Canine Assisted Response and Education
Working out of the RCJC with children is the JFD’s primary role; however, the JFD is also available to assist anyone in Regina who has been a victim or witness of crime and/or trauma. Sinclair is also available to assist with Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefs internally with Regina Police Service members.
This role is held by one sworn officer, and one Justice Facility Dog.
Sgt. Froh – Canine Assisted Response and Education (CARE) Officer
K9 Sinclair – Justice Facility Dog (JFD)
The Focus
Their primary duty is to assist children that attend the Regina Children’s Justice Center (RCJC). In most cases, these children are required to describe a traumatic event – a comforting dog by their side makes it possible for many children to feel safe enough to tell adults in the legal system what happened.
An Accredited Justice Facility Dog (JFD) is a professionally trained assistance dog, suitable for providing quiet companionship to vulnerable individuals in legal settings without causing any disruption. They are working dogs that are specially chosen because of their calm demeanor and ability to work in a high stress environment.
Sinclair Assists with the Following
Reduce Blood Pressure
Reduce the blood pressure and lower the heart rate of an individual
Healthy Distraction
Provide a healthy and positive distraction to overwhelming traumatic reactions
Communication Tool
Act as a tool to assist individuals who struggle to communicate, particularly children or persons with disabilities
Normalization
Help to normalize traumatic situations
Calming Influence
Act as a calming influence with people who may be agitated or highly emotional
Catharsis
Provide a source of cathartic touch
The Process
Sgt. Froh and Sinclair assist other police investigators where requested and appropriate, and with consent of the child. Once a meeting or interview is arranged, Sgt. Froh and Sinclair will meet the individuals upon their arrival at the center or police station – providing a positive first contact experience. The handler will not discuss the file before entering the interview room. The handler however, will observe how the individual interacts with the dog upon first meeting. If there is no connection with the dog, or if the individual decides that they don’t like or want the dog present, the main investigator will continue with the interview. The handler can remain as the interview monitor.
If deemed appropriate, Sgt. Froh will interview the individual and the investigator will monitor. In the interview room, the individual will be provided with the option of where he/she would like Sinclair placed.
Steps of the Process
If deemed appropriate, Sgt. Froh will interview the individual and the investigator will monitor. In the interview room, the individual will be provided with the option of where he/she would like Sinclair placed.
Sinclair will typically follow an individual from the time they have their first meeting/interview to the completion of a file – sometimes for years before trial is concluded. This includes the following:
Interview of the Child
Follow-up Visits
Attending Medical Appointments
Attending to the Child Abuse Clinic for medical appointments
Working with Victim Services
Working together with Victim Services provider for follow up visits
Court Preparations
With the Court Victim/Witness Specialist and Crown Prosecutors
Attending Court
Attending court with the victim/witness while they testify in court (from the stand inside the courtroom or from the soft room via video)
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