Meet Honey: Kent Police’s New Four-Legged Mental Health Hero
Special Support Dog Joins Kent Police
Police stations across Kent have welcomed a very special new recruit – Honey, the county’s first wellbeing and trauma support dog. This sprightly springer spaniel isn’t chasing crooks but offering something just as vital: calming support for officers and staff facing the strain of tough, traumatic work days.
Not Your Average Police Dog
Honey doesn’t wear a badge or chase criminals. She belongs to a community policing volunteer and was introduced through the national Oscar Kilo 9 (OK9) network, which is rolling out wellbeing dogs nationwide. Her mission: to bring a few moments of peace to front-line officers and 999 call handlers grappling with distressing and upsetting incidents.
Helping Staff Cope With Stress
PC Martyn Tulk, who leads the Community Policing Volunteer Canine team, explains the impact: “Policing is a demanding job full of stressful and disturbing situations. When a dog visits the workplace, it provides much-needed light relief. Honey’s presence makes it easier for officers and staff to open up about difficult issues affecting their mental health.”
So far, Honey has boosted spirits at police stations in Canterbury, Ashford, and Maidstone. Her handler arranges visits for teams or individuals going through tough times.
Part of a Growing National Movement
The OK9 network boasts over 100 accredited wellbeing and trauma support dogs working with police and fire services nationwide. Their handlers receive mental health first aid training and openly share their own experiences. They’re perfectly placed to listen, support tough conversations, and guide colleagues to the right resources.
Kent Police also deploy other volunteer therapy dogs across different areas, including child-focused policing and helping vulnerable people, showing the force’s strong commitment to mental wellbeing.
