QUEENS, N.Y. — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has introduced a new team member to the District Attorney’s Office: Kimi, a 2-year-old golden retriever and Labrador retriever mix, who will serve as a facility dog to support crime victims and witnesses. Provided free of charge by Canine Companions, Kimi is the only facility dog currently working in a district attorney’s office in New York City. She will primarily assist in special victims and domestic violence cases.
“Kimi has been an extraordinary addition to our team here at the Queens District Attorney’s Office,” said Katz. “She’s affectionate, highly trained and has already assisted survivors and witnesses, putting them at ease. It is extremely difficult to speak about traumatic events, and service dogs like Kimi help vulnerable people feel more comfortable as they navigate through a prosecutor’s office and the courthouse.”
Kimi, who began working at the office in August, has already assisted in three cases, including two involving children. Partnered with Queens District Attorney’s Office Detective Investigator Dionisia Mikalef, Kimi is available to provide support in any situation where prosecutors believe her presence will help victims or witnesses.
Acting Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence Saloni Sethi emphasized the role animals play in providing emotional support to survivors. “Pets and animals are vital to the lives of survivors of domestic violence, providing emotional support and comfort during their healing journey,” Sethi said.
Canine Companions, a national nonprofit organization that has placed more than 8,000 service dogs since its founding in 1975, provided Kimi after training her in over 40 commands designed to reduce anxiety and offer a calming presence.
Kimi’s placement coincides with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, during which District Attorney Katz is urging anyone in need to reach out to the city’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE.
- Jackson Roadway Crashes Down Slightly in 2024
JACKSON, N.J. — In 2023, roughly 1,600 roadway crashes and accidents were reported in Jackson Township, a town with over 100 square miles of roads, most of which are winding county two-lane highways. So far this year, there have been about 1,200 reported crashes overall.
That is down from 133 per month last year to about 130 per month this year.
According to information provided by the Jackson Police Department, however, the department reported a slight increase in serious traffic crashes this year, while overall crash numbers were down compared to previous years. The department attributes these figures to fluctuating traffic patterns and the constraints faced by its traffic safety division.
Jackson Police, like many departments across the state, rely on an annual grant from the state to focus enforcement efforts on roads with the highest crash volumes.
State police data shows that the amount of traffic crashes in Jackson Township fluctuates each year, but there has been no major trend in increasing or decreasing crashes over a 15-year period, matching statewide records showing the same results.
In essence, no roads are more dangerous today than at any time in the recent past in Jackson. In fact, roads such as East Veterans Highway are reportedly safer now than when compared to a decade ago after a major overhaul was done to the road by Ocean County, which owns and maintains the road.
Each year, the police department applies for a grant that the state issues to departments throughout the state to enforce traffic laws on roads with serious crashes or high crash volumes.
The grant allows the department to allocate resources towards high-risk roads identified by the state, which has led to targeted enforcement details. In recent years, these grants and coordination with county and state officials have led to a downward trend in roadway fatalities in Jackson over the past 15 years.
While serious crashes are up “slightly” from previous years, overall crashes are down slightly.
In addition to using grant funding for enforcement on high-volume crash roads, the department has also responded to daily speeding and parking complaints. The police department plans to release its monthly crash statistics on social media by the end of this week. Police have been engaged in proactive traffic enforcement throughout the township, many times based on community feedback and requests.
- Cop rescues dear tangled in soccer net at Peninsula Park
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — On Sunday morning, an Anne Arundel County police officer successfully rescued a deer whose antlers had become entangled in a soccer net at Peninsula Park. Corporal Sears from the Southern District responded to the scene on Bay Ridge Road at approximately 8:30 a.m. after receiving reports of an injured animal.
Upon arrival, Corporal Sears found a large buck caught in the net. Using shears, he carefully cut the netting and freed the deer within minutes. The buck appeared unharmed and safely returned to the surrounding area. The entire rescue was captured on Corporal Sears' body-worn camera, highlighting the officer's quick response and professionalism in handling the situation.
- Deal Police increase patrols around synagogues for Rosh Hashanah, High Holy Days
DEAL, N.J. — The Deal Police Department has heightened patrols around synagogues and houses of worship during Rosh Hashanah and the High Holy Days as a precautionary measure in response to global events. The increased security aims to ensure the safety of the community during this important time.
The department emphasized that residents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. “Your safety is our top priority,” the Deal Police stated, encouraging the public to call if they see anything unusual.
“We wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday season,” the department added in its message.
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