Every year, the Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Police Board recognizes officers, civilian staff, and citizens, for extraordinary and courageous acts.

Read their stories in our Beyond the Call publication.

Police Board Certificate of Merit

This award is given by the Vancouver Police Board to citizens who help prevent a crime by apprehending or trying to apprehend an offender, or by trying to save a life, while faced with actual or anticipated danger.

Chief Constable’s Commendation

The Vancouver Police Department’s Chief’s Commendation can be awarded to police officers and civilian staff who:

  • demonstrate skill, judgement, dedication, and/or integrity in their performance of duty during an investigation; or
  • demonstrate the highest standards of police conduct or humanitarianism in a single operation, incident or investigation; or
  • show diligent and sustained effort in their performance of duties; or
  • develop a method or program that has a positive effect on the operation of the Department

Chief Constable Unit Citations

A unit is defined as two or more members, police and / or civilian, working together. A Unit Citation is award for:

  • diligent and sustained effort in the performance of duties well above that which is normally expected; or
  • outstanding performance in relation to an investigation, operation or incident; or
  • developing a method or program that significantly affects the operation of one or more divisions in the Department

Chief Constable’s Award of Valour

The Chief Constable’s Award of Valour is awarded to police officers for:

  • demonstrating the most conspicuous act of bravery in extremely hazardous circumstances; or
  • a daring or pre-eminent act of valour, self-sacrifice or exceptional devotion to duty in the presence of grave danger; or
  • purposely taking action for the benefit of others, while knowing that in doing so, they placed themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury