When Police Dogs Are Used as Excessive Force in Tennessee

 Posted on August 15, 2025 in Civil Rights

On March 14, 2024, an officer pulled a gun on a suspect and released his K-9, because the suspect was "resisting arrest." The K-9’s bites caused the suspect to undergo several surgeries, racking up hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills.

In the bodycam footage, the suspect seems confused when the officer asks her about thefts in the area. She tells the officer she needed to babysit for a friend and turns toward her car. The officer struggled to handcuff the woman and then released the K-9 remotely. The dog clamped down on the woman’s leg for almost a minute and a half, even when the officer called the K-9 off.

Today, law enforcement uses K-9s to detect drugs and bombs, track suspects, and apprehend suspects. In some cases, the use of K-9s can cross the line into the use of excessive force. The use of a police dog must comply with constitutional protections against excessive force as stated under the Fourth Amendment.

When a K-9 is improperly deployed (ordering a bite on a compliant suspect, failing to call off an attack, or using a dog on an already-restrained individual), serious injuries and legal liability for the agencies and officers involved can occur. K-9 cases of excessive force can be complex, as the courts will evaluate the totality of the circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the use of excessive force from a K-9, you could benefit from consulting a Farragut, TN excessive force lawyer. Your attorney will comprehensively evaluate the evidence and begin building a strong case for excessive force on your behalf.

Legal Standards for Excessive Force in Tennessee

Excessive force is governed by the Fourth Amendment and Graham v. Connor, the U.S. Supreme Court’s "objective reasonableness" standard. Federal civil rights laws enacted in 1983 apply to excessive force claims. The factors used to determine whether excessive force was used include:

• The level of threat
• The suspect's level of resistance
• The severity of the offense
• Whether the suspect was fleeing

When the Use of a K-9 Crosses the Line into Excessive Force

When police have already subdued a suspect, it can be considered excessive force if the K-9 is then deployed against a subject who is not resisting. Officers are supposed to give a verbal warning whenever feasible before releasing the K-9.

When a K-9 is used for punishment or intimidation rather than for lawful apprehension, this can also be considered an excessive use of force. Most importantly, allowing a K-9 to continue biting after the suspect has clearly surrendered definitely crosses the line into excessive force.

What Are the Long-Term Impacts of K-9 Attacks?

The physical effects of a K-9 attack can include deep puncture wounds and lacerations, often causing significant tissue damage. Nerve damage can lead to loss of sensation and even permanent disability. Deep bites and tears can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially when the bites are in the facial area. Dog bites are prone to bacterial infections, frequently leading to complications, including sepsis.

Psychological effects of a K-9 attack include PTSD symptoms, like flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, anxiety, depression, and nightmares. Some victims will develop a severe fear of dogs, diminishing their ability to participate in social activities or even leave their homes. Children are especially vulnerable to the psychological effects of dog attacks.

Adult victims of K-9 attacks may suffer loss of employment and economic impacts. The severe injuries inflicted by police dogs may require expensive medical interventions, including multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and lengthy rehabilitation. Reports indicate that K-9 attacks by police dogs may be disproportionately used against Black and Latino individuals, raising civil rights concerns.

Contact a Knox County, TN Civil Rights Attorney

A Knoxville, TN excessive force lawyer from The Baker Law Firm can help when a K-9 police dog bite has left lasting physical and emotional scars after being improperly deployed. Tennessee law and federal civil rights protections allow victims to seek accountability. Attorney Baker teaches civil law cases at his law school and is a presenter for the Tennessee Bar Association on Civil Rights. Call 865-200-4117 to schedule your free consultation.