Welcome
The Vancouver Police Department proudly serves its community and acknowledges the city of Vancouver is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.
Community Matters
The VPD believes in a collaborative approach to increasing safety in Vancouver, with active outreach in our many diverse communities.
Our community engagement promotes cultural awareness, safety, and builds trust in police, which is essential to reducing crime.
We believe that citizens should have a voice in policing. In addition to the feedback we receive by email, in social media, and in person, we hear from Vancouver residents in an annual survey, and we have sought public input for our strategic planning and policing guidelines.
Community Policing Partners in the Community
Vancouver’s 12 community policing centres hold a unique position among crime prevention initiatives in North America, with a strong partnership between the community and its police force. Unlike their counterparts in other cities, these centres are not satellite police stations — they are actually operated, staffed, and governed by members of the community.
Neighbours Helping Neighbours
For over 30 years, the Block Watch program has brought together residents to help increase safety in Vancouver neighbourhoods. With over 400 Block Watch groups, that’s 8000 extra pairs of trained eyes and ears across the city – all looking out for each other and their property.
Youth Outreach
VPD officers are involved in many initiatives with Vancouver’s youth, providing mentorship, education and awareness, and building life skills. From our Indigenous Cadet Program, soccer camps, the Student Challenge, VPD Cadets, among just a few, our officers are helping make a difference in kid’s lives.
Lunch With the Chief
Since 2014, this popular event has been taking place four times a year. Downtown Eastside community members are invited to share a meal and conversation with the Chief and several police officers, breaking down communication barriers, and having meaningful, positive interactions.
Guest speakers include Elders from local nations and other key figures.
Charitable Events
VPD officers take part in many charitable events throughout the year, from Cops for Cancer, the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run, BC Children’s Hospital Jeans Day, and our very popular police dog calendar.
VPD Lion Dance Team
A group of VPD police officers, civilian staff, and volunteers from the Chinese CPC came together in 2005 to form the VPD Lion Dance Team. Proud of their heritage, they wanted to recognize and enhance the multicultural diversity of the VPD, honour the Chinese community’s cultural contributions to Vancouver, and build positive relationships with all community members.
The Team takes part in many parades and events in the city, including the Chinese New Year Parade, which is a highlight each year.
Employee Diversity
Our recruiting efforts are dedicated to ensuring the VPD reflects the community we serve. In addition to the many different schools and career fairs that our recruiters go to, they also work closely with our Diversity, Community, and Indigenous Relations Section to engage with communities such as 2SLGBTQ+ and Indigenous Peoples.
VPD officers speak 52 different languages, 28% are ethnically diverse, and more than 400 are female. As well, 36% of our civilian professionals are ethnically diverse.
