Community matters
VPD’s community engagement promotes cultural awareness, safety, and helps build trust in police. These elements are essential to addressing and reducing crime. Learn more in our community outreach report.
Indigenous community
The VPD Indigenous Liaison Officer and the VPD Indigenous Community Policing Centre Officer work closely with the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre and other agencies to develop relationships and engage the community in proactive crime prevention initiatives.
The Diversity, Community, and Indigenous Relations Section conducts outreach through multiple programs in an attempt to reach and engage vulnerable Indigenous populations. These programs include the SisterWatch Committee, Access Recreation and Culture Youth Program (ARC), and the Pulling Together Canoe Journey.
In partnership with the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS), the Vancouver Police Department recruits Indigenous Cadets for a three-month work experience project each summer. Applicants are Indigenous youth who are college or university students and interested in becoming police officers.
Since implementation in 2016, 500 Vancouver and Lower Mainland businesses, agencies, and organizations have signed on to participate and support 2SLGTBQ+ communities.
2SLGBTQ+ community
The VPD 2SLGBTQ+ Liaison Officer works with community agencies to improve the safety of 2SLGBTQ+ people in our city, which is the goal of the Safe Place program.
This ongoing initiative involves outreach to local businesses and institutions, and providing them with Safe Place window decals which identify their premises as a place of safety for anyone feeling unsafe.
Since implementation in 2016, 500 Vancouver and Lower Mainland businesses, agencies, and organizations have signed on to participate and support 2SLGTBQ+ communities.
The VPD is committed to delivering effective police services that respect the needs of all Vancouver’s communities. Learn more about our Gender Diversity Policy.
Follow Diversity, Community and Indigenous Relations
Community engagement and education
The Diversity Liaison Officer conducts outreach to various communities, which includes weekly meetings and educational programs at the Immigrant Services Society of BC, youth engagement through the New Kids program, and community education through the Citizens’ Police Academy.
The Diversity, Community, and Indigenous Relations Section participates in the BC Law Enforcement Diversity Network, liaising with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and municipal police detachments to host diversity educational forums for law enforcement professionals
The Section participates in numerous community events and occasions throughout the year. These include the Chinese New Year Parade, Women’s Memorial March, Vaisakhi Parade, Pulling Together Canoe Journey, Pride Parade, Walk for Reconciliation, and National Aboriginal Veterans Day.
