Police in Cocoa are in the process of training their first K-9 police therapy dog.

  • Copper will be Cocoa Police's first K-9 therapy dog
  • Trained to interact with children in cases
  • Gov. Scott signed bill allowing more therapy dogs in courts

His name is Copper, a 70-pound black and tan Coonhound. He’s the newest member of their K-9 unit, but his specialty isn’t catching bad guys -- it’s working with children.

“When we go into a room for the very first time, Copper will meet this child and whoever the child is and whatever the child’s story is, Copper will never judge them. He always just wants to love them,” said Officer Chris Hattaway, Copper's handler.

Hattaway says Copper will help bridge the gap and make it easier for children to interact with officers.

“Just being able to get people to talk to the police and tell us what’s going on is a big part of getting the job completed," Hattaway said. "From start to finish, he’ll be there at the beginning and end so the child has a safe feeling through that.”

Copper completed training last week through the Paws and Stripes program with the Brevard County Sheriff’s office.

Hattaway says he hopes to see therapy dogs trained at more agencies.

“I'm really hoping more agencies will reach out and try and have a therapy dog or a multi-purpose K-9 that can assist them in more than just catching bad guys,” he said.

This month Gov. Scott signed new legislation that expands the use of therapy dogs in court.

The new law allows children, victims, and individuals with intellectual disabilities to use therapy animals in court proceedings involving child abuse, abandonment or neglect.