The Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Law Enforcement

1. Building Community Trust

For many kids and even adults, law enforcement can feel intimidating. A therapy dog changes that dynamic instantly. When students see Deputy Downey walk into Thunder Ridge High School with Strider at his side, the badge feels a little less scary. A wagging tail and friendly face make it easier for students to approach, ask questions, or just say hello.

Therapy dogs act as bridges between officers and the community, breaking down barriers and opening the door for positive interactions

2. Supporting Victims and Witnesses

Police officers often encounter people on the worst day of their lives — victims of crime, survivors of accidents, or children who have been through trauma. A therapy dog can make those moments less overwhelming. Sitting beside a victim while they give a statement, or curling up next to a child in crisis, helps create a sense of safety that makes it easier for people to talk and heal.

3. Reducing Stress in the Workplace

Law enforcement is a high-stress profession. Officers deal with long hours, dangerous calls, and emotional strain that can take a toll on mental health. Therapy dogs aren’t just for the community — they’re also for the officers. Spending a few minutes petting a therapy dog can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even boost resilience during tough shifts

4. Helping in Schools

When therapy dogs are paired with School Resource Officers (SROs), they become part of the daily fabric of the school. They greet students in the morning, calm anxious kids before a test, and bring comfort after difficult events. Students may not remember every interaction with an officer, but they’ll remember the officer who brought a dog that made them feel safe.

5. Changing the Image of Law Enforcement

A therapy dog shows that law enforcement isn’t only about enforcement — it’s about care, protection, and connection. Strider, for example, represents the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office in a unique way. His presence communicates that safety isn’t just about laws, it’s about well-being. That shift in perspective helps strengthen community relationships for the long term.

The Takeaway

Therapy dogs in law enforcement are more than mascots — they’re trusted partners in building safer, kinder communities. They comfort victims, support officers, connect with kids, and remind everyone that law enforcement is about more than rules and badges — it’s about people.

As programs like the one at Thunder Ridge High School continue to grow, the benefits will ripple far beyond the classroom and into the entire community.