POLICE – New canine member joins Kamloops RCMP detachment

At 65 pounds, Kamloops’ newest police dog is the smallest of her local teammates, but what she lacks in size, she makes up for in personality.

Neeka, a pure black female German Shepherd, celebrated her second birthday on Jan. 9, 2022, just more than a month after graduating police dog training on Nov. 21, 2021.

Born and raised at the Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Neeka spent time in Red Deer and Kelowna before completing her studies and joining the Kamloops RCMP Detachment. Her speciality is in narcotics, as well as tracking and searching.

Following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Fargo, who retired in September, Neeka has also started training for the Emergency Response Team.

Her colour is very beneficial in the night – except when her teeth come out, said Corporal Stephen Prior, Neeka’s handler, who added she is also very quiet.

She has a really good demeanor and is super easy going, but quickly changes when it’s time to work, he added.

Neeka spent her birthday weekend on call.