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‘Wellbeing’ dog joins police team

Louise ParryBBC News, Bedfordshire
News imageBedfordshire Police A small fluffy white dog wearing a black jacketBedfordshire Police
Mutley has been visiting police officers and staff teams in Bedfordshire Police

A police force is hoping a new dog will help to provide "wellbeing support" to its officers and staff.

Mutley recently completed his Oscar Kilo 9 (OK9) training along with his handler PC Mat, who is part of the health and wellbeing team at Bedfordshire Police.

The force said: "Policing is demanding, and our teams are often exposed to stressful and distressing situations.

"Interacting with dogs can help reduce stress, boost morale and encourage social interactions."

News imageBedfordshire Police A small fluffy white dog next to a man in a blue jacketkneeling beside itBedfordshire Police
Dog handler PC Mat is on the health and wellbeing team

Mutley, a 13-month-old Maltese Bichon Frise, has been visiting various teams and departments across Bedfordshire Police over the past few weeks.

The force added that having "comprehensive wellbeing support" was "crucial to making sure our officers and staff are looked after, while they take care of others".

It joked that Mutley "even took a crime report while in our force control room last week, but apparently we have no leads."

News imageBedfordshire Police a very cute dogBedfordshire Police
Bedfordshire Police is hoping that interacting with Mutley will help to reduce stress and boost morale

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