It’s difficult to be upset when you are snuggling up with a loving dog. In this episode, Det. Bianca Becker from UCF describes her experiences working with K9 Luna, the department’s therapy dog. Luna helps victims of sexual assault feel more comfortable and relaxed, which in turn helps them open up to the Detectives. The presence of Luna also helps build rapport, trust and provide comfort for victims. This episode explores the wide range of crimes that Campus police handle, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion. Luna is also outsourced to other agencies in need of a therapy dog. The use of therapy dogs like Luna has been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma. Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews. Detective Bianca Becker discusses the impact of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews, specifically in cases of sexual assault. She emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed interviewing, allowing the interviewee to dictate the narrative, and providing a safe and comfortable environment. Luna, the therapy dog, plays a crucial role in creating a calming and supportive atmosphere for victims and witnesses. Luna's presence helps victims feel more comfortable, open up about their experiences, and build trust with law enforcement. The use of therapy dogs also extends to the department itself, providing emotional support for first responders and helping to alleviate secondary trauma. Detective Becker encourages other law enforcement agencies to consider implementing therapy dog programs and offers her expertise and resources to assist them.

Truths:

• Campus police handle a wide range of crimes, including theft, DUIs, cyber-stalking, fraud schemes, attempted homicide, and extortion.
• Therapy dogs like Luna have been proven to reduce fear, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances in people who have experienced trauma.
• Understanding the impact of trauma on victims is crucial for investigators to conduct trauma-informed interviews.
• Trauma-informed interviewing allows the interviewee to dictate the narrative and start the story from a point that is most important or detailed to them.
• Therapy dogs, like Luna, create a safe and comfortable environment for victims and witnesses, helping them feel more at ease and open up about their experiences
• The presence of therapy dogs in law enforcement interviews can help build trust between victims and law enforcement, leading to more cooperation and information sharing.
• Therapy dogs also provide emotional support for first responders and help alleviate secondary trauma.
• Implementing therapy dog programs in law enforcement agencies can have a significant positive impact on both victims and officers.