The HERO program is a statewide Certified Facility Dog Program to assist in helping victims throughout the criminal process. The program is executed by the Office of Prosecution Services and funded by a grant reward through ADECA.
Frequently people, especially children, who have been victims of crime or who have witnessed a crime of violence are emotionally affected and traumatized by those events. They are often reluctant to disclose and, during the trial, they are often re-traumatized by those events. They have to describe, in detail, what happened to them in front of a courtroom full of strangers. Creating a comfortable atmosphere for the victim is important for the prosecution and the defense. When the victim is comfortable, emotions may not obstruct or slow down important testimony.
