NSW Police dog Hayley hangs up leash after nine years on the force

The cult hero from Coffs with a nose for narcotics has decided to retire after an illustrious career

DDD Hayley has retired after 9 years in the NSW Police Force. Based in Coffs Harbour, the drug detection dog travelled across the state busting crims and gathering a cult-following along the way.

One of the state’s most loved police dogs is hanging up the leash, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious crime fighting career.

Based in the Mid North Coast town of Coffs Harbour, drug detection dog Hayley has spent almost a decade assisting NSW Police in a unit with her three German shepherd partners Boags, Kal and Xtreme.

Hayley’s handler, Senior Constable Mark Baxter, said while she may be unassuming to the “untrained eye” the pint sized springer spaniel is truly the alpha-female in the unit.

DDD Hayley has officially retired from the NSW Police Force.

“Anytime they push their limits, Hayley quickly puts them in their rightful place with a sharp show of her teeth, a vocal ‘go away’ and a love snap to the neck,” he said.

“This is never met with any argument and often the male dogs would be sent with their tails between their legs to the doghouse (pardon the pun).”

Hayley has gained quite the following across her nine years in the force and when she isn’t sniffing out narcotics she is posing in selfies with starry eyed superfans and making people smile.

In-between operations she was often found at schools or lectures, inspiring people to join the police force and dog unit.

Hayley rests and her partner Xtreme acts tough next to some marijuana plants during an operation.

Constable Baxter said the unit was often approached by the public and he recounts a fond memory of being spotted by an elderly woman passing through town who had been following Hayley’s career on Facebook.

She asked in a softly spoken voice – “Excuse me Constable, you wouldn’t happen to have Hayley in your car would you?”

With an unrivalled talent for bringing people joy, Hayley didn’t miss a beat as they spent a few moments getting to know one another.

“Well, the smile that appeared on this lady‘s face would break anyone’s heart,” he said. “Hayley knew exactly what to give this lady.”

Not usually one for paperwork, Hayley takes to the computer to document a job well done.

Of course Hayley has dished out her fair share of frowns too, usually to the criminals whose drugs she has sniffed out.

Since joining the force as a bright-eyed and bushy tailed 12-month old, Hayley has been involved in more than 600 operations from major raids to vehicle searches.

She has located more than 125 kilograms of cannabis, two kilograms of ice and 1000 ecstasy tablets in the process.

Hayley was the first police drug dog to be based in Coffs Harbour and was the longest serving dog in the history of the NSW Dog Unit.

DDD Hayley looks proud after finding a few bags of contraband.

In that time Constable Baxter says she was not only a police dog, but a valuable member of his family. The “amazing bonds” that Hayley forged with his family will continue as she retires to a life of sleeping in on the beautiful Coffs Coast.

“Nine years is a significant time to spend with a young growing family,” he said.

“Whoever met Hayley instantly fell for her, she is a dog that instantly won any dog-lover over and she has a character that is intoxicating and extremely addictive. She is just a happy dog.”

“So on behalf of Hayley I would like to thank everyone who has made her working career successful. Thank You!”