Dog joins Northamptonshire Police to help officers' wellbeing

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Devon the police dogImage source, Northamptonshire Police
Image caption,

Devon is a fox red Labrador puppy

A police force has welcomed another wellbeing dog to help support the mental health of its staff and officers.

Northamptonshire Police recruited Devon, a six-month-old fox red Labrador, to the role.

The force said the dogs "can be introduced after officers have dealt with traumatic or stressful circumstances or as part of a debriefing process".

He joins, Buster, a Llasa Apso, external.

Image source, Northamptonshire Police
Image caption,

Buster has been described as "smart", loving attention and "will do absolutely anything for a treat" said Sup Emily Vernond

The dogs were introduced to "provide a calming presence amongst officers and staff", the force said.

Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service also employs a dog, a three-year-old cocker spaniel called Olive, who became the UK's first officially-accredited fire service wellbeing support dog.

Media caption,

Olive was recruited by Northants Fire Service after police seized her from a puppy farm

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