Chief Constable Steve Rai, O.O.M.
Chief Constable Steve Rai was born in Punjab, India, and immigrated to Vancouver with his family at a young age. Prior to joining the Vancouver Police Department, he served with the Canadian Forces Reserves while also completing his bachelor of arts degree in Asian studies at the University of British Columbia. He then went on to further his education with a master of arts in criminal justice from the University of the Fraser Valley.
Chief Rai began his career with the VPD in 1990, working for eight years as a frontline patrol constable in District 3, with duties that included field training and mentoring new police officers. He also drew on his cultural background to work extensively with the District’s diverse communities. Chief Rai subsequently completed assignments in Court and Detention Services, as a Recruiting Unit investigator, and on secondment to the former Coordinated Law Enforcement Unit. He then completed a second operational tour in District 1 as the community police officer where he managed the Davie Street Community Policing Office. This position required collaboration with local community leaders, business owners, and volunteers to address neighbourhood crime and disorder issues.
In addition to his regular operational duties, Chief Rai completed a number of concurrent assignments, including ten years as an Emergency Response Team crisis negotiator, six years with the VPD’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and three years with the Forensic Interview Team, utilizing his Punjabi language skills.
Chief Rai was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2003, where he returned to District 3. As an operational supervisor, he oversaw a team of ten constables, dealing with a multitude of critical incidents and complex investigations. In 2004, he transferred to the position of sergeant-in-charge of the VPD Recruiting Unit. During this assignment, he led a highly motivated team of investigators in fulfilling the Department’s mandate of hiring a large number of police officers, jail guards and traffic authority members. His team was successful in attracting numerous new exempt police officer applicants while also increasing the number of Indigenous, ethnic, and female recruits, through innovative community outreach and mentoring of young future officers.
Following his position in the Recruiting Unit, Chief Rai returned to the Operations Division, this time in District 2, including the Downtown Eastside. He managed a team of constables dealing with unique sets of problems including extreme poverty and serious drug addiction.
Chief Rai joined the VPD Senior Leadership Team upon his promotion to the rank of inspector in 2007, where he took on the role of Executive Officer in the Chief Constable’s Office. His next assignment was in 2008 as the Operational Duty Officer, where he was responsible for critical incident management city-wide. In 2009, Chief Rai returned to the Training and Recruiting Section during a high-pressure time — the section successfully hired a large number of officers in preparation for the 2010 Olympics while increasing the diversity of the department, earning him a Chief Constable’s Citation.
Chief Rai also became a certified Bronze, Silver, and Gold Public Order Commander in 2009, where he effectively led the response to a number of high-profile and protracted public order protests and demonstrations. He was a Vancouver Departmental Operations Centre Commander for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the Incident Commander for the Occupy Vancouver Movement, and led the successful quelling of the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot as North Commander.
After the 2010 Olympics, Chief Rai transferred to become the Director in charge of the Human Resources Section, where he led a strong team of senior sergeants, exempt managers, and civilian professionals in meeting the challenging needs of VPD’s diverse workforce. In this role, Chief Rai initiated and led the formation of the Employee Wellness Program, delivering a positive effect on employee retention, which significantly contributed to the future recognition of the VPD as one of British Columbia’s Top Employers.
In 2012, Chief Rai returned to the Operations Division as the District 3 Commander, where he oversaw 200 police officers and was responsible for all crime-fighting approaches and community partnerships. Under his command, targeted programs were implemented to address crime trends including focused bicycle and foot patrols in designated areas without impacting regular service efficiencies. During this time, overall District 3 crime dropped by 21% and the violent crime rate decreased by 17%.
In July 2014, Chief Rai was promoted to superintendent in Personnel Services, where he oversaw all sworn and civilian employee matters, including managing union issues, employee support, promotions, training standards, and discipline under the BC Police Act. As superintendent, he stabilized some of the most contentious Professional Standards files in recent VPD history, while strengthening cooperative relationships with union partners, the Office of the Police Complaints Commission, community groups, and individuals. His actions led to the near-total replacement of formal grievance proceedings by informal resolutions that exemplify responsiveness, consistency, fairness, and unbiased decision-making.
In June 2015, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable of Support Services Division, including Finance, Human Resources, Professional Standards, Labour and Employee Relations, Training and Recruiting, Force Options, Risk Management, Technology, Legal, Facilities, Fleet, Information Management, and Strategic Planning. Through innovative recruiting strategies, he has led the hiring of the majority of the current sworn and civilian VPD workforce. He led the implementation of leading-edge cultural competency and de-escalation training, a comprehensive employee wellness and support program, and technological advancements and efficiencies at the VPD. He has also led bargaining with all employee union groups through four consecutive collective agreement settlements, and has managed the annual VPD budget for the last decade.
Also during his tenure as Deputy Chief, he led the 2017 Operational Review which resulted in more than 170 additional staff for the VPD, the organization’s COVID-19 response, a successful budget appeal in 2021, the 2023 VPD Deployment Plan for the hiring of the 100 new officers allocated by Vancouver Mayor and City Council, and the implementation of Enterprise Risk Management in 2024. Furthermore, he championed the rollout of a new respectful workplace policy and oversees organization-wide strategic and business planning, including the development of the 2017-2021 and 2022-2026 VPD strategic plans.
