HB 3624

Amends the Unified Code of Corrections. Provides that the Director of Corrections shall establish a canine unit pilot program within the Department of Corrections, which shall consist of a contraband screening program that includes the use of a leashed and controlled canine trained to detect illegal drugs only in mail sorting and screening areas of each correctional institution or facility housing 100 or more committed persons. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall, by rule, establish standards concerning the operation of the canine units, the chain of command, assignment of canine handlers, the uniforms to be worn by canine handlers, the shifts and assignments of canine handlers, the training of canines for drug detection, the equipment to be issued to canine handlers, the supply of contraband drugs to canine handlers in order to teach the canines drug detection, the transportation of the canines, canine care, handler responsibility for the care of the canines, canine selection, standards for the selection of canine handlers, the placement of the canines after the canines are no longer used in drug detection, veterinary care for the canines, evaluation of canine handlers and the canines in drug detection, and any other standards that the Department deems necessary for the effective operation of the canine drug detection program.