The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department’s newest K-9 may be cute, but his role is crucial. Comfort dog Rye is joining the Crisis Intervention Response Team, meaning he won’t be on the street tackling crime; instead, he’ll be helping individuals in crisis. Rye’s job is to help deescalate emotionally charged situations and provide comfort to those in need. “Rye bridges the connection between the police department and the community, de-escalating the situation,” KCKPD officer Phillip Mathis said. “As soon as they know he is a dog that can be petted, they absolutely are drawn to him.”Rye has been trained to detect raised cortisol levels, which indicate stress. That means he’ll know when people are in distress and be able to help calm them down. His handlers say dogs like Rye are needed in all police departments. “We saw the benefit of it from visiting with the other six or seven agencies in the metro that have one,” Mathis said. “You know, it would be, very, beneficial to any agency that got one.” Rye has been sworn in and is ready to get started in the community. He was recognized Tuesday, April 8, with a special ceremony including some sweet treats. Rye is only 14 months old, but within a year, officers hope to see real progress with policing vulnerable populations.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department’s newest K-9 may be cute, but his role is crucial.
Comfort dog Rye is joining the Crisis Intervention Response Team, meaning he won’t be on the street tackling crime; instead, he’ll be helping individuals in crisis.
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Rye’s job is to help deescalate emotionally charged situations and provide comfort to those in need.
“Rye bridges the connection between the police department and the community, de-escalating the situation,” KCKPD officer Phillip Mathis said. “As soon as they know he is a dog that can be petted, they absolutely are drawn to him.”
Rye has been trained to detect raised cortisol levels, which indicate stress. That means he’ll know when people are in distress and be able to help calm them down.
His handlers say dogs like Rye are needed in all police departments.
“We saw the benefit of it from visiting with the other six or seven agencies in the metro that have one,” Mathis said. “You know, it would be, very, beneficial to any agency that got one.”
Rye has been sworn in and is ready to get started in the community. He was recognized Tuesday, April 8, with a special ceremony including some sweet treats.
Rye is only 14 months old, but within a year, officers hope to see real progress with policing vulnerable populations.
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