In 2020 the KCKPD was the first department in the Metro to add comfort dogs to its ranks when they adopted two dogs from its Animal Services Unit, Hailey and Charley. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, law enforcement reports higher rates of PTSD, anxiety, depression and burnout. as well as relieve tension and stress after traumatic situations. Comfort dogs are one more tool many departments are now using to help reduce those factors.
While Charley recently left the department when his handler made a move, Hailey remains. Hands down, the most popular staffer in the Chief's Office, Hailey makes frequent visit to patrol stations, divisions, dispatch and even makes the occasional personal appearance at community events. Wherever she goes, her gentle personality never ceases to lift spirits and create smiles. She also makes appearances at the department's numerous community engagement events, so if you'd like to meet her in person, be sure to check out our event calendar.