K9 SGT Brooklyn

K9 Sgt. Brooklyn is a graduate of the Paws & Stripes program which started back in 2006 as a basic dog obedience program to help save the lives of dogs in our Brevard County Animal Shelter. Carefully selected and trained Jail inmates were paired with shelter dogs who train the dogs in both voice commands and hand signals. The dogs were housebroken, and learned basic obedience skills to include, heel, sit, down, stay, and come, all with the anticipation of getting the dog adopted into its Fur-ever home.

The Paws & Stripes program has advanced into the “Paws and Stripes® College” and offers the basic tenants of the original program (now called the Comfort Dog Program) while serving as the foundation for the “College”.

Selected canine graduates of the original 8-week course now move into the advanced training program to serve as Law Enforcement & Multidiscipline Crimes Against Persons Therapy Dogs. This program is reserved for first responders and crisis team members. In addition to completing the Law Enforcement Therapy Dog Program K9 Brooklyn is also certified as a AKC Canine Good Citizen.

Law enforcement and multidisciplinary crimes against persons therapy dogs are specially trained dogs that assist in various ways within the justice system, particularly in supporting victims, law enforcement officers, and agencies in dealing with the emotional and psychological impacts of crime. Here's how these therapy dogs are used:

    • Victim Support: These dogs are commonly used in law enforcement agencies to support victims, especially those of violent crimes like sexual assault or domestic violence. They provide comfort and emotional support to victims during interviews, investigations, and court proceedings.

    • Officer Well-being: Some therapy dogs also assist officers who experience the stress of traumatic events during their work. The presence of therapy dogs helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among officers.

    • Interviews with Vulnerable Populations: Therapy dogs can help vulnerable witnesses, such as children, feel more comfortable during interviews or testimony, making it easier for them to provide important information without the fear or anxiety of the process.

    • Collaboration with Various Agencies: These therapy dogs are often part of a multidisciplinary team that may include social workers, psychologists, and law enforcement officers. This team works together to ensure that both the emotional and legal needs of victims are met.

    • Trauma-Informed Approach: The therapy dogs are trained not just for companionship, but also to assist in environments where trauma survivors may be involved. This includes courtrooms, hospitals, or during forensic interviews, providing an environment where victims feel safe and supported.

    • Therapy dogs used in law enforcement and crime-related settings go through rigorous training. They are taught to remain calm and composed in stressful and unfamiliar environments. These dogs are also trained to recognize and respond to signs of anxiety or fear in people, offering comfort in a non-threatening manner.

    • Emotional Support: Victims of crime often suffer from psychological trauma. Therapy dogs provide an emotional support role, helping to reduce anxiety and provide comfort during what can be a very challenging and intimidating process.

    • Enhanced Testimonies: By helping victims feel more at ease, therapy dogs can lead to better testimonies and cooperation from victims, which can ultimately help in the prosecution of perpetrators.