DA's Office welcomes new support canine working with our Crime Prevention Unit and SAFE Family Justice Centers

RIVERSIDE – Our office would like to introduce you to K9 Augie, our newest canine that will be working with the DA’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) and SAFE Family Justice Centers (SAFE FJC) serving at-risk children across Riverside County.

K9 Augie is a 5-year-old standard poodle and previously served as a seeing-eye dog. He is now a certified therapy canine and was trained by Guide Dogs of the Desert and Dr. Coby Webb.

Kate Perry is a supervisor at SAFE FJC and is the canine handler for CPU.

“Augie is here to help engage with our community,” Perry said. “His primary role is working with children and families who interface with the Crime Prevention Unit at our schools but he’s also available as the supportive unit in all of our Family Justice Centers.”

“Augie has a very impressive temperament switching environments,” Perry said, adding that he can adapt accordingly in situations such as a very busy school campus where he takes on a serious demeanor or when there are just several children where he can become very playful.

Therapy and support canines can be very important in helping children experiencing increased levels of stress and trauma. In 2021, SAFE FJC provided support services to 1,017 children which accounts for 25 percent of its total clients served.

SAFE Family Justice Centers are a safe place for victims of abuse to get help. SAFE Family Justice Centers provide advocacy and support services to individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, child/elder abuse, and services for youth who are at risk.

The public is invited to come meet K9 Augie at the SAFE Family Justice Centers Open House THIS Wednesday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m. The open house will be at the SAFE FJC facility at 3900 Orange St., Riverside, next to the DA’s Office. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Molly Soliman at [email protected]