CPCA_2019_Winter Magazine.Final | Page 27

Carne Asada with a Cop and this initiative has been met with an overwhelming show of support . However , we have found two additional opportunities for Shadow to not only interact with our employees , but the community as well . Those two areas are juvenile victim interviews and Community Engagement events .
Shadow has assisted on multiple interviews of juvenile victims of sex crimes . The feedback received was that she is a tremendous help in lowering the victim ’ s anxiety level and getting them to open up . The Orange County Social Worker assigned to the Santa Ana Police Department feels that Shadow is such an asset that she requested Shadow be made available on all juvenile sexual assault victim interviews conducted in the City of Santa Ana .
Shadow has made numerous community engagement appearances at events such as Coffee with a Cop , the
Community Police Academy , student walk-a-thon and an Orange County Gang Reduction & Intervention Partnership fundraiser . She has stolen the show at all of her appearances and always has a long line of people waiting to interact with her .
Focusing on employee wellness using innovative first responder therapy is a goal that every agency should embrace . The implementation of a Therapeutic Canine Program at the Santa Ana Police Department has shown our employees that they are our top priority and we will stop at nothing to exhaust every avenue to reduce their stress , increase their morale , and improve their overall quality of life . Fully embracing this concept is the cornerstone of the Santa Ana Police Department ’ s servant leadership model and the Chief ’ s motto of ONE TEAM , ONE MISSION . ■
WINTER 2019 | California Police Chief 27