Jet and Ben
After 16 Years the Jet and Ben ‘say NO to strangers’ programme has moved away from tradition and appointed new handler Claire Foster.
The key difference being that Claire is not a police officer but a member of police staff.
After her appointment in November 2007 Claire talks about how the first few months have gone:
“I was very excited and enthusiastic to be given the chance to take on such an important role within the community. The Jet and Ben programme has been successfully running for over 16 years and I can fondly remember my first encounter with Jet and Ben from my primary school days, showing how powerful and important the message is.”
“I am hopeful that I can continue the excellent work done by the previous handlers using Jet combined with music and visual aids to focus the young people’s attention and enthusiasm on the topics being discussed.”
“I also plan on bringing in some new focus on the ‘say no to strangers’ message as there are new dangers within our modern world such as internet safety. Many young people today use the internet and do not consider the possible dangers they could be putting themselves in.”
“We are working hard to a Jet and Ben website which can give safety information and advice to young people but also inform parents of their role in ensuring their computer has the correct software and safety monitoring installed to keep their child safe.”
“Since starting in November both Jet and I have been very busy with various activities but the main emphasis has been on training Jet. This involves lots of socialisation with different people and environments which will make him more confident and friendly with the aim of working better in schools.”
“In February Jet will begin his official Kennel Club Registered training which should be good fun for both of us. Jet has also been a part of the dog section training and has met the four new puppy German Shepherd puppies made famous by puppy cam on our force website!”
“Jet is now 20 weeks old so he is still eating puppy food three times a day which he loves. His favourite past time is playing; this is good as play helps with his training. Jet lives at home with me so this is a full time job, he loves his new role within Durham Constabulary and enjoys visiting young people in schools.”
“Both Jet and I have had a very busy, yet positive first few months we are looking forward to getting out into the Primary schools very soon.”
Claire Foster - Youth Inclusion Officer (Jet and Ben)
