Police use a range of dog breeds in public order policing, including Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd, and Doberman Pinscher. The dogs used are generally large, strong, and aggressive. During a public gathering, police dogs may be used as both a deterrent and an instrument of force. Specific uses include supporting cordons, escorting marches, dispersing crowds, or assisting in the arrest or detention of an individual.
Dogs should not be used for riot control, containment or dispersal as even a highly-trained dogs can attack indiscriminately and the injuries they can cause may be disproportionate to the threat posed. Being attacked by police dogs can be particularly traumatic for the victim, and can leave lasting mental scars. Studies have shown that police dogs tend to bite multiple times, often in the head, neck, upper arms, and chest