The police officer in Pokémon Detective Pikachu is Lieutenant Hide Yoshida, a senior member of the Ryme City Police Department. He is a veteran investigator and one of the heads of the police force in the city where humans and Pokémon live together. Yoshida is a colleague and friend of Harry Goodman, the detective whose disappearance drives the story, and he had also known Harry's son Tim Goodman from an earlier time. As part of his police work, Yoshida is partnered with a Snubbull, which serves as a police dog at the station; despite the Pokémon's grumpy and tough appearance, Yoshida views it as caring and gentle on the inside.

In terms of personality, Yoshida is professional, experienced, and grounded in procedure and official evidence. He initially serves as the authority who delivers the news of Harry's death to Tim, and he is concerned about how Tim handles the loss. When Tim and his partner, a talking Pikachu, begin to suspect that Harry may still be alive, Yoshida remains skeptical and firmly believes the case is closed, showing him recorded footage of the crash as proof that survival would have been impossible. His motivation is to carry out his duties honestly, maintain order in Ryme City, and protect the peace between humans and Pokémon, which includes overseeing security at major public events such as the Pokémon Parade.

Yoshida's role in the story is that of a supporting figure connected to the official investigation into Harry Goodman's accident. He informs Tim of the tragedy, and later Tim and Pikachu are brought before him after being arrested during a police raid on an illegal underground Pokémon battle arena. He presents the crash footage that frames the official version of events, but the footage later becomes important when other characters reinterpret it to uncover the truth. During the climax, when a dangerous gas is released across the city and causes humans and Pokémon to fuse together, Yoshida is among those affected and becomes fused with his Snubbull before the process is reversed.

His key relationships are with Harry Goodman, as a trusted friend and fellow officer, and with Tim Goodman, whom he treats with concern and a sense of responsibility. His bond with his Snubbull reflects his quieter, more caring side beneath his stern professional exterior. Although Yoshida does not undergo a major personal transformation, he develops from an unquestioning representative of the official police conclusion into someone caught up in the larger conspiracy, and he retains his commitment to his duty throughout. His notable abilities lie in investigative work, leadership within the police department, and his effective partnership with his Snubbull as a police dog.