WEST MIDLANDS Police has welcomed its newest four-legged recruit to the ranks.
Truffles joined the force last month at just eight-weeks-old and is destined to be its first wellbeing and therapy dog.
The Maltipoo was part funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Community Initiative Fund, and she’s already begun her socialisation and acclimatisation activities.
She was named after a public vote on Twitter.
Truffles is set to undergo a nationally recognised assessment in around six-month’s time, after which she’ll become a fully-fledged, operational wellbeing dog.
Truffle’s handler, a trained mental health first aider and peer support officer, will take Truffles into school settings to help us connect better with the children.
She’ll also be on hand to provide emotional support in the aftermath of difficult or traumatic incidents.
Dudley Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Kim Madill said: “As we’ve seen in the current climate dogs are an amazing emotional support system.
“They have a calming influence and people are noticeably more relaxed and comfortable in their presence.
“We hope that Truffles will encourage, empower and enable people to open up, engage and speak about things that are worrying them particularly in the case of challenging and traumatic situations.
“She has an important job ahead in supporting vulnerable people and younger members of the community.
“We have an important job too in making sure that she’s happy, healthy and thriving in her new role. We’re sure that she’ll enjoy it, and can’t wait to see her in action.”
