Dogs Improve Cognitive Function and Wellbeing for Police Officers with PTSD
Thousands of police officers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of traumatic incidents in the course of their work, according to doctoral research by neurobiologist Charlotte Witjes-Roelofs scheduled for defense at Radboud University on Oct. 1, 2026. The study, published in the journal Anthrozoös, demonstrates that both assistance dogs and companion dogs offer relief by helping officers feel safer, improving working memory tasks, and enhancing concentration.
- Family and assistance dogs improve cognitive functioning and emotional wellbeing in police officers managing service-related PTSD symptoms.
- Quantitative EEG testing revealed that officers with PTSD performed better on working memory tasks when their dog was present.
- A newly developed training programme enables police officers to train their own companion dogs to provide emotional support.
The Pathogenesis and Cognitive Impact of Occupational PTSD
Following exposure to one or multiple traumatic incidents during active duty, many police officers develop PTSD. The pathology manifests through persistent flashbacks, avoidance, negative mood, and problems with attention and working memory. While standard clinical interventions—such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive behavioral therapy—remain foundational, many officers continue to experience symptoms long after completing treatment.
The police force had been using assistance dogs for personnel experiencing severe PTSD symptoms. While it appeared to be working, this had not yet been proven. To address this evidence gap, the Police Academy commissioned Charlotte Witjes-Roelofs to evaluate the effects of dogs on the wellbeing and cognitive functioning of affected officers.
Quantitative EEG Findings and Qualitative Support
The research comprised both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. In the quantitative phase, researchers recorded brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG) while participants completed cognitive tasks. During testing, participants viewed a screen displaying a single letter at a time, pressing a button as quickly as possible when the current letter matched the preceding one. Results showed that individuals with PTSD scored higher on this working memory task in the physical presence of their dog compared to trials without the animal.
Qualitative interviews conducted with affected officers expanded on these findings. Participants reported experiencing emotional support and a sense of calm derived from their animals, including ordinary family pets. Officers paired with specialized assistance dogs reported a sense of trust and security.
Assistance Dogs Versus Family Pets in Clinical Management
Certified assistance dogs, such as those trained by organizations like KNGF, perform specific, targeted interventions. These dogs can wake owners from nightmares, remove them from crowded environments when tension rises, and mirror behavioral cues. These certified animals are allowed access everywhere.
However, because procuring a specialized assistance dog is not always feasible or immediately available, the research outlines viable alternatives. Witjes-Roelofs noted that family dogs can also contribute to stabilization by mirroring behavior or preventing people from reliving traumatic experiences when tension rises. To bridge this gap, researchers developed a structured training programme allowing police officers and their existing companion dogs to learn how the dog can provide emotional support. This protocol is now integrated into the support package for police personnel dealing with PTSD.
Expanding Emergency Services Wellbeing Initiatives
The operational framework established by this research extends beyond municipal policing. Other emergency services, including the Ministry of Defence and the fire service, are working on deploying assistance dogs as a support tool. Broader implementation could similarly benefit ambulance personnel and other frontline responders facing trauma exposure.
Concurrently, independent wellbeing dog initiatives supported by organizations like the Blue Light Card Foundation have begun embedding specialist dogs and trained handlers into emergency teams. These schemes provide structured setup packages, including initial team training, staff handbooks, and designated single points of contact to ensure long-term sustainability across emergency response agencies.
As research into animal-assisted interventions matures, affected professionals seeking guidance on symptom management or peer-supported mental health resources should consult with qualified clinical psychologists or occupational health specialists.
*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.*