Chief Rai continues to expand his executive leadership skills. He was the only Canadian police officer accepted for the U.S. State Department’s International Leadership Development Program, which brought together police leaders from throughout the world. He is a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute Leadership Program, the Major City Chiefs Association Police Executive Leadership Program, the Harvard Business School Executive Development Program, and the Global Policing Innovation Exchange coordinated by the Australian Institute of Police Management.
Throughout his career, he has been involved in many different committees in support of the law enforcement profession and his impact extends beyond Vancouver. He was one of the founding members of the Canadian Armed Forces Advisory Council on Diversity, where he shared his expertise in recruiting for diversity into the Canadian military. He has served as the President of the BC Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police (BCAMCP) and on Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) committees, leading change and advancing complex multi-jurisdictional public safety issues provincially and nationally.
He has received five VPD commendations along with several community and other external awards. These include the Chief Constable’s Commendation for “courage and professionalism,” four Chief Constable Unit Citations, Police Exemplary Service Medals, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. He was also the recipient of the Khalsa Diwan Society and India Cultural Centre of Canada Community Exemplary Awards. He was appointed as a Member to the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in May 2016, and promoted to Officer within the Order of Merit (O.O.M.) in May 2020. The Order of Merit is “a fellowship of honour recognizing the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community and to humanity at large.”
In 2025, Deputy Chief Rai was appointed as the 32nd Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department.
Chief Constable Steve Rai, O.O.M.
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In May 2025, Chief Constable Steve Rai was appointed to lead the sworn and civilian members of the Vancouver Police Department.
At his side are Senior Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow, Deputy Chief Don Chapman, Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, and Deputy Chief Alison Laurin, who each lead their own Division.
As of 2025, the VPD has 487 civilian professionals and 1,452 sworn officers.
Senior Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow, O.O.M.
Senior Deputy Chief Howard Chow was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and moved to BC in 1985 to attend Simon Fraser University where he completed a bachelor of arts degree in criminology.
Senior Deputy Chief Chow began his career with the VPD in 1989, and he has had many roles at various ranks throughout the city. He was part of the Crowd Control Unit for 12 years in the early ’90s, most recently as a Public Order Commander, and attended a highly regarded training centre in the UK, completing Silver-Bronze and Gold Commander courses.
As a dog handler, Senior Deputy Chief Chow spent almost nine years working and training two police dogs, Samson and Jackal. Together, they were responsible for the arrest and capture of hundreds of criminals.
In 2004, Senior Deputy Chief Chow became the Department’s media spokesperson, and for four years addressed reporters at daily press conferences on issues related to the VPD. He was one of two sergeants in charge of the Recruiting Unit, tasked with hiring over 200 members leading up to the 2010 Olympics. He led progressive and creative initiatives, such as using social media for recruiting — making VPD the first major police department in Canada to do so — and helped revolutionize conventional policing methods for attracting quality applicants.
Senior Deputy Chief Chow was assigned to the Integrated Riot Investigation Team in 2011, and the team pursued charges against rioters who participated in the Vancouver hockey riot. His communications background and his connections with the media helped support successful investigative strategies.
In 2012, he was a Staff Sergeant in the Traffic Section, followed by a promotion to Inspector in charge of Facilities, overseeing the security and management of 11 police buildings.
As the Inspector in charge of District 2 in 2014, he oversaw 200 police officers in the northeast area of Vancouver, the officers of the Beat Enforcement Team in the Downtown Eastside, and the Marine Unit.
In 2016, Deputy Chief Chow was promoted to Superintendent, Personnel Services, in charge of the Human Resources Section, the Professional Standards Section, and the Training and Recruiting Section.
He was promoted to Deputy Chief in September of 2017 and put in charge of the Operations Division. In 2025, he was promoted to Senior Deputy, in charge of the Investigation Division.
Senior Deputy Chief Chow is the current Chair of the Vancouver Police Community Fund. In 2017, he completed a master of arts in criminal justice from the University of the Fraser Valley.
Senior Deputy Chief Chow is the recipient of six VPD commendations and was honoured with the 125th Canadian Confederation of Canada medal in 1993. He has been married to his wife, Angie, for over 20 years.
Senior Deputy Chief Constable Howard Chow, O.O.M.
Investigation Division
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Deputy Chief Don Chapman M.O.M
Deputy Chief Chapman spent the first five years of his career working in Operations – District 3, as well as assignments as a field trainer, ERT reserve, and as a member of the Public Safety Unit. In 2003, he was selected to join the Emergency Response Team as a tactical operator and over the course of 11 years participated in 600 critical incidents, becoming a Team Leader and subject matter expert in explosive disposal, explosive forced entry and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear operations.
In 2013, Deputy Chief Chapman was promoted to sergeant and pursued assignments as the Aide to the Deputy Chief Constable in Operations. He led a patrol team in District 4, and oversaw the Research and Policy Unit in the Planning, Research, and Audit Section. In 2017, he was promoted to staff sergeant, and has since worked in the Operations Division, as well as in the Professional Standards Section.
