Author Archives: Jess

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, […]...

We are proud to share that four members of the Vancouver Police Department have been nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to community safety and well-being that go above and beyond their day-to-day policing roles. VPD’s Lori Hemm, Sergeant Rita Raj, Sergeant Rob Dairon, and Sergeant Julie Gilmore were recently honoured by the Canadian Association […]...

After nearly six years of service, PSD Vook has officially retired from duty. Vook and his handler, Cst. Chris Hudson, graduated training together in September 2019 and served side by side until Vook’s medical retirement in May 2025 – continuing a family policing legacy started by Ret. Cst. Hudson Sr. One of their very first […]...

Specialized vests help keep police service dogs safer on the job The Vancouver Police Department’s K9 Unit has a powerful tool to help keep its four-legged members safe: specially designed ballistic vests for every Police Service Dog (PSD). Thanks to funding from the Vancouver Police Foundation, these vests are worn by all 16 working dogs […]...

In Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), youth face extraordinary challenges that threaten to derail their futures before they’ve had a chance to begin. Poverty, addiction, unstable housing, and tricky family situations significantly increases the chance of high risk behaviours as youth transition from elementary to high school. This is an especially critical period when boys are […]...

This year’s VPD Canine and Mounted Unit calendars have once again proven that the Vancouver Police Department’s four-legged members can make a big impact, both in the community and beyond. The annual calendars are the result of a partnership between the Vancouver Police Department, the Vancouver Police Foundation, the VPD Canine Unit, and the VPD […]...