'Special' police dog retires after eight years supporting GMP officers
PD Jax joined GMP as a puppy and helped detain dozens of suspects, impressing with both his confidence and gentle nature
A hound described as “the perfect police dog” by his handler is retiring after eight years in Greater Manchester.
PD Jax joined the force as a puppy in 2017 and helped with more than fifty arrests during his career supporting patrols and firearms officers.
His Jax’s legacy continues, with some of his children now working as police dogs in the region.
He has worked with several handlers in GMP, but most recently Inspector Weeden, who as a duo spent the last three years fighting crime in Greater Manchester.
Insp Weeden was confident of Jax’s ability from the moment they were paired together.] He said: “I knew from day one how special he was in every aspect of being a police dog – he was super confident but also had a calm, caring, and loving demeanour when off duty.”
PD Jax’s confidence was an attribute that led him and Insp Weeden to detaining numerous suspects across the region. However, the German Shepherd would relax once he returned to the van, once the job was done.
“I always knew what he was the ‘perfect’ police dog,” Insp Weeden said. “Within minutes of detaining someone, Jax would be in the back of the van asleep like nothing had happened.
“However, on many occasions, Jax’s presence and confidence meant that a high number of suspects surrendered to him, preventing the need for him to be deployed.
“Every deployment for him was about getting the job done and then going back to be quiet Jax.”
Two of Jax's children are already tackling crime in the region – PD Harley and PD Hully.
He is father to three other dogs in the force area, two of which could join as operational PDs in the future.
GMP say Jax has also been a sire for other forces around the country - and even as far as New Zealand!
In a final tribute to his former crime-fighting partner, Insp Weeden said: “Personally, I am extremely proud of Jax’s achievements and have mixed emotions around his retirement.
"I am happy to see him put his feet up now and relax, but I can still see the disappointment in his eyes when I leave for work without him. That is the difficult part of leaving that partnership bond.
"He was the perfect partner and has protected me and other colleagues numerous times. The bond will never be broken but the working relationship had to end for him to have a happy and healthy retirement. He has deserved it.”