Barrington police make pitch for therapy dog

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to correct the police department’s arrangement with SOUL Harbour Ranch.

Barrington police approached the village board this week with a proposal to add a therapy dog to their ranks.

The board is expected to vote on the new four-legged hire at an upcoming meeting.

Deputy Police Chief Lori Allsteadt told the village board Monday the dog would reduce stress and anxiety in the department, helping officers cope with trauma and improving overall morale.

“It also benefits our community,” she said. “It fosters positive interactions with the public.”

There are times, she said, when members of the public want to talk to officers but don’t know what to say. A dog would bridge the communication gap.

Unlike canine officers, therapy dogs do not need extensive training, she said. There would be obedience training and basic therapy dog training. The dog is expected to be certified sometime in 2026.

The department began looking into the program in 2023. Officer Sebastian Szpara was chosen as the primary handler. Allsteadt will be the backup handler.

She suggested Szpara receive an annual stipend of $2,500. He would also receive a stipend for training. The dog will be owned by the police department, which will be responsible for the animal’s expenses.

Since Szpara will become Barrington High School’s school resource officer in the upcoming school year, he will take the dog to the high school periodically at the beginning, she said.

If approved, the village would receive a grant from SOUL Harbour Ranch that will include the puppy, mentoring/training, vet care and supplies.

Other costs would include $1,000 for training, $1,775 to Animal Care Center of Barrington for two years of wellness care, $585 for such essential items as crates, toys, a leash and a food and water bowl and $750 in annual food expenses.