WILMINGTON - Roughly 2,700 people enter the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center daily, some with anxieties of what awaits.
There’s a relatively new law enforcement officer tasked with easing the stress.
Since late October, K-9 Officer Vinn and his handler have patrolled all 15 floors looking to comfort anyone whose spirits may need a boost.
The 2-year-old Labrador retriever, who weighs about 75 pounds, has been a calming presence during matters such as Family Court sessions and protection from abuse hearings.
Delaware Capitol Police Chief Michael Hertzfeld created the pilot program to bring Vinn to Wilmington and said his arrival has been a welcome one everywhere in the building.
“Besides public areas, Vinn goes into employee areas as well and makes contact,” Chief Hertzfeld said.
“The response I’ve been getting from members of the court is that they love Vinn and it actually brings down the high tension that they sometimes have amongst them.”
Count Delaware Supreme Court Justice Collins J. Seitz Jr. as a believer in a program he described as “innovative.”
According to Chief Justice Seitz, “The courthouse does not have to be a scary place and we believe the services of Officer Vinn will help make the Justice Center more welcoming, or at least not as stressful, particularly for children involved in court proceedings.”
Chief Hertzfeld described Officer Vinn as a “patient, patient dog” who is “not aggressive in any way.”
Chief Hertzfeld said he pursued the program after learning of the New Castle County Police Department’s comfort K-9.
Officer Vinn arrived from the Canine Companion organization. “They make sure he has the personality and the ability to be as friendly as possible to anyone," Mr. Hertzfeld said.
Officer Vinn’s handler is Sr. Cpl. Donna DiClemente. The K-9 can be scheduled for a personal assist online at courts.delaware.gov.
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