HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson Police Department introduced it’s newest K-9 Officer, Stitch.
Stitch is a rescue from the Hutchinson Animal Shelter. Stitch is beginning his training to become the Department’s first therapy dog and will be assigned to the Crisis Response Unit.
Officer Jones and Stitch, along with the department's community partners in mental health and substance misuse, will respond to calls of persons in crisis. Studies have shown that the presence of a therapy dog can assist crisis teams in de-escalating and defusing critical situations, allowing for connection with the person in crisis.
The department says they look forward to the positive impact this new team will have in the community once Stitch completes his training.
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