In 2020, Deputy Chief Chapman was promoted to inspector, and was a Duty Officer and the Inspector in charge of the Emergency and Operational Planning Section.
In December 2021, he was promoted to superintendent and was assigned to the Support Services Division – Discipline Authority Services portfolio, where he performed the function of Discipline Authority in accordance with the BC Police Act. In the fall of 2023, Deputy Chief Chapman took over the VPD’s Operations Support Command portfolio, where he currently oversees the Departments Court and Detention Services Section, the Operations Support Section, the Traffic Section, and the Emergency Response Section. In addition, Deputy Chief Chapman is an accredited Public Safety Gold Commander, and he has spent the last two years working with the City of Vancouver and the Provincial Government to bring about a series of safe resolutions related to encampments within the Province of B.C. with specific emphasis given to Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
In 2025, he was promoted to Deputy Chief in charge of the Strategy & Innovation Division.
Deputy Chief Chapman is the recipient of the 20-year Exemplary Service Medal, seven Chief Constable’s Unit Citation Awards, and is a Commissioner Officer as per Queen Elizabeth The Second. He continues to devote time as the Chair of the VPD’s Equipment Committee, CBRNE Working Group, the VPD’s Remotely Piloted Aerial Program, the mental health awareness initiative Project Connect Protect, and he represents the VPD as the Chair of the VPD’s Military Liaison Unit.
Deputy Chief Constable Don Chapman. M.O.M.
Strategy & Innovation Division
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Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, M.O.M.
Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Chan was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and immigrated to Vancouver with his family at a young age. He began his career with the Vancouver Police Department in 1997 as a reserve constable and was sworn in as a regular constable in 1999. During the first five years of his career, Deputy Chief Chan served as a frontline patrol constable, with assignments that included walking the beat, the bicycle squad, and the Public Safety Unit.
In 2004, he was selected to the Emergency Response Team (ERT) as a tactical operator, where he held several specialized roles and was a key member of the training cadre for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games deployment.
In 2011, Deputy Chief Chan was promoted to sergeant and served in supervisory roles as a patrol sergeant and ERT tactical team leader. In 2016, he transitioned to the Human Resources Section, where he served as the sergeant-in-charge of the Department Security Office and later as the staff sergeant-in-charge of HR Operations. Following his promotion to inspector in 2019, he remained in the Human Resources Section as the officer-in-charge, managing 14 units and overseeing all aspects of HR operations and employee services for sworn and civilian professional staff.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Deputy Chief Chan was assigned as a Silver Commander in the VPD Department Operations Centre and served as the executive lead in charge of the Pandemic Working Group. He was also the executive lead responsible for the development of the VPD’s 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.
Promoted to superintendent in 2020, he joined the VPD executive leadership team and was assigned to Disciplinary Authority Services, where he was responsible for adjudicating Police Act discipline proceedings. In 2021, he was assigned to Operations Support Command, overseeing 400 police officers and special constables across six sections including the Court & Detention Services Section, Duty Officers, Emergency and Operational Planning Section, Emergency Response Section, Traffic Section, and Operations Support Section.
In 2023, Deputy Chief Chan transferred to Emergency Management and Major Events Command as the executive lead in charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026 VancouverTM Integrated Safety and Security Unit. In 2025, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable and appointed to oversee the Support Services Division, with responsibility for Personnel Services, Professional Standards Services, Disciplinary Authority Services, Training Services, and Recruiting and Academy Services.
Deputy Chief Chan has completed extensive executive and professional development programs, including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Executive Mentorship Program, the National Critical Incident Commander Program at the Canadian Police College (CPC), and the Gold Public Order Commander Course through the UK College of Policing. He has deployed in senior command roles at numerous major security and public order events, including the 2010 G20 Toronto Summit, 2011 Vancouver Stanley Cup Riot, and the 2022 Ottawa Freedom Convoy.
Deputy Chief Chan has presented at national and international forums, including the CACP Annual Summit, the Law of Policing Conference, and the INTERPOL Project Stadia Conference. Deputy Chief Chan formerly served as the co-chair of the CACP Emergency Management Committee, and in 2025, was appointed President of the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP).
In 2024, Deputy Chief Chan was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada. He is the recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Police Exemplary Service Medal, the British Columbia Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Valour and Meritorious Service, and ten VPD commendations.
Deputy Chief Chan is married to his wife Kathy, a senior member of the VPD, and they have a school-aged daughter, Natasha.
Deputy Chief Constable Andrew Chan, M.O.M.
Support Services Division
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Deputy Chief Alison Laurin
Deputy Chief Alison Laurin has been a member of the VPD since 2005. She began her career in uniform working in East Vancouver. She then served as a detective for three years in the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit, and for four years in the Homicide Unit. Additionally, she worked as an affiant on Project Reality, a major homicide and conspiracy investigation that had significant impacts on organized crime.
Promoted to sergeant in 2016, Deputy Chief Laurin served in the Professional Standards Section and the Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit where she led numerous successful projects to apprehend sexual offenders. She also worked on several local and provincial committees focusing on the safety of women and children.
