By Police1 Staff
CORONA, Calif. — A police department’s K-9 has been comforting the Turpin children since their rescue last year, even during their parents’ sentencing hearing.
According to KTLA, David and Louise Turpin held and isolated their 13 children from the outside world and often denied them showers, medical care and food. One of the children managed to escape last year and call police.
Raider the K-9 has comforted the children as they navigated prosecutors’ offices, courthouses and other legal settings since the rescue.
“When we see him bring a smile to someone’s face or even just touching him, we know that they are getting emotions out that maybe a human wouldn’t be able to do,” said one of Raider’s handlers, Police Sgt. Adam Roulston.
The Labrador is a facility dog with the Corona Police Department who is highly trained to provide companionship without being a disruption in work environments. The 3-year-old pup is the first dog to join the force from the Canine Companions of Independence organization.
According to Roulston, the Turpin children asked to allow Raider to be with them during their parents’ sentencing hearing on April 19. Raider has helped the children and other victims reduce their anxiety.
“Seeing how he makes people feel better is the best reward ever,” Roulston told KTLA. “Officers and public safety personnel want to help people and Raider is a tool to help us do that.”
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