out of such use of the police dog or accelerant detection dog.
(3) A state or local government or law enforcement agency is not strictly liable for damages resulting from the lawful application of a police dog.
[ 2024 c 305 s 2; 1993 c 180 s 1; 1989 c 26 s 1; 1982 c 22 s 1.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 4.24.410

What does Revised Code of Washington § 4.24.410 cover?

Section 4.24.410 ("Police dogs — Immunity.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 4.24.410?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 4.24.410" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 4.24.410 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

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