To serve and be pet: Newest police recruit offers creature comforts

Meet West, a sworn member of the Ottawa Police Service whose sole mission is to help soothe victims and witnesses of crime and trauma.

The 19-month-old Labrador-golden retriever mixwassworn in on Oct. 18 and introduced to the media Wednesday at Ottawa police headquarters on Elgin Street.

Deputy Chief UdayJaswalsaid West is part of the force's canine-assisted intervention (CAI) program, and has two handlers. As an accredited "facility dog," West's role is to comfort those in need of comforting.

"He will be a comfort," Jaswal said. "Young and old will benefit from his naturally caring nature."

New canine recruit soothes victims of crime

6 years ago

Duration 1:01

Canine West has already begun his work with the Ottawa Police canine-assisted intervention program. Social worker Traci Bowen is one of his handlers.

Already on the job

West was specifically chosen for the job because of his tranquil demeanour,said primary handlerTraci Bowen, a social worker with the police service'svictim crisis unit.

"[He had] to demonstrateincredible temperament, so [he has] a very calm demeanour, very tranquil. He had to be super polite in all situations [and] able to handle distractions in situations where there is a little bit of chaos going on."

West has already started his new job and recentlymet with a victim of domestic violence, Bowen said.

"What was really incredible was seeing West in action in terms of supporting that victim, and just seeing how helpful he was in regulating her breathing and having her be able to speak about a really traumatic event," she said.

"The entire time [the victim] was there with me, she was stroking his ears and petting his fur."