Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) dog handlers and their four-legged officers are highly-trained, multi-skilled and always ready to deploy to some of this province's highest risk calls for service.
From sniffing out drugs to tracking missing persons and suspects, PDS had a busy week assisting in 24 investigations between February 11-16, 2025.
Below are some of the calls PDS responded to during that week:
Tailing the suspects: On February 11, Tisdale RCMP received a report of an intoxicated driver on Main Street in Tisdale, SK (full release: Tisdale RCMP: three arrested after fleeing from police). The vehicle fled from police. When officers located it, two males fled on foot. With time and the cold weather being a factor, PDS handler and police dog Lux jumped into action and helped locate the suspects in the extreme temperature.
Sniffed out: On February 12, Battlefords RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business on 22nd Street in Battleford, SK. Investigation determined two unknown males entered the business, attempted to steal product and assaulted a staff member, who did not report any serious injuries to police. PDS handler and police dog Sully helped officers in tracking, locating and arresting the two suspects without incident. As result of investigation, a 26-year-old male and a 17-year-old youth were charged.
Bark and enter: On February 14, Broadview RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a residence near Elcapo, SK. Investigators determined that an individual had fled into the bushes beside the residence. With the assistance of PDS handler and police dog Relic, an adult male was located and arrested. As result of investigation, a 43-year-old male was charged.
On the scent: On February 14, Battlefords RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge in North Battleford, SK. Investigation determined the firearm was discharged from a vehicle with three individuals inside; no injuries were reported to police (full release: Battlefords RCMP: three arrested after fleeing from police in stolen vehicle). PDS handler and Sully located the suspect vehicle stuck in a ditch on the Red Pheasant First Nation. With the temperature of -27 degrees Celsius and factoring in the wind chill, officers knew they had to act fast to get the suspect out of the cold. As a result of quick response from officers, one adult male suspect was arrested at the scene. Officers then received a report that the two additional suspects were at a residence on the Red Pheasant First Nation. Investigation determined that the suspects fled on foot. PDS handler and Sully tracked and located the two suspects at another residence where they were arrested. PDS handler and Sully returned to the suspect vehicle that was stuck in the ditch and located a firearm and a magazine a short distance from the vehicle.
Caught paw-handed: On February 15, Battlefords RCMP received a report of a break and enter at a residence on 107th Street in North Battleford, SK. Investigation determined two unknown males armed with a knife stole a TV and a phone from the residence. No injuries were reported to police. PDS handler and Sully were engaged and helped officers in locating and arresting the two suspects without incident. As result of investigation, a 27-year-old male and a 24-year-old male were charged.
Caught paw-handed 2.0: While officers were finishing investigating the break and enter at the residence on 107th Street, Battlefords RCMP received a report of an assault at a residence on 108th Street in North Battleford, SK. Investigation determined two individuals forced their way into a home then assaulted and pointed a firearm at an occupant. No serious injuries were reported to police. Investigators determined the suspects were at a separate residence. PDS handler and Sully assisted with containment on the residence. Two individuals then exited the residence and were arrested without incident. As result of investigation, a 17-year-old youth was charged.
Track down: On February 15, 2025, Big River RCMP received reports of three stabbing incidents on Big River First Nation (full release: Saskatchewan RCMP: stabbing incidents reported on Big River First Nation). PDS handler and Sully assisted Big River RCMP officers with scene containment and suspect tracking in the investigation.
This is just one glimpse at a typical week for the RCMP PDS. Police dogs and their dedicated handlers are ready to help with investigations anywhere in the province, in any type of weather, and at anytime of day or night. Whether they're using their nose to track leads or uncover critical evidence, they work tirelessly on every file they take on," says Sgt. David McClarty, who heads PDS. "Their specialized training allows them to tackle complex situations, and at times they will turn the most challenging file into a success, making them a crucial part of Saskatchewan RCMP's policing services.