Canine Officer Jett officially retired today after serving for almost eight years with the Hillsborough Police Department. She was the department’s first female canine officer. 

“Jett made a name for herself with her skill level and tenacity,” said Sgt. Scott Foster, who leads the department’s canine program. “She will be hard to match.”

The nearly 10-year-old German shepherd dog joined the department in 2018 and was named by students in Hillsborough for her speed and glossy black fur. She was purchased with a donation from the Durham Kennel Club.

Jett was paired with two officers — former Hillsborough Police Officer Mike Toellen until 2023 and then Police Cpl. Juan Duran. Canine officers live with their handlers and patrol with them. Together, they train for at least 16 hours a month in a variety of scenarios and in different locations and weather conditions.

“Jett is extremely intelligent,” Duran said. “I would put her up against any dog in the state for tracking. She’s an all-star tracker.”

In 2023, she tracked a suspect who had alluded law enforcement for three years, doing so despite the suspect’s maneuvers through woods and across Interstate 85.

Jett was trained to show controlled aggression, which involves barking loudly and assertively on command.

“She is definitely known for her bark,” Foster said. “For her small size, she has a distinctive and attention-getting bark that resulted in multiple peaceful surrenders.”

This de-escalation tactic has been helpful as people want to avoid contact with a police dog.

“I’ve pulled up to chaotic scenes and when Jett started barking, things calmed down,” Duran said. “When serving warrants, people complied pretty quickly when they heard her bark."  

In addition to tracking suspects and apprehending violent offenders, Jett located many illegal narcotics. She also participated in canine demonstrations throughout the community and interacted with hundreds of school children over her career.  

“She’s been an invaluable member of the team, serving alongside Duran with distinction,” Foster said. “She made Hillsborough a safer place to live and visit. She exemplified the vital roles that canine teams play in public safety. It’s bittersweet to see her retire, but she’s earned every moment of relaxation coming her way. She’s trading in her badge for a ball.”  

In retirement, Jett will continue to live with Duran.

Hillsborough Canines

Foster is in the process of selecting a new canine officer for the Police Department. The new dog will be purchased with an anonymous donation made by a Hillsborough resident. Once a dog is selected, several months of additional training will occur before the canine patrols with the department.

Hillsborough’s canine officers are born in Europe and receive early training there before traveling to a canine training facility in Sanford. The facility in Sanford provides additional training for police dogs and their handlers.