Orland Park Police Hope To Start Therapy Dog Program

ORLAND PARK, IL — The Orland Park Police Department is seeking to start a police dog therapy program aimed to reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, produce social interactions and more among officers who have been through unforgettable, life-changing experiences on the job.

At Monday night's Committee of a Whole meeting in Orland Park, Police Chief Joseph Mitchell presented the program to the village board, asking for approval. Mitchell gave a break-down of how the program could be significant within the department. The chief said adding a dog to its staff would help reduce stress on officers during critical incidents.

"We deal with death investigations, from suicides to standard deaths and response, but that’s not the only thing we do," Mitchell said. "We respond to critical incidents from robberies to domestic violence to child abuse [and] situations like that. We believe this therapy dog would be a great asset for the department."

Mitchell added that an increase in mental health calls have also become common in the department. The chief said people are often afraid of officers when they respond to a scene, and that having a dog present while conducting an interview may help reduce that anxiety and get the information needed.

The dog would come from a no-kill shelter in Florida, and the process would be cost free, with the exception of a $100 therapy dog certification. An anonymous donor and a local law enforcement agency have already contributed $5,000 to the department, according to Mitchell. An opening in September could have an officer head out to Florida, take the course, and bring a dog back to Orland Park.

"I think this is an excellent program," Trustee Joni Radaszewski said. "I'm really excited to hear more about it."

Trustee Brian Riordan suggested that if the village were to promote the program well enough, more residents would be willing to donate, and an additional dog could join the force as well.

"I think this is a great service for our officers and for our residents as well, and I really appreciate the Orland Park law enforcement organization and the anonymous citizen for their pledges and donations," Trustee Michael Milani said. "I think this will go a long way, and it sounds like it's going to be a great program."

Although it hasn't passed just yet, the board unanimously voted to approve of the program at a future meeting.

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