HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 01212014 - C.22RECOMMENDATION(S):
APPROVE and AUTHORIZE the District Attorney, or designee, to execute a contract with Canine Companions for
Independence in an amount not to exceed $3,000 to provide a facility dog trained to work with victims of crimes to
provide comfort and assist them in remaining calm while being interviewed or providing testimony in the courtroom.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost is estimated to be approximately $2,500 - $3,000 for the first year. Most of these costs are one time training
costs for the handler. (100% State Forfeiture Funds)
BACKGROUND:
Facility dogs, also known as courthouse dogs when working in a criminal justice environment, are specially trained
by a certified organization to work with victims of crimes and to help them remain calm in the courtroom. Since 2003
courthouse dogs have provided comfort to sexually abused children while they undergo forensic interviews and
testify in court. These dogs also assist court participants in their recovery, visit juveniles in detention facilities, greet
jurors and lift the spirits of courthouse staff who often conduct their business in an adversarial setting.
Courthouse dogs specialize in assisting individuals with physical, psychological, or emotional trauma due to criminal
conduct. These facility dogs graduate from assistance dog organizations that are accredited members of Assistance
Dogs International to ensure that they do not create a public danger and are stable, well-behaved, and unobtrusive to
the public
APPROVE OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
Action of Board On: 01/21/2014 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
Clerks Notes:
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
AYE:John Gioia, District I Supervisor
Candace Andersen, District II
Supervisor
Mary N. Piepho, District III
Supervisor
Karen Mitchoff, District IV
Supervisor
Federal D. Glover, District V
Supervisor
Contact: Cherie Mathisen,
957-2234
I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board
of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: January 21, 2014
David Twa, County Administrator and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
By: Chris Heck, Deputy
cc:
C. 22
To:Board of Supervisors
From:Mark Peterson, District Attorney
Date:January 21, 2014
Contra
Costa
County
Subject:Facility Dog Program to Provide a Service Dog to Work With Victims of Crimes in Contra Costa County
BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)
. Courthouse facility dogs are handled by criminal justice professionals, such as a deputy prosecutor, a law
enforcement officer, a victim advocate, or a forensic interviewer.
The use of courthouse dogs can help bring about a major change in how we meet the emotional needs of all involved
in the criminal justice system. Their calming presence promotes justice with compassion. The dog's handler in the
District Attorney's office will be an assistant investigator and a victim advocate who will use the dog to provide
emotional support to victims to help them through the trial process.