Therapy dogs helping police officers and staff

The dogs in Devon and Cornwall are part of a wider scheme across the UK called OK9

Police officers and staff in Devon and Cornwall can now request the help of therapy dogs for emotional support.

It is part of a national scheme available at forces across the country called OK9, and has taken three years to set up.

Handler Cathy Veale said the dogs are "non-judgemental", which helps the wellbeing team get people to open up and share what is bothering them.

The dogs are owned by their handlers who cover all food and veterinary costs.

Bertie and Darcy have their own special vests and warrant cards to identify them as working dogs.

Visits from the dogs can be booked to help a team with a difficult shift.

The dogs are also taken out to meet members of the public at events, and to offer support to family members and witnesses at inquests.

Ms Veale was asked to attend the inquest following shootings in Keyham, where a gunman shot and killed five people and himself in 2021.

She said: "To end up sitting on the floor with some of the family members that were there, talking about dogs, just normalising that side of what was going on.

"I don't think I will ever for get that."