Gatineau police welcome newest K9 recruit

Tashi Farmilo

A new member has joined the Gatineau Police canine unit: Riley, a two-year-old female German Shepherd, who will work alongside her handler, Constable Gabriel Pouliot. The department says the pair is already proving valuable during interventions and operations.

Pouliot and Riley have been on duty since May 28 and have taken part in about 20 operations so far. Like fellow police dog Prima, Riley will be tasked with searching for missing persons or fleeing or hidden suspects, helping detect drugs and firearms, searching for objects or evidence at crime scenes or in missing-persons cases, and apprehending suspects.

Beyond several months of basic training with an expert, Riley will continue to train regularly with her handler to sharpen her skills. That training takes place in various residential and industrial areas of Gatineau, so residents may spot her in different neighbourhoods even when no crime is involved.

The Gatineau Police are looking for unoccupied industrial buildings, including ones awaiting demolition, to use as varied training sites for Riley and Prima. Property owners interested in helping can reach the department at spvg.gi@gatineau.ca. Anyone who sees Riley or Prima at work is asked to refrain from approaching them so as not to interfere.

Police dogs have long proven their value to law enforcement, thanks to senses of smell, hearing and sight far sharper than those of humans. The Gatineau Police have had a canine unit for more than 20 years. Prima took over from Gunner, who retired in October 2022 after six years of service, and Riley now joins Prima to round out the team.

"It's a privilege to do the job I'm passionate about with my canine partner," Pouliot said, describing months of perseverance with Riley to prepare for their many duties and the strong bond it built between them. He added that putting their skills to work for the public and for different sections of the department is a privilege.