April 17, 2025

The Chicago Police Bureau of Detectives Area 5 Family Liaison Office (FLO), along with the 25th District CAPS Office, hosted community members at Area 5 on April 13th to introduce the Pets Assisting Those in Healing (PATH) Program in collaboration with Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). The inaugural PATH event marked the end of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week, a week-long commemoration honoring the fight for justice and the partnership between law enforcement and those in the community who have been impacted by violence.

PATH is a no-cost pet adoption program available to individuals and families who have experienced violent crime. PATH recognizes that those who have experienced grief and trauma can find comfort through emotional support animals. Through the partnership with CACC, adopting families will receive continued support for the animal for a year after the adoption.

The Family Liaison Office was established in 2021 as a pilot program within the Bureau of Detectives. Since then, the program has been implemented in all five Detective Division Areas, Domestic Violence Court as well as the Major Accidents Investigations Unit.

The Family Liaison Officers are a bridge between homicide detectives and families of victims, providing resources and updates to the families as investigators seek justice for the victims. Since launching, the FLOs have expanded their presence for these families through regular engagements and continued contact throughout the investigative and judicial process.

If you are interested in participating in the PATH program, please contact your Area Family Liaison Office for more information.

You can find your District and Area HERE.