Category Archives: News & Stories

The inaugural VPD D.R.E.A.M. Hockey Ball Classic brought together Grade 6 and 7 students from across Vancouver for an unforgettable day of street hockey, teamwork, and community connection. Hosted by the Vancouver Police Department in partnership with the Vancouver Police Foundation, Hockey Ball, and the Canucks for Kids Fund, the tournament celebrated more than just […]...

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 […]...

Three years after Vancouver police, city, and business leaders visited San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, Constable Freddy Lau is putting lessons learned into action at home. Building on the proven success of murals, his idea, Muralize, brings vibrant artwork to storefronts in Vancouver’s Chinatown to reduce graffiti, support merchants, and help restore pride in the neighbourhood. […]...

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 […]...

Out On Patrol, a registered non-profit society based in British Columbia, is transforming the landscape for 2SLGBTQ+ law enforcement professionals — and for the communities they serve. Thanks to several key law enforcement leaders right here at the VPD, and with financial support from the Vancouver Police Foundation, Out On Patrol launched in 2020, creating […]...