2021 Police Annual Report_v5 (1)

NEW THERAPY DOG PROGRAM

The mental health of first responders has finally come to the forefront of discussions in public safety and public safety reform. For too long it has been expected that police officers “Just do their job” day-in and day-out. Only recently have professional health care workers begin to address the need these first responders have for mental health considerations. With the everyday stressors that accompany this profession officers need an outlet. Along with the officers handling violent crimes comes the victims. Many times victims are so traumatized they are unable to speak with investigators for several days. Children are especially sensitive to serious crimes and have difficulty in feeling secure enough to open up. The Orland Park Police has joined the limited agencies around the country who have acquired our own Therapy Dog, Leo. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida designed this program to provide law enforcement agencies with their own resource in bringing peace to the minds of some victims, but more importantly, their own.

In September 2021, Support Services Assistant Manager Rich Miller traveled to Coca, Florida and met his new friend Leo.

After a week of training and getting to know the newest member of our department, Leo was brought home to Orland Park. After his introduction to the Village Board he hit the ground running. From his arrival on September 20, 2021, to the end of the year Leo had logged over 64 hours at 28 local events, in several area jurisdictions, private residences and helped with criminal investigations. His presence in the station brings joy and relief to the members of the Orland Park Police Department and we are happy to have him as part of our family.

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