In 2020, she was promoted to staff sergeant and was assigned to the Beat Enforcement Team and the Marine Unit. She worked with five beat teams and engaged with numerous community partners. Here she successfully led Project Bankroll, a multi-jurisdictional fentanyl trafficking investigation which resulted in 15 criminal charges and the seizure of $4.7 million in illicit drugs, firearms, and $584,000 in assets from drug traffickers supplying vulnerable residents in the community.
Upon promotion to inspector, she was transferred to the Court and Detention Services Section, where she oversaw the Vancouver Jail and relationships with the courts. In 2021, she was assigned to command of District 2 in the Operations Division, where she was responsible for over 200 frontline officers, and led the roll out of new digital evidence management systems in the District.
She was promoted to superintendent in December 2021 and seconded as a Deputy Chief Officer with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC). In 2025, she was promoted to Deputy Chief in charge of the Operations Division.
Deputy Chief Laurin holds a bachelor of science with honours and a master’s degree in resource and environmental management from Simon Fraser University. She is the recipient of two Chief Constable’s Commendations. She enjoys spending time with husband, Mike Laurin, who is currently an Inspector at the Property & Forensic Storage Section.
Deputy Chief Constable Alison Laurin
Operations Division
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Chief Financial Officer Nancy Eng
Chief Financial Officer Nancy Eng provides strategic financial oversight and ensures fiscal accountability for the VPD.
Nancy joined the VPD in July 2005 as Controller, was promoted to Senior Director, Financial Services in May 2015, and assumed her current role in August 2025. She oversees Budgets and Reporting, Accounting Services, and Purchasing and Inventory.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Nancy holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in accounting and management information systems. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), having obtained her designation through the British Columbia Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Prior to joining the VPD, Nancy articled with Smythe Ratcliffe, a local firm of Chartered Accountants, before transitioning to the not-for-profit sector in 1995. She has held senior financial leadership roles including Controller at the Hospital Employees’ Union, the Organized Crime Agency of British Columbia and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, as well as Manager, Finance at the British Columbia Housing Management Commission.
Nancy brings deep expertise in financial management, budgeting, policy development, reporting and accounting frameworks, taxation, purchasing, payroll, and strategic planning. She has led transformative initiatives that streamlined business processes, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced transparency.
A passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, Nancy actively fosters professional networks. She has chaired local, regional, and national committees supporting public safety, including serving on the Executive of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and founding a national network for Canadian Police Finance Professionals.
Added: Nancy is a recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal, and a Chief Constable Unit Citation for the implementation of VPD’s Workforce Management System.
Chief Financial Officer Nancy Eng
Finance
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Superintendent Kevin Bernardin, M.O.M.
Superintendent Kevin Bernardin began his service with the Vancouver Police Department in 1994 as a reserve constable. Before being sworn in as a VPD constable in 1998, he worked as a civilian member dispatcher with the RCMP at E Division. Throughout his career, Kevin has held diverse roles in Patrol, Bicycle Squad, Collision Investigation, and Citizens’ Crime Watch, and completed two assignments with the Public Order Unit. He also served as a negotiator technician and part-time range instructor with both the VPD and the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Promoted to sergeant in 2011, Kevin led teams in the Jail, Community Policing Services, and Patrol. In 2016, he advanced to the rank of staff sergeant, taking on leadership roles in the Professional Standards Section, District 1, and the Traffic Section. His continued excellence led to his promotion to inspector in 2020, where he served as the Executive Officer in the Chief Constable’s Office.
Kevin currently holds ancillary duties as an accredited Silver/Bronze Public Order Commander and serves as an Honorary Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia. He is the current President of the Vancouver Police Officers’ Mess.
In 2025, Kevin was appointed a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces. His commendations include the Meritorious and Exemplary Service medals, a Chief Constable’s Commendation, and four Chief Constable Unit Citations. In 2024, Kevin completed the International Four Days Marches in Nijmegen.
Kevin’s current assignment is in the newly created Strategy and Innovation Division. He is responsible for Innovation and Technology Services, which covers the Fleet Operations, Facilities, Information and Communication Tech and Information Management sections.
Kevin recently completed an executive masters in international police leadership. Kevin and his wife, Marichu, are proud parents of two sons.
Superintendent Kevin Bernardin, M.O.M.
Innovation and Technology Services
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Superintendent Trevor Burmachuk, M.O.M.
Superintendent Trevor Burmachuk was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in business administration and psychology from the University of Winnipeg before moving to Vancouver. He joined the Vancouver Police Department in 1994 and graduated as valedictorian of Justice Institute of British Columbia Class 59. Trevor started his career in the Operations Division, working in Districts 2 and 4, including as a beat constable in the Downtown Eastside and with the District 2 Property Crime Team.
In 2000, he joined the VPD’s Strike Force Unit, where he served for four years before moving to the British Columbia Integrated Gang Task Force as a corporal road supervisor and surveillance trainer. In 2005, he joined the Major Crime Section’s Robbery, Assault, and Arson Unit as a detective constable for nearly four years.
He later returned to Strike Force as a coordinator and trainer, and was promoted to sergeant in 2012, serving in Professional Standards and the General Investigative Unit. He was promoted to staff sergeant in 2016, assigned to District 2, then to inspector in 2017, serving in Professional Standards as Discipline Authority.
