Suffolk police add new therapy dog to assist with officer mental health
Hamilton was given his badge Thursday, and will be available for officers to offer comfort and support.
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Suffolk County has a new police officer, but his job isn't to enforce the law.
Hamilton, a 19-month old black Labrador Retriever, was given his badge Thursday, officially becoming the SCPD's first therapy dog.
Hamilton was donated by Puppies Behind Bars, an organization that trains dogs to be around law enforcement for the purposes of offering comfort and support.
Suffolk police officials say this is part of an effort to address mental health concerns within the department. They say there were four suicides in Suffolk County law enforcement last year.
In addition to helping officers, Hamilton will visit schools along with his handler, Police Officer George Politis, as a way to build trust between young people and police officers.
