Police victim services support dog Milo is helping victims and witnesses of crime

January 30, 2025 - Port Alberni, British Columbia
From: Port Alberni RCMP

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Port Alberni RCMP is proud to introduce the newest member of their Police Victim Services team, Milo.  

Camilo who goes by "Milo" is a 2.5 year old, black Labrador Retriever who was bred, raised and trained to be a Justice Facility Dog and was chosen for his calm and stable temperament.

Milo was provided to the Port Alberni RCMP Victim Services team by The Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS). PADS is accredited through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), which adheres to the highest caliber of training standards available.

Bred through the PADS breeding program, Milo spent his first 1.5 years in a designated puppy handlers’ home where he was exposed to as many different situations as possible. From there, Milo went on to receive over 6 months of daily training by a certified PADS trainer.

Milo now lives with Tamara Cocco, Manager of Police Victim Services for Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet, BC. Cocco is Milo's certified PADS handler.

"In the short time Milo has been with the program, I have witnessed first hand the benefit of his service to members of our community." - said Tamara Coco, Manager of Police Victim Services

Milo is a benefit to the Victim Services program and can assist victims of crime and trauma in a variety of different circumstances. Milo can support victims during interviews or when talking with police, to provide comfort during emotion-filled conversations or while completing paperwork, or to support witnesses by attending pre-trial interviews and sitting with vulnerable witnesses at court.

Milo helps people by:

• Reducing blood pressure;
• Lowering heart rates;
• Helping people to return to an adaptive level of functioning;
• Providing cathartic and healing touch;
• Increasing oxytocin levels and reducing the negative effects of stress hormones;
• Helping to improve cognitive functioning;
• Promoting unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental support.

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