In 2019, he became the Officer in Charge of Professional Standards and later worked in Special Legal Projects and Discipline Services as a superintendent (WSE). Since 2019, he has been an accredited Public Order Commander for major Vancouver events, including the Celebration of Lights, Canada Day festivities, and protests. In 2025, he was promoted to Superintendent in charge of the Professional Standards Section.
Trevor has earned several commendations, and in 2023, was appointed to Canada’s Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Trevor Burmachuk, M.O.M.
Professional Standards Section
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Superintendent Sally Davies
Superintendent Sally Davies immigrated to Canada with her family as a child. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of British Columbia in 1995, and worked as a microbiologist prior to joining the VPD in 1997.
Superintendent Davies began her policing career as a patrol officer in District 2, working in the Downtown Eastside.In 2005, she moved to the Special Investigation Section -Sex Crimes Unit, leading investigations into sexual assaults and child abuse. Superintendent Davies then spent nine years in the Major Crime Section – Homicide Unit where she led investigations into homicides and suspicious deaths. In 2019, Superintendent Davies returned to District 2 where she worked until her promotion later that year.
As a sergeant, Superintendent Davies served in the Professional Standards Section, the Major Crime Section – Major Crime Support Unit, and the Human Resources Section – Career Development Unit where she assisted VPD members with career advancement.
In 2022, she was promoted to staff sergeant and was assigned to the Court and Detention Services Section, later stepping into the role of permanent acting inspector. In 2023, Superintendent Davies returned to the Special Investigation Section as the acting inspector continuing in that role following her promotion to inspector. In 2025, Superintendent Davies transferred to lead the Youth Services Section.
Superintendent Davies was promoted to superintendent in 2025 and is currently the designated Discipline Authority for the Vancouver Police Department.
Superintendent Davies is a recipient of three Chief Constable’s Unit Citations, and a Deputy Chief Constable’s Unit Citation. Superintendent Davies resides in Vancouver with her family.
Superintendent Sally Davies
Discipline Authority Services
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Superintendent John Gibbons
John joined the VPD in 2004, where he spent his first decade in the Operations Division in District 3. In 2015, he transferred to the Recruiting Unit and was promoted in 2016. As a sergeant, John completed assignments in the Vancouver Jail, the Recruiting Unit, the Operations Division District 3, as the Aide to the Deputy Chief of Support Services Division, and as the sergeant in charge of the Pandemic Working Group.
In June 2021, John promoted to staff sergeant and was assigned to the Human Resources Section Operations. He promoted to inspector in 2022 and worked in the Professional Standards Section as a Discipline Authority before managing the Human Resources Section. Since April 2023, John has overseen the Training and Recruiting Section, where he engineered and launched the Retired Police Officers’ Program while consistently meeting ambitious police and special municipal constable hiring goals during a highly competitive climate.
Additionally, in 2025, John spearheaded the VPD Fitness Facility Upgrade Project, bringing significant cosmetic, structural, and equipment upgrades to seven facilities across the organization.
John has been the recipient of three Chief Constable’s Citations and four Inspector’s Commendations. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Victoria and a diploma from Camosun College.
John and his wife Emily, also a VPD member, reside in Vancouver with their retriever Debbie.
Superintendent John Gibbons
VPD Recruiting and Academy Services
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Superintendent Matt Harty
Superintendent Matt Harty has been a member of the VPD since 1999. He has over 28 years in law enforcement, with 26 as a police officer and two as a federal correctional officer with the Correctional Service of Canada and reserve police constable with the Victoria Police Department. He holds a bachelor of arts in political science and sociology from the University of Victoria, and a master of arts – with Distinction – in criminal justice and criminology from the University of the Fraser Valley.
As a constable, Superintendent Harty worked in Districts 1 and 2, Planning, Research, & Audit, and Sex Crimes. He promoted to sergeant in 2008, working a variety of positions including the Jail/Station NCO, Professional Standards Section, and as a patrol sergeant in the Beat Enforcement Team and District 4. In 2013, he promoted to staff sergeant working in both BET/Marine and Human Resources (HR). In 2017, Superintendent Harty was promoted to Inspector remaining in HR until joining PSS as the Discipline Authority. In 2021, he became the District 3 Commander, and as of January 2023, he was the while-so-employed Superintendent in charge of Operations Command leading all four patrol districts and the Diversity, Community & Indigenous Relations Section. On August 5, 2025, he was promoted to superintendent and assigned to the Operations Support Command. Superintendent Harty has been involved with the community throughout his career engaging with various community groups and regularly participating in community events and celebrations.
Superintendent Harty has contributed locally, provincially, and nationally during his career. This includes:
- Locating a serial sexual offender through DNA and tracking him to Nova Scotia where he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to eight years in prison;
- Implementing the provincial keep of prisoners cost-recovery program, the VPD shifting model, and the Report to a Justice 5.2 process;
- Creating and provincially implementing the then-new 2010 Police Act judicial authorization to search orders and VPD Professional Standards Section investigative guidelines;
- Leading projects while a patrol NCO and staff sergeant reducing violent crime, such as Project Bingo which targeted violent drug traffickers in the Downtown Eastside;
- Creating HR, Finance, and Payroll logic systems mitigating unfunded liabilities;
- The Executive lead for several VPD initiatives such as Task Force Barrage and the Retail Crime Task Force – both greatly reducing violent crime; and
- The Co-Chair for the British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police Standing Committee on the Firearms Compensation Buyback.
