Author Archives: Jess

Police Service Dog Joker is known within the VPD’s Canine Unit as a hardworking, driven, and dependable partner. But on October 24, 2025, Joker proved just how crucial he and his fellow VPD K9’s are in keeping Vancouver safe when he helped locate and apprehend a violent robbery suspect. PSD Joker, a 70-pound German shepherd […]...

The Vancouver Police Department and the Vancouver Police Foundation are celebrating both heartfelt goodbyes and exciting new beginnings within the Canine Unit. This week we honour the well-earned retirements of two exceptional Police Service Dogs, PSD Gibbs and PSD Solo, whose dedication and service have left a lasting impact. At the same time, we proudly […]...

Spread joy and make a difference! Looking for the perfect gift? The Vancouver Police Foundation has a great selection of unique items for all ages, and we’ve made it easy to browse, buy, and ship straight from our website. Even better, every single purchase from our online store acts as a donation to the Vancouver […]...

The Vancouver Police Department currently responds to more than 4,000 Intimate Partner Violence-related calls each year. What might be more shocking is that fewer than 700 of these call result in charges. Additionally, these numbers are actually strikingly low compared to Statistics Canada’s findings that 44% of women over the age of 15 have experienced […]...

They’re back — and better than ever! The Vancouver Police Foundation is excited to announce the annual launch of our two incredible 2026 calendars celebrating the strength, dedication, and heart of Vancouver’s finest four-legged heroes: the VPD Canine Calendar and the VPD Mounted Unit Calendar — together known as the 2026 VPD Hero Calendars. Whether […]...

The Vancouver Police Foundation proudly joins the Vancouver Police Board, Vancouver Police Department Members and Civilian staff, as well as community partners in celebrating the formal swearing-in of new VPD Chief Constable Steve Rai. On Monday, October 6, 2025, the Vancouver Police Department’s official Change of Command Ceremony took place, marking this historic transition in […]...

On October 1, 2025 the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and the Vancouver Police Foundation (VPF) proudly celebrated a historic milestone with the christening of the VPD’s brand-new Marine Unit vessel – the R.G. McBeath V.C. The afternoon ceremony took place at the Marine Unit’s Main Street Docks, where VPD Chief Constable Steve Rai and Vancouver […]...

Living with a Police Service Dog (PSD) is unlike any other experience, it’s a blend of professional partnership and family life that creates a truly unique bond. For Canine Unit handlers like those at the VPD, the relationship with their dog isn’t limited to the shift; it continues at home, shaping daily routines and family […]...

The Vancouver Police Department’s Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) has received a major boost thanks to the generous support of the Vancouver Police Foundation. With a $105,000 grant, coupled with $200,000 in Provincial funding, the VPD is now moving forward with a new, purpose-built Faraday Room, an essential upgrade that will significantly enhance the Department’s ability […]...

In the summer of 2022, two Vancouver Police Department Constables, Nathan Johre and Chris Birkett, noticed something troubling while working in the Strathcona neighbourhood. Despite seeing kids of all ages out riding bikes and enjoying the outdoors, many were not wearing helmets or using proper safety gear. After speaking with some of the young riders, […]...