Meet Charlie: St. Charles Police Get Comfort Dog

ST. CHARLES, IL — The newest addition to the St. Charles Police Department is four-legged, furry and meant to provide emotional support to local residents following a traumatic incident.

Charlie, a police comfort dog, was officially "sworn in" as a member of the St. Charles Police Department during a city council meeting late last month. Charlie's handler is officer Meghan Kramer.

A local family donated Charlie, a 1-year-old Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix, to Canines 4 Comfort in early 2021. Canines 4 Comfort is a local organization that trains and places psychiatric service dogs with individuals diagnosed with emotional disabilities, and therapeutic facility dogs with schools and first responder teams.

A comfort dog is different from a typical K-9 officer, which helps police with searches, tracking and apprehension, according to a news release from the St. Charles Police Department. Charlie’s main role is to provide emotional support, especially after traumatic incidents.

Charlie does this by being there to be pet and held. His calming demeanor also helps and his presence can help victims or witnesses feel more comfortable and less intimidated talking to a police officer following a traumatic event, according to authorities.

Other duties Charlie will be assigned to will include tagging along to a call or visit with the police department's social worker or being there for first responders to help them cope with the stresses of their jobs.

“Comfort dogs have been used widely in medical settings to reduce patients’ stress and anxiety,” said St. Charles Police Department Chief James Keegan. “Similarly, Charlie will be available to help support someone on what could possibly be the worst day of their life.”

Charlie will also be out and about often in St. Charles, attending many community events with Kramer. You will see him at parades and festivals. He will also stop out to local schools where he will attend Too Good for Drugs classes, be available for students to read to him or just hangout and interact with the kids.

How to Act Around a Therapy Dog

While Charlie is a friendly pup, residents are encouraged to practice proper dog etiquette and be sure to ask Charlie’s handler for permission before approaching or petting him. Remember that Charlie is still a working dog and may need breaks during events to decompress from the stimulation of people, police said.

Charlie has received his Canine Good Citizenship certification through the American Kennel Club. This ten-step skill test ensures he has good manners, understands basic obedience, and is capable of being out in the community.

Training helps build a bond between the dog and handler. Kramer and Charlie train together for at least one hour every day and attend weekly trainings through Canines 4 Comfort.