During his career, he has received two Chief Constable Unit Citations: the first for being injured in the line of duty and the second for exemplary work during the Olympics. He also received an Inspector’s Unit Citation in 2012 when he and his patrol team wrestled with a male armed with an edged weapon experiencing drug psychosis safely taking him into custody. Additionally, he has earned the Governor General’s Gold Academic Medal, (awarded to the graduate of a university at the masters/PhD level with the highest academic institution grade point average), 2016 City Service -Silos Buster Award for Downtown Eastside vending solutions, 20-year Police Exemplary Service Medal, and the 25-year City of Vancouver Service Award.
Superintendent Harty is married to his wife, Diana, who is a Border Services Officer with the Canada Border Services Agency and they are the proud parents of two daughters.
Superintendent Matt Harty
Operations Support Command
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Superintendent Phil Heard
Phil was born and raised in the Vancouver area. Since joining the VPD in 2001, he has worked in all three VPD divisions and has been a primary member on both VPD operational reviews.
He is currently the Superintendent in charge of Operations Command, which encompasses all four patrol districts and approximately 700 sworn officers. Before this, Phil served as the Inspector of the Organized Crime Section where he led major investigations into drug trafficking and organized crime, including some of the largest drug seizures in VPD history.
He holds bachelor of science in chemistry and master of business administration degrees from UBC. Early in his career, Phil served as a patrol officer in District 1, District 2, and the Beat Enforcement Team – where he and his partner led the VPD in Reports to Crown counsel and arrests. Phil is an Accredited Team Commander in major investigations. He served for five years in the Homicide Unit and led files to convictions for all levels of culpable homicide. In addition, he successfully led two international fugitive extraditions.
Phil is an accredited Silver and Bronze Public Order Commander; he has led over 50 large-scale deployments of VPD officers at major events, protests, and special events. Phil proudly volunteered for 15 years as a member of the PMBA Executive and served as the President of the Vancouver Police Officers’ Association.
He is the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and five Chief Constable Commendations. Outside of work, Phil and his partner, Jill, have a young son, William. His passion for travel has taken him to more than 35 countries.
Superintendent Phil Heard
Operations Command
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Superintendent Gary Hiar
Superintendent Gary Hiar joined the Vancouver Police Department in 2005, and has worked in the Operations, Investigation, and Support Services Divisions. His early assignments include the Beat Enforcement Team, Patrol Districts three and four, the Uniformed Gang Task Force, and as a member of the Emergency Response Section Crisis Negotiator Team. He also worked at the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC as the sergeant (WSE) of an investigative team and in the Legal Application Support Team.
Promoted to sergeant in 2018, Superintendent Hiar worked in the Professional Standards Section and the Organized Crime Section. In 2020, Superintendent Hiar was promoted to staff sergeant, and worked in that capacity in the Professional Standards Section. In 2021, Superintendent Hiar was promoted to inspector, where he was assigned first to the General Investigative Section, then to the Youth Services Section and Mental Health Unit, and eventually to the Operations Division as the District Two Commander. In 2025, Superintendent Hiar was promoted to his current rank of superintendent.
Currently, Superintendent Hiar is assigned to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC, where he oversees the Operations Support Units.
Superintendent Hiar is a Provincially Accredited Team Commander and is well versed in Police Act investigations.
Superintendent Hiar has been awarded with commendations and distinctions from the Vancouver Police Department, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
Superintendent Gary Hiar
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC
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Superintendent Shelley Horne
Superintendent Shelley Horne joined the Vancouver Police Department in 1996 and worked in a variety of assignments spanning all Divisions of the VPD prior to her promotion to sergeant in 2014. As a sergeant she held assignments in the Professional Standards Section as well as the Sex Crimes Unit, where she led a team of detectives investigating serious sexual offences along with detectives assigned to the Treehouse – Vancouver Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, an agency with a co-located multidisciplinary team focused on the intervention and prevention of child abuse.
In 2017, upon her promotion to staff sergeant, Superintendent Horne was assigned to the Human Resources Section, overseeing employee services for all VPD sworn members.
In 2019, Superintendent Horne was promoted to inspector and assigned to the Professional Standards Section serving as a designated Discipline Authority until December 2020, when she returned to the Investigation Division, as the Inspector in charge of the Special Investigation Section. In this role, Superintendent Horne led six units focused on the investigation of crimes involving intimate partner violence, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, high risk offenders, and criminal harassment. Superintendent Horne also served on several local and provincial committees focusing on the safety of women and children.
In December 2021, Superintendent Horne was promoted to superintendent and assigned to Personnel Services until August 2025, when she returned to the Investigation Division in her current role.
Superintendent Horne holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of British Columbia and is the recipient of the Police Exemplary Service Medal and a commendation from the Police Complaint Commissioner. Throughout her career, Superintendent Horne has completed several policing and professional development programs including the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Police Executive Mentorship Program, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior Management Institute for Police Program, and the Gold Public Order Commander Course through the UK College of Policing.
