October 27th 2024.
Boulder County recently welcomed two new government employees, but these employees are a little different than your typical government workers. They are not humans, but rather two furry and friendly dogs. Ares, a German Shepherd, and Marlow, a golden retriever lab mix, have joined the Boulder County Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney's Office, respectively.
Although their job responsibilities may differ, these two dogs represent the growing presence of K-9 support in law enforcement agencies. Ares, who is currently undergoing training, will soon be certified in patrol and narcotics detection. On the other hand, Marlow's role is to help victims and children feel more at ease during trial proceedings.
Chris Merkle, a senior investigator at the DA's Office, acknowledges the daunting nature of the courthouse for victims and witnesses. He explains, "This building is a scary place, it's got people a victim or witness don't know, and people in suits who are going to be asking all these really tough questions about stuff they really don't want to talk about if they had a choice." This is where Marlow comes in, providing comfort and support to those who are feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
Merkle's role involves conducting investigations and preparing cases for trial. This often includes interviewing witnesses, victims, and responders to gather information about the incident. Marlow's assistance is especially valuable during this process, as he is able to bring a sense of calm and comfort to those who may be feeling distressed. Merkle notes, "A lot of times when you're talking about the crime again and in the court, it brings up a lot of anxiety. He's very good at comforting people."
Marlow was trained by the Canine Companion For Independence organization, which provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals in various fields. Merkle explains that Marlow was already trained when they began working together, but they still spend a few minutes each day reviewing his skills to ensure he stays sharp.
Marlow's duties include bringing smiles to people's faces, dropping a tissue box in their laps if needed, and responding to both English and Spanish commands. He is also trained to open drawers, alert people with a "boop," and provide physical comfort by resting his upper body or chin on someone. And don't worry, he is a well-behaved pup who only barks on command and only goes to the bathroom when told to.
While Marlow works on providing emotional support to victims and witnesses, Ares will be working on the other side of the justice system. His duties include tracking suspects, deterring them through bites, and detecting narcotics. These two dogs may have different roles, but they both play crucial roles in the criminal justice system in Boulder County.
Boulder County recently welcomed two new government employees, and they just so happen to be dogs! A 1½-year-old German Shepherd named Ares has joined the Boulder County Sheriff's Office as their latest K-9 recruit. The District Attorney's office also hired a 2-year-old golden retriever lab mix named Marlow to assist in victim services. These furry friends may have different roles, but they both represent the ongoing presence of K-9 support in law enforcement agencies.
Ares is currently undergoing training and will soon be certified in patrol and narcotics detection. In contrast, Marlow's job is to help victims and children feel more at ease during trial proceedings. Chris Merkle, a senior investigator at the DA's Office, explains that the courthouse can be a daunting place for those involved in a case. With unfamiliar faces and serious questions being asked, it can cause a lot of anxiety. That's where Marlow comes in – he has a natural ability to comfort people and ease their nerves.
As an investigator, Merkle's work involves interviewing witnesses, victims, and responders to gather information for trial. Marlow plays a significant role in this process, especially when meeting with the victims right before trial. Merkle shares that talking about the crime again and facing it in court can be distressing for the victims, but Marlow is there to provide comfort and support. Merkle and Marlow have been working together at the DA's Office to provide assistance to anyone who needs it.
Marlow came to the office in April through the Canine Companion For Independence organization, which trains service dogs for adults, children, and veterans with disabilities. These dogs are provided at no cost to the clients. Marlow was already trained when he arrived, but to keep his skills sharp, Merkle spends about five-to-10 minutes a day reviewing commands with him. Marlow's responsibilities include calming people down, bringing smiles to their faces, and even dropping a tissue box in their laps if needed. He is trained in both English and Spanish and can open drawers, alert people with a "boop," and use his body to soothe someone in distress. Marlow only barks on command and will only go to the bathroom when told to.
On the other hand, Ares will be working in a more active role. He will be used to track suspects, apprehend them through bites, and find narcotics. With these two dogs on the team, Boulder County law enforcement is well-equipped to handle various situations.
Overall, the addition of Ares and Marlow to the government workforce showcases the value of K-9 support in law enforcement. These furry colleagues bring a unique set of skills and abilities that can make a significant impact on the community. Whether it's by providing comfort to victims or tracking down suspects, these dogs play an essential role in keeping the community safe.
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