Sault police deploys plush canine unit

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is deploying a new type of canine unit to help comfort children who might be dealing with a stressful situation. (Supplied)

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is deploying a new type of canine unit to help comfort children who might be dealing with a stressful situation.

The Sault Police Services Board has teamed up with PUC Services Inc. to purchase plush canines. The toys are modelled after real members of the Sault police canine unit – Hektor, Red and Ben.

“Obviously, police go to a lot of traumatic calls, and sometimes, unfortunately, youth are involved, specifically young children,” said police spokesman Lincoln Louttit.

“If this is something we can give them to help heal and help them recover, then I think it’s a positive thing we can do for the community.”

“One of our guiding pillars that we have is when it comes to approving donation requests is healthy, safe and active lifestyles for children,” said PUC Services spokesman Jairus Patterson.

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“We know these dogs are given to children who at times are probably dealing with a pretty traumatic situation. So, if they can just hold it and feel a little bit safer in that situation, why would we not do it?”

Police said studies have shown stuffed animals can help kids cope with trauma, stress, fear and physical pain by providing emotional and physical comfort.