I want to thank the Vancouver Police Board, the many residents and business owners who took the time to express their opinions, and the majority of Vancouver City Council who voted to support public safety in Vancouver.
Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of people who reside, visit, and work in Vancouver. Council’s decision to support the Vancouver Police Board’s budget request continues to allow our sworn officers and civilian professionals to keep people safe, at a time when criminal investigations are becoming increasingly complex and public safety concerns such as gang violence, stranger assaults, violent shoplifters, and other street crimes continue to rise.
The VPD’s net 2022 budget of $341.48 million represents a $25.1 million increase over our 2021 budget, and it also includes a recently arbitrated compensation increase for Vancouver Police Union members. It does not, however, restore the $5.7 million funding shortfall from the VPD’s 2021 budget, which is currently under provincial appeal and review.
I am incredibly proud of the work our VPD sworn officers and civilian professionals do every day to keep Vancouver safe. Their selfless commitment to public safety, helping people in their time of need, and looking after our community during this very challenging time is admirable and humbling.
Adam Palmer, Chief Constable, Vancouver Police Department