Law enforcement could possess human remains for cadaver-dog training

New Hampshire law enforcement agencies could possess portions of human remains for cadaver-dog training. The rule covers identifiable human tissue, bone, or other anatomical material from a deceased person. Written consent must come from the deceased person before death or from the next of kin or legal representative. The consent must specifically allow training use and identify the portions to be used. The agency and the involved funeral home or mortuary must keep the consent records and provide them for inspection when requested. The provision would take effect 60 days after passage.

New Hampshire colleges could help prepare human-remain training aids, and remaining material would have to be returned or sent for lawful medical-waste disposal. Preparation would involve a New Hampshire college, a law enforcement agency, and a licensed funeral home or mortuary; disposal could involve an authorized medical-waste company. A trained and credentialed medical professional must oversee preparation. Preparation must occur at a licensed funeral home or mortuary with the funeral director's consent and required health and safety protections. The college and agency must have a written agreement covering the work, handling, and chain of custody. Remaining material must be returned to an assisting New Hampshire college or handled by a licensed medical-waste company, while the funeral home or mortuary remains responsible for lawful disposition. The provisions would take effect 60 days after passage and would apply after training is completed when remaining material must be returned or disposed of.

Law enforcement agencies conducting this training would have to create and maintain a written policy. The policy requirement covers New Hampshire agencies using human remains for cadaver-dog or related law enforcement training. The agency would submit the policy to the New Hampshire police standards and training council and keep it on file there. The policy must cover lawful consent and acquisition, secure handling and storage, records, and final return or disposal. The requirement would take effect 60 days after passage.