Police Officers’ Best Friend?: An Exploratory Analysis of the Effect of Service Dogs on Perceived Organizational Support in Policing

This study explored the effectiveness of a novel technique for police departments to support their officers and promote wellness: use service dogs. We evaluated officer perceptions in two mid-sized, municipal that have wellness programs with dog is permanently assigned full-time handler: Groton Naugatuck, Connecticut. assessed six factors believed influence including: operational organizational stress using Police Stress Questionnaire; topical stressors including those related COVID-19 pandemic, force community relations, reform efforts; Perceived Organizational Support (POS); receptivity dogs; willingness seek assistance mental health issues. found evidence exposure dogs significantly linked both POS policing. also department’s regarding approaches significance greater ( p = .07). Although we no significant reduction, reforms pose substantial perceived on study. finding presents serious challenge reformers risks undermining wellness. Implications our findings recommendations future research are discussed.