In March 2011, a National District Attorney's Association (NDAA) work group issued recommendations for best practice when using dogs to assist victims, their families, and witnesses during the investigation and prosecution of crimes. These include:
The NDAA work group did not intend for these guidelines to impact successful programs already in place.- The dogs should be a highly trained graduate of an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) service dog organization or the equivalent thereof.
- The dog should be tested for safe behavior around young children before being placed to work in this field.
- The dog's handler should be someone with professional training, education and experience, such as a forensic interviewer, deputy prosecuting attorney, victim advocate, law enforcement officer, or other individuals that a prosecutor's office finds appropriate.
- The dog's handler should receive training, testing, and ongoing support in handling of the dog from an ADI service dog organization or equivalent thereof.
- The dog and handler should have the appropriate temperament and disposition to make a good courthouse dog team because this work requires a great deal of social interaction with people from all walks of life in stressful situations.
- The dog should carry a $1 million liability insurance policy.
Distinctions have been made between therapy dogs and courthouse dogs. Courthouse dogs are specially trained to be in forensic interview and courthouse settings to provide support to child victims. To watch a clip of a courthouse dog working in Kitsap County, WA, go to http://www.king5.com/on-tv/evening-magazine/Court-support-from-canine-companions-133084483.html.
For more information about courthouse dogs, go to:
http://www.courthousedogs.com/
http://www.http//www.assistancedogsinternational.org/
Share your comments and experiences with the use of dogs at your CAC.
