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Regina Police Service introduces accredited facility dog PADS Sinclair

Mar. 21, 2024, Regina, Sask. – Following in the paw prints of his predecessor, PADS Merlot, PADS Sinclair joined the Regina Police Service as an Accredited Facility Dog at the Regina Children’s Justice Centre (RCJC) in Dec. 2023. Since then, he has already made a significant impact on victims and/or witnesses of crime or trauma in the Regina community.

Photo: Regina Police Service

“Sinclair has been an invaluable addition to the team and I can’t wait to see the impact he makes,” said Sgt. Young. “He has already assisted in numerous investigations where because of his calming presence, has made it a little bit easier on victims and/or witnesses of crime or trauma.”

Sinclair received his comprehensive training through Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS). The non-profit organization breeds, raises and fully trains certified assistance dogs. Starting his training at just eight weeks old, Sinclair received over 1,200 hours of advanced training before being placed with his handler Sgt. Kyla Young at two and a half years old. He knows an incredible 35 different commands.

As a professionally trained facility dog, Sinclair provides quiet companionship to vulnerable individuals in legal settings like courtrooms, during interviews and in hospitals during an investigation. Chosen because of his calm demeanour and ability to work in high-stress environments, Sinclair assists with the following:

• During police investigations – Sinclair is trained to sit still for multiple hours while acting as a comforting companion during police investigations.
• At the hospital – Sinclair can attend follow-up exams for children who are victims of child abuse. He can also assist with vulnerable adult medical examinations.
• When testifying in court – Sinclair can attend court with individuals who have to testify, helping them keep calm while they provide testimony.

If the work of PADS Merlot is any indication, PADS Sinclair will likely be very busy. Throughout her eight-year career, Merlot assisted with 325 Forensic Interviews, 385 support visits in court and assisted officers with more than a dozen critical incident, mental health debriefs.

You can follow along with Sinclair’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram @padsK9sinclair.