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Newport Police introduce 'Beau,' a community K‑9 for outreach and therapy work
Summary
The council heard a presentation introducing Beau, a police therapy dog assigned to community policing duties. Officer Nick Saint Lawrence was sworn in as Beau’s handler; staff said the dog will work in schools, at events, and with peer support for department members.
Chief Ryan Duffy introduced Beau, the Newport Police Department’s newest canine assigned to the community policing division. Community Police Officer Nick Saint Lawrence, who will serve as Beau’s handler, described Beau as a ten-year-old dog donated by a breeder; the handler and trainer explained the dog will be used primarily for outreach, school visits, summer camps and peer support for department members, and will pursue certification for therapy work.
Duffy and the handler thanked community partners and sponsors who assisted with Beau’s food, equipment and training; the handler said training and testing for a therapy certification will continue over roughly a year. The department also noted a possible future role for explosives detection at large public events, pending appropriate training and certification.
Beau was sworn in during a brief ceremonial on the council dais; officials emphasized the program’s community outreach mission rather than law‑enforcement detection as its principal early focus.
Next steps: the department will continue training and certification processes; Beau will participate in planned community events, school programs and peer‑support activities for department personnel.
