Meet Omie - The Newest Member Of The Stafford Township Police Department

STAFFORD TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Stafford Township Police Department and Ocean Mental Health Services are adding a new employee to their On-POINT program.

Meet Omi, a black Labrador retriever who has completed his training to become a therapy dog in the program.

Omie began training with On-POINT's coordinator Meghan Corrigan, who is a licensed clinical social worker. He passed his test in August 2017. and will join the staff of the program sometime in the fall or early winter.

The On-POINT program is a collaborative effort between the police department and Ocean Mental Health Services. Officers to make referrals to trained, licensed clinical social workers, who will follow up with individuals.

The cases could involve mental health issues, substance abuse issues, economic hardship problems, isolation, health problems and family discord. Social workers from Ocean Mental Health Services refer each case to the available and appropriate programs and treatments, Stafford Police Chief Thomas Dellane has said.

"The police department in partnership with Ocean Mental Health Services implemented On-POINT to address the high volume of mental health, substance abuse and other social service calls that consume a disproportionate volume of police and emergency resources," the chief has said.

Omie's job will be to bring emotional support, comfort and smiles to clients in the program.

Photos: Stafford Township Police Department