The RNC are speaking on Stella the Dog, a pooch who would go around the community delighting thousands, all in the name of mental health wellness.
The program was funded outside the RNC with private and community donations, but Chief Patrick Roche wasn’t fond of that idea. He says donations to the government-funded force could impact the independent operations of police programming.
The RNC are currently reviewing the policies and procedures surrounding corporate and private donations to the organization. Any program within the RNC has to operate within the provincial budget. If they can’t fund a core program, then the force has to consider whether the program should exist.
Stella will still be on staff, but only to provide therapy to RNC officers and civilians, and the justice system including the courts and victim services.
The RNC are currently recruiting for an on-staff psychologist, specializing in services provided to police agencies and first responders.
Related Stories
Jul 14, 2020: RNC Support Dog Stella Welcomed to the Force
Feb 23, 2023: Man Who Helped Establish RNC Support Dog, Equine Therapy Programs Disappointed After Force Scraps Both
