Wiltshire Police has unleashed a pawsome new weapon in the battle against stress: the OK9 Wellbeing and Trauma Support Dog Network. This innovative scheme puts four-legged friends front and centre to boost the mental health of officers and staff battling the daily grind of policing.
Dogs on Duty: Wiltshire Joins Nationwide Support Pack
Policing can take a serious toll, so Wiltshire Police have teamed up with Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, to bring the healing power of dogs to the force. The scheme joins a nationwide crew featuring over 150 OK9 Wellbeing Dogs, specially trained to soothe the strains officers face.
Wellbeing Manager Iain Pettitt is buzzing about the new recruits:
“Wiltshire Police are committed to supporting the mental health of their officers and staff, and the OK9 Wellbeing & Trauma Support Dog Network is a great way to do this. Spending time with a dog is proven to lower stress and anxiety, providing light relief from the stresses of daily roles.”
“The fact that the network is run by volunteers within the Force, offering their own time and dogs, also highlights the commitment our staff have to supporting each other.”
OK9 Pooches Hit the Road
To launch the initiative, handlers and their canine companions are touring police stations across Wiltshire in a branded OK9 dog van. These visits are designed to introduce the new emotional support team and encourage officers to book some paws-on wellbeing time.
Each dog has passed strict tests and their handlers have completed Peer Support training, making sure they’re ready to offer real emotional aid on tough days.
Science Backs the Woof
Research shows that spending time with dogs slashes stress and anxiety – vital in a high-pressure job like policing. The OK9 Network aims to build resilience throughout the force, helping officers and staff cope when the pressure mounts.
This new canine brigade is a bold step forward for Wiltshire Police, spotlighting their serious commitment to mental health and a supportive working environment for all.
