A police officer’s job is fraught with danger and stress, so they will understandably need emotional support.
And there’s nothing better than a cuddly animal to help with that, even for macho police officers.
This is why a rabbit has officially joined a police station in California as their “wellness officer”.
Source: Yuba City Police Department on Facebook
He was adopted by the station after being found on the road.
In a Facebook post on Thursday (6 Apr), the Yuba City Police Department in Northern California introduced their new Wellness Officer, Percy.
Officer Percy is a rabbit who “lounges” around at the police department during the day, roaming freely and wearing his own work vest.
He even has his own dwelling in the station, with toys and a litter box.
In a YouTube Short by the Evening Standard, officers can be seen feeding and playing with him.
Source: Evening Standard on YouTube
How did Percy come to join the police station, though?
On 21 Oct 2022, Officer Ashley Carson was on patrol when she found a rabbit in the middle of the road, “looking lost”.
She found him docile and friendly, so she picked him up and brought him to animal control to ensure his safety.
Source: Yuba City Police Department on Facebook
Sadly, nobody claimed the rabbit.
Since he was available, the department’s Police Services Analyst adopted him and named “Percy” after the road he was found on, Percy Avenue.
Percy has been at the police department ever since.
Percy isn’t just a pet, though.
As the Yuba City Police Department’s Wellness Officer, he’s part of the wellness programme for employees and their families.
The programme provides tools and resources to reduce stress, and Percy is arguably one major source of stress relief.
The Evening Standard video shows police officers cuddling and petting him, their woes seemingly melting away.
Source: Evening Standard on YouTube
In this way, the police department hopes to promote the importance of prioritising mental and physical health, they added.
Lieutenant Michelle Brazil told the BBC that being able to hold and pet Percy allows her to step back from the situation for a minute to regroup.
This is “vital”, she maintained, adding,
We’re seeing the long-term benefits of it already, even in just a short amount of time.
Source: Evening Standard on YouTube
A cute rabbit in a police station is still an incongruous sight, even if he does provide much-needed comfort.
However, if he can help improve the mental health of officers, then he’s worth it indeed.
Kudos to the Yuba City Police Department for prioritising their employees’ welfare and giving a rabbit a forever home where he can do something meaningful.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Yuba City Police Department on Facebook.
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