News release

Missing woman safely located by RCMP Police Service Dog Neeka

July 21, 2025 - Barriere, British Columbia
From: Barriere RCMP

Content

File #25-648

A 77-year-old Barriere senior and her family are thanking four-legged hero, Police Dog Neeka, after family members reported the woman missing.

On July 21, 2025, Barriere RCMP received a report of a missing woman who left her home for approximately three hours. Her unexpected absence raised alarms for her family who grew concerned for her safety.

With time against them as thunderstorm clouds were rolling in, Barriere RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) arrived on scene with PSD Neeka deployed to assist in the search.

Navigating through thick bushes and trees, Police Dog Neeka picked up the woman’s scent within 15 minutes of arrival and tracked the senior down an embankment. Barriere RCMP officers assisted with bringing the senior out of the bank area and back to safety.

With another person safe and sound, and the mission now complete, the team can breathe a sigh of relief. For Corporal Stephen Prior, a 25-year RCMP veteran and a 20-year member of the Police Dog Service Unit, it was another proud moment in a long and fulfilling career.

Paired with his fifth police dog, Neeka, Cpl. Prior and Neeka have built an exceptional bond over the years.

Neeka, the only working female RCMP police dog in the BC RCMP’s Southeast District. Neeka joined the Kamloops RCMP in 2021 after graduating from the Police Dog Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta. Known for her well-rounded personality and calm demeanor, Neeka and her handler have also been part of the Emergency Response Team since pairing together in 2021, answering over 500 calls since her arrival.

“Being a part of the RCMP for the last 25 years has been a rewarding experience. I love being part of the PDS team, and part of the community,” explains Cpl. Prior.  “As my retirement date comes a little closer, I sometimes wonder if it is time to hang up the badge and uniform. But after each successful case and seeing the joy, we bring to families reunited with their loved ones, I start to think instead if I can handle one more police dog before I end my career on a high note and retire doing what I love, and that is being a police dog handler in the RCMP.”

Thank you to PSD Neeka and her handler Cpl. Prior for their quick action in successfully locating the women. 

Contacts