Capitol Police Expanding Facility Dog Program Statewide

PHOTO: Delaware Capitol Police facility dog handler Senior Corporal Donna DiClemente is shown with Vinn.

The Delaware Capitol Police is expanding its Facility Dog Program to all Delaware courthouses by now offering services in Kent and Sussex counties. The program pairs specially trained dogs with dedicated handlers to comfort vulnerable populations and reduce anxiety. Vinn, Delaware's first facility dog, arrived in October 2022 through Canine Companions, a non-profit organization. Vinn knows over 40 commands, including calming pressure therapy, and has passed the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) test.

For the past three years, Vinn has served at the New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, assisting in Family Court and Superior Court cases. He has helped during courtroom testimony, child interviews, trial preparation, and Protection from Abuse Order proceedings. His calm presence reduces anxiety and helps victims, witnesses, families, and the public navigate emotionally challenging situations.

Facility dog services can be requested by filling out the form at courts.delaware.gov/aoc/facilitydog.aspx

Click here for additional photos of Vinn and Corporal DiClemente.

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About the Delaware Capitol Police

The Delaware Capitol Police is a statewide law enforcement agency responsible for the security of all three branches of state government. Specifically, the Capitol Police provides services to Woodburn (Governor's Mansion), Legislative Hall, Capitol Complex (Legislative Mall), Supreme Court, Superior Court, Chancery Court, Court of Common Pleas, Family Courts in all three counties, the Carvel State Building, and over 80 state-controlled facilities and/or properties in the greater Dover area.

Delaware Capitol Police officers are certified by the Delaware Police Officers Standards and Training Commission and have statewide authority. Capitol Police officers take great pride in ensuring the safety and security of the governor, state legislators, legislative staff, judiciary, state employees, citizens, and visitors to the State of Delaware. The agency also works with other municipal, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to provide the best possible service.

About the Delaware Department of Safety & Homeland Security

The Department of Safety and Homeland Security was created by the Delaware General Assembly in June 2003, replacing the former Department of Public Safety. The mission of DSHS is to promote and protect the safety of people and property in Delaware. The Department is comprised of: the Office of the Secretary, the Delaware State Police, the Office of Highway Safety, the Division of Communications, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Capitol Police, the Division of Forensic Science, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement, the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Office of the Marijuana Commissioner, the Police Officers Standards and Training Commission, the State Council for Persons with Disabilities, and the new Office of Gun Violence Prevention and Public Safety. Each of these agencies has a significant role in supporting the DSHS mission.