Superintendent Shelley Horne
Investigation OPS Integration Services
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Senior Director Christine McLean
Christine was born in South Korea and raised in Kamloops, BC. She received her bachelor of business administration with a major in human resources management from Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, BC., and obtained her masters of industrial relations from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.
Her HR career started in the broader public sector in both HR and Workplace Health and Safety at the Interior Health Authority, then the City of Kamloops and BC Lottery Corporation. She joined the Vancouver Police Department as the Manager, Civilian Services in 2012, and after returning from a year-and-a-half at the BC Public Service Agency as Director, Employee Relations, she became the Director, Labour and Employee Relations Services (LRS) responsible for modernizing and overseeing the VPD’s labour and employee relations strategy, and responding to and addressing the evolving human rights challenges facing the VPD and its employees.
Christine has been involved in the development of HR professionals over her career through volunteer work as an Advisory member for the now BC and Yukon Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Management, co-organizing the inaugural HR Student Conference at TRU, mentoring HR students and professionals, and teaching HR Management as a sessional instructor in the MBA and undergraduate business program at TRU.
Senior Director Christine McLean
Personnel Services
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Superintendent Jeff Neuman
Superintendent Jeff Neuman began his policing career with the Vancouver Police Department in 1991 as a reserve constable while completing a bachelor of arts degree at Simon Fraser University. In 1995, he joined the West Vancouver Police Department where he worked as a constable and as a canine handler. He returned to the VPD in 2006, where he patrolled Districts 2 and 3, followed by joining the Emergency Response Team.
As a sergeant, he worked assignments in Court and Detention Services, CFSEU-BC Uniform Gang Enforcement, Emergency Response Team, Human Resources, the 2020 Pandemic Working Group, and the Public Safety Unit.
Upon his promotion to staff sergeant, he worked in Court and Detention Services and remained active in the Emergency Response Team’s Critical Incident Command program as a Tactical Liaison Officer and in the Public Safety Unit as a Section Leader.
After rising to the rank of inspector in 2022, he continued to manage Court and Detention Services until he was transferred to the Emergency and Operational Planning Section, where he oversaw several major events including a record number of public demonstrations. Notable events he managed under his command included the Taylor Swift concert series, the Invictus Games, and the VPD deployment of the Integrated Safety and Security Group to the G7 Summit in Calgary.
In August 2025, he was promoted to the rank of superintendent and is currently overseeing the Integrated Safety & Security Section for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Superintendent Neuman remains active with the Emergency Response Team as a Critical Incident Commander.
Superintendent Neuman is the recipient of four Chief Constable’s Unit Citations and the B.C. Provincial Meritorious Service Award. He is the proud supporter of two daughters and enjoys various outdoor fitness activities.
Superintendent Jeff Neuman
Integrated Safety & Security Section for FIFA World Cup 2026™
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Superintendent Mike Ritchie
Superintendent Mike Ritchie began his policing career in 2002. As a patrol constable he worked for eight years in District 1. Mike worked as an investigator in the Source Handling Unit, Identity Theft Task Force, and the Integrated Gang Task Force. He also worked in surveillance at CFSEU-BC.
Mike was promoted to sergeant in 2016 and has led teams in District 1 and the Property Crime Unit. Additionally, he has worked as a sergeant in the Professional Standards Section, and in Human Resources as the Department Security Officer.
In 2021, Mike was promoted to staff sergeant and assigned to the Professional Standards Section as the investigative staff sergeant. After a few months, he took on the role of Discipline Authority. In 2022, Mike was promoted to inspector and was named the Officer-in-Charge of the Professional Standards Section.
Mike is currently the Superintendent in charge of the Training Division, which oversees all aspects of training within the VPD.
Mike holds an honours bachelor of commerce degree, graduating with distinction from the University of Guelph. He is the recipient of several in-service awards of merit from the VPD, RCMP, and Corrections Canada. In addition, Mike has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, the 20-year exemplary service medal, and is a Commissioned Officer as per Queen Elizabeth II.
Superintendent Mike Ritchie
Training Services
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Superintendent Mike Rowe, M.O.M.
Superintendent Michael Rowe has been a member of the Vancouver Police Department since 2002 and has developed extensive experience leading local, national, and international investigations. Superintendent Rowe consistently strives to proactively target threats to public safety through innovative protocols that utilize advanced investigative techniques to address complex crimes.
Superintendent Rowe is accredited as a Team Commander in the province of British Columbia, and is responsible for providing investigative leadership on high-risk, sensitive, and provincially mandated investigations. Superintendent Rowe has represented the VPD operationally and as a lecturer across Canada and around the world.
During his career, Superintendent Rowe was seconded to the RCMP, worked in the Operations and Investigations Divisions, and was the Team Commander responsible for Task Force Threshold, a major initiative to combat gang violence. Superintendent Rowe had been the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Support Section and the Major Crime Section.
Superintendent Rowe is currently assigned to the Investigations Division, responsible for the Investigative Support Services Section, and is the Officer-in-Charge of the B.C. Municipal Undercover Program.
