Police Service Dog Joker is known within the VPD’s Canine Unit as a hardworking, driven, and dependable partner. But on October 24, 2025, Joker proved just how crucial he and his fellow VPD K9’s are in keeping Vancouver safe when he helped locate and apprehend a violent robbery suspect.
PSD Joker, a 70-pound German shepherd born on July 19, 2018, began his life in the Czech Republic before training in Alabama and ultimately joining the Vancouver Police Department. His handler, VPD Constable Matt Wilson, describes him as a dog who “lives to work,” eager every day to jump into the truck and get on the road.
Shortly after starting his shift at 2000 hours, Constable Wilson and PSD Joker were dispatched to a troubling scene: a member of the public had been violently struck on the head with a metal pipe and had their bag stolen near Main Street and Terminal Avenue. As Constable Wilson arrived on scene, he quickly gathered information from officers about the suspect’s last known location. It was decided that with a violent offender on the run, Joker was deployed almost immediately to begin tracking the suspect.
In less than three minutes, PSD Joker caught the suspect’s scent and tracked him directly to his location, a task no human officer could have completed as quickly or effectively. But when Joker reached the suspect, the situation escalated rapidly. Despite dropping the metal pipe at the scene of the original crime, the suspect was in possession of second metal pipe and began swinging it repeatedly at Joker as he attempted to apprehend the suspect.
Joker was struck in the head and face with the pipe several times, but still persevered in his apprehension of the suspect long enough for Constable Wilson and fellow VPD Officers to safely take control of the scene.
Immediately afterward, Constable Wilson and another VPD dog handler rushed Joker to the vet. Thankfully, Joker only suffered a bloody eye and facial swelling, but no broken bones or other serious, long-lasting injuries. True to his resilient nature, Joker only missed the final day of his work week to rest and recover, and was back on duty the following week.
Joker’s bravery and determination directly contributed to the arrest of the suspect involved in the violent assault, an outcome that may not have been possible without him. And this incident is only one example of the important work police service dogs perform every single day right here in Vancouver.
When off duty, PSD Joker lives as joyful and goofy as any family dog. He loves swimming and chasing his favourite Kong toy. But when the vest goes on, he is all business: focused, fearless, and ready to serve.
With senses far beyond human capability, lightning-quick reflexes, and an unwavering dedication to their handlers and to their work, working dogs like Joker play a crucial role in policing. Joker’s courage on October 24 is a reminder of the extraordinary ways these four-legged heroes are helping make Vancouver safer for all.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT PSD JOKER + HIS FELLOW FOUR-LEGGED CANINE HEROES:
Adopt a Canine – Bring a K9 into your family with a virtual adoption.
Canine Adoption Kit – Includes an 8″ K9 plush, adoption certificate, and K9 profile card. Great holiday giving!
Buy the 2026 VPD K9 Calendar – Featuring Gibbs and Solo, along with the three rookies, Bowser, Oak and Arkham plus the rest of their Canine colleagues, get your calendars before they sell out! All proceeds supporting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and BC Cancer Foundation.
Donate in their honour – Support the Canine Unit with a gift that funds safety equipment, training, and enrichment for new VPD Police Service Dogs.
The Vancouver Police Foundation supports programs and initiatives that fall within three streams: community outreach and engagement (including programs for women, youth and seniors); public and personal safety; and specialized equipment and technology. You can help make Vancouver safer for all by donating to the Vancouver Police Foundation.
