Fighting crime one track at a time: Meet PC Brewster and PD Donnie, the dynamic duo are one of eight new GMP Tactical Dog Unit teams

Greater Manchester Police have recently welcomed eight new police dogs and handlers to the force to help tackle crime across Greater Manchester.

 

One of the new pairings is PC Liam Brewster and PD Donnie. The former response officer, who has worked for the force for five years, and the 17-month-old German Shepherd became operational in December 2024 following the completion of a 13-week course.

 

The duo was partnered on the first day of their course, based on their size and personalities, a decision PC Brewster was delighted with.

 

 

“Before we started the course, we did an assessment, suitability course here, part of the recruitment process,” PC Brewster said. “Donnie was one of the dogs throughout the three days, and I really liked him. He was just a very happy dog and always my favourite.”

 

Dog handlers can be called to a variety of jobs during their shift, with PC Brewster and PD Donnie wasting little time to show off how good of a pairing they are by locating three suspects just a few weeks into their operational duties in Heywood.

 

“A job came in Heywood, with an attempted break-in by three suspects trying to gain entry to an address,” PC Brewster said. “They’ve made off, and I made my way to the area. The three suspects have been spotted by a traffic officer, and they ran off into a wooded area.

 

“I made my way there [with Donnie], where they [the suspects] were last seen. I’ve put him on his tracking line and harness.

 

“So, Donnie’s begun tracking through the woods where the suspects were last seen. He’s continued to track and located items of property believed to have been discarded by the suspects, continued around the industrial premises, and eventually indicated under a bench by a disused smoking shelter on the grounds, and the three suspects were located by Donnie hiding in the bushes.”

 

 

After a hard day’s work, it’s important for both the handler and dog to enjoy their time at home. Luckily for police dogs, they live with their handlers and can shut off from crime for a period.

 

PD Brewster and PD Donnie’s chemistry was made even stronger when the officer discovered his furry friend shared the exact same birthday as his daughter.

 

“I found out while I was on the course with Donnie that he was actually born on the same day as my daughter,” PC Brewster said. “Same year, same date, they’re exactly the same age, so that’s a nice sentimental fact.”