Superintendent Rowe has received commendations and awards from the VPD, RCMP, Province of British Columbia, United States Department of Justice, and the the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
Superintendent Rowe is married to his wife Sara and they have two boys.
Superintendent Mike Rowe, M.O.M.
Investigative Support Services
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Superintendent Tyrone Sideroff, M.O.M.
Superintendent Tyrone Sideroff oversees Information Services, which consists of eight specialty areas, including the Information Management Section, Information & Communications Technology, Information & Privacy Unit, Property and Forensic Storage Services, Facilities Services, Fleet Operations, Enterprise Risk Management Section, as well as the Planning, Research & Audit Section. These organizational areas encompass over 200 personnel, including many of the VPD’s specialized subject matter experts.
Tyrone was born, raised, and resides in Vancouver. He joined the VPD as a volunteer in 2000 and was hired in 2004. He spent the first decade of his career assigned to District 2 Patrol in East Vancouver. Tyrone then completed investigative assignments with the Property Crime Unit and on secondment with an international joint-forces RCMP drug project. In 2017, he served a principal role on the VPD’s Operational Review Project Team, which studied the Department’s long-term staffing needs and resulted in City Council approving an increase of 120 sworn and 52 civilian positions.
As a sergeant, Tyrone performed the legal support role as part of the Professional Standards Section. He subsequently played key roles on numerous major projects, including the VPD’s emergency operations activation in response to Covid-19. As the staff sergeant assigned to HR Operations, Tyrone led six units serving over 1,500 sworn members. Upon promotion to inspector in 2021, Tyrone remained in the Human Resources Section as the officer-in-charge. He led a blended team of sworn and civilian HR professionals responsible for 13 essential HR service areas, including member wellness and organizational resourcing, serving over 2,100 VPD employees.
In 2025, Tyrone was promoted to Superintendent and he is now in charge of Strategic Innovation Services.
Tyrone has remained active in the community throughout all of his VPD assignments, including maintaining close ties with the Community Crime Watch volunteer program where he began his career. He is the recipient of eight commendations, including two BC Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Valour and Meritorious Service, and he was named the 2010 Vancouver Police Officer of the Year as a frontline patrol officer. In 2023, Tyrone was appointed to Canada’s Order of Merit of the Police Forces – “a fellowship of honour recognizing the highest qualities of citizenship, service to Canada, to the police community, and to humanity at large.”
Superintendent Tyrone Sideroff, M.O.M.
Strategic Innovation Services
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Superintendent Marco Veronesi
Superintendent Marco Veronesi brings over 30 years of frontline policing and leadership experience to the Vancouver Police Department. Since beginning his service in 1992, Marco has held a wide range of operational and command roles, including assignments in multiple districts, the Emergency Response Team, and the Operations Command Centre. Rising through the ranks, he has led specialized units such as Strike Force and served as District 1 Commander, with a career marked by adaptability, integrity, and commitment to public safety.
Nationally certified as a Critical Incident Commander and instructor, Marco currently serves as Vice President of the Association of Canadian Critical Incident Commanders. He has led key initiatives within the VPD, including the Patrol Carbine Program, the Department’s COVID-19 emergency response, and the development of the Operations Command Centre.
Grounded in the philosophy “There but for the grace of God go I,” Marco is known for leading with compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to dignity in policing. He is an active member of the VPD’s Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management Team.
Marco holds a Criminology Diploma from Simon Fraser University and is the recipient of 16 policing awards. Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, he is actively involved in the Christian community and international humanitarian efforts, serving as Treasurer on the board of Childcare International. Above all, Marco is a devoted husband of 29 years to his wife Deborah and a proud father to Gianna, Isabella, and Owen – roles he considers his greatest and most meaningful responsibilities.
Superintendent Marco Veronesi
Special Operations
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Superintendent Dale Weidman
Dale Weidman joined the VPD in 1992. He worked in Patrol, walked the beat in the Downtown Eastside, and was part of the Drug Education Enforcement Team, the Robbery, Assault, and Arson Unit, and Homicide.
On promotion to sergeant in 2009, Superintendent Weidman was assigned to the Robbery, Assault and Arson Unit, became the lead investigator for Integrated Riot Investigation Team, and followed by the NCO in Homicide. During this time, he led many projects and is an Accredited Team Commander in the province of British Columbia.
Superintendent Weidman is also a long-time member of the Forensic Interview Team. In 2016, he was promoted to staff sergeant and worked in the Major Crime Section and the General Investigation Section.
In 2019, he was promoted to inspector and worked in the Tactical Support and Major Crime Sections, and as a Duty Officer.
In 2025, Superintendent Weidman was promoted to superintendent, where he currently works in Investigative Services. He is also a public order commander, having worked over 50 demonstrations.
Superintendent Weidman has a master of arts degree in criminal justice from the University of the Fraser Valley. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada, three Lieutenant Governor Awards for meritorious service, Chief Constable Citations, both personally and as a member of a unit, Deputy Chief Constable Citations, and Inspector Citations.
He resides in North Vancouver and is a member of the North Shore Rescue Team. Dale is married to Susan and they have two children, Allison and Connor.
Superintendent Dale Weidman
Investigative Services
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