The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has recently introduced its first Operational Stress Intervention Dog (OSID), named Blaise. This black lab, who is almost three years old, is trained to provide emotional support, stress relief, and comfort to EPS staff, both sworn officers and civilian employees. Unlike other service dogs trained to catch criminals, Blaise was purpose-bred and trained for over two years by the non-profit organization BC & Alberta Guide Dogs. The selection process for Blaise focused on his temperament and ability to work effectively in a busy environment, as he has shown an affinity for being around lots of people.
EPS is the first policing organization in Alberta to have an OSID, thanks to the support of Wounded Warriors Canada. The organization has previously placed Operational Stress Intervention Dogs with other police services across the country, primarily in British Columbia and Western Canada. Philip Ralph, director of health services with Wounded Warriors Canada, highlighted the positive impact these dogs have had on police service members, particularly in helping them manage stress and emotional challenges. Const. David Klein is one of Blaise’s three handlers within EPS and has already witnessed the positive effects the dog has had on EPS members during training.
Blaise will play a crucial role within EPS, offering support to members who have had a difficult day and assisting with their reintegration into work. Klein mentioned that he primarily works with members returning to work, utilizing Blaise to help those experiencing anxiety about resuming their duties. Klein has observed the dog’s ability to break the ice and relax members, creating a more positive and comfortable environment. The introduction of Blaise as an OSID within EPS reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being within policing organizations, as well as the benefits that specially trained dogs can provide in supporting officers and staff.
The presence of an OSID like Blaise can have a significant impact on the overall well-being and mental health of EPS staff. Providing a calming and comforting presence, these dogs can help alleviate stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue that can arise from the challenging nature of police work. By offering support and companionship to both sworn officers and civilian employees, Blaise and other OSIDs contribute to creating a more supportive and compassionate work environment within policing organizations. The training and selection process for these dogs are carefully designed to ensure they are well-suited for the demands of the job and can effectively provide the needed emotional support to EPS members.
The utilization of Operational Stress Intervention Dogs within policing organizations reflects a broader shift towards prioritizing mental health and well-being in law enforcement. Recognizing the unique challenges and stressors faced by police officers, initiatives like introducing OSIDs aim to provide additional resources and support to help officers cope with the emotional toll of their work. By incorporating these specially trained dogs into their ranks, policing organizations like EPS demonstrate their commitment to promoting mental wellness and ensuring the resilience of their staff. The positive impact seen from the deployment of OSIDs in other police services across the country underscores the potential benefits that Blaise will bring to EPS members in terms of emotional support and stress relief.
Overall, the introduction of Blaise as EPS’ first Operational Stress Intervention Dog represents a proactive step towards addressing the mental health needs of its staff. By providing a dedicated support system for officers and civilian employees, EPS aims to create a more resilient and mentally healthy workforce. As Blaise begins his duties within the organization, his role as an OSID will not only offer emotional support and stress relief to EPS members but also contribute to a more positive and supportive work culture that prioritizes the well-being of its personnel. The innovative approach of integrating OSIDs like Blaise into policing organizations showcases a commitment to fostering a mentally healthy and emotionally supportive environment for those who serve in law enforcement.
