UTAH

SLC Police Department’s newest K-9 officer gives emotional support to victims

Dec 11, 2018, 5:54 PM

Photo: Salt Lake City Police Department...

Photo: Salt Lake City Police Department

SALT LAKE CITY — Your dog may know basic commands commands like sit, stay, and heal, but Salt Lake City Police Department’s newest K-9 officer also offers emotional support to victims of crimes.

Rita is a two year old black lab, golden mix who meets with victims of crime either on scene or at the police station.

“She sort of just sets the climate,” Victim Advocate Cari Bobo said. “She makes it calming and she just lets them know that it is a safe place for them recently or in the moment if she’s on scene.”

Bobo is her handler and she says she’s seen the calming influence Rita can have on a victim of a traumatic event, and help them feel safe after they’ve been through something horrible.

“I wish I understood the magic,” Bobo said. “There’s definitely something magical about having a service animal there.”

Rita can put her head on your lab, or two paws, and knows 40 different commands.

Bobo says Rita came to the department after a 2 year application process and has been on the force for four weeks.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

Cancers, once considered to be part of the aging process, are now showing up in much younger people...

Don Brinkerhoff

Early-Onset cancer rates rising for people ages 18 to 45

Early-onset cancer is showing up earlier and earlier in patients aged 18 to 49, and researchers aren't quite sure why.

6 hours ago

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables ...

Roy Burton

Man hospitalized with ‘serious burns’ after electric shock in Box Elder County

A 21-year-old man received "serious burns" after being shocked while working on fiber optic cables on telephone poles.

6 hours ago

A Logan police cruiser is pictured outside the department on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019....

Jessica Lowell

Logan Police Department releases new arrest details

Logan Police Department said former officer Carlos Cubias has been part of a year long internal investigation after being accused of sexual abuse.

10 hours ago

tulips at tulip festival, spring in utah starts tomorrow...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Spring expected to be warmer this year in Utah and nationwide

Spring in Utah starts on March 19, with temperatures expected to be in the 60s for the Wasatch Front.

11 hours ago

tooele health department sign, the department is investigating counterfeit car seat cases...

Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

Four ways to figure out if you have a counterfeit car seat

The Tooele County Health Department says the registration card is one of the four most important things you can do to check for a counterfeit car seat.

11 hours ago

none of the above voters dislike both president biden, pictured left, and former president trump, p...

Simone Seikaly

There’s probably more “none of the above” voters than we know

A 'none of the above' voter doesn't like any of the candidates running for the U.S. presidency. Right now 20% of U.S. voters feel this way.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

SLC Police Department’s newest K-9 officer gives emotional support to victims