Latest news with #VancouverPoliceDepartment
CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
IIO investigating VPD arrest of man barricaded in SRO room for 6 hours
Investigators from B.C.'s Independent Investigations Office are seen in this file photo from the IIO. The agency that investigates police officers' use of force in B.C. is looking into an arrest that happened in a Vancouver single-room occupancy building earlier this week. The Vancouver Police Department said Wednesday that it was called to the Beacon Hotel on West Hastings Street around 10:45 that morning for a report that a man had pulled a gun inside the building. When officers arrived, the suspect – a visitor to the building – had barricaded himself inside a unit. More than 20 officers, including crisis negotiators and members of the Emergency Response Team, responded to the scene, eventually taking the man into custody after a six-hour standoff. Police said they deployed a Taser and a beanbag shotgun during the arrest, and the suspect 'received medical attention for minor injuries.' In a statement Friday, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said it was notified of the incident by the VPD on Wednesday, and has launched an investigation. The IIO is tasked with reviewing all police-related incidents in B.C. that result in death or serious harm to a member of the public, regardless of whether there is any allegation of wrongdoing on the part of police. The IIO said the arrested man received treatment at a local hospital. Investigators are considering two factors as they begin looking into the case, the IIO said. First, they must determine whether the man's injuries meet the definition of 'serious harm' in the provincial Police Act, and second they must determine if there is a connection between the serious harm and police action or inaction. 'If there is a connection to police action or inaction and the person's serious harm or death, the chief civilian director will determine if there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed,' the IIO statement reads.
Vancouver Sun
5 days ago
- Vancouver Sun
Opinion: Paying the price of hate: Government security funding should be made permanent
One year ago, Vancouver's Jewish community awoke to shocking news: An individual had poured an accelerant on the front doors of Congregation Schara Tzedeck, the oldest synagogue in the city, and set them ablaze. Thankfully, no one was harmed. And we were grateful that the Vancouver Police Department and elected leaders condemned the attacks and stepped up to support our community. But here we are, a year later. No suspect has been identified and the threats to our community institutions persist. A daily roundup of Opinion pieces from the Sun and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Informed Opinion will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Incidents like this have become far too common. Since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel, Jewish-owned businesses, homes, schools, and synagogues across Canada have been vandalized, defaced with antisemitic graffiti and, in the most shocking cases, targeted with gunfire. To the public, these may just be dramatic headlines, but for the Jewish community, each incident is a terrifying reminder that the places where our children gather and where our most vulnerable community members access services could be next. This has taken an emotional toll. According to a Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver survey, 93 per cent of respondents feel 'less secure' now than they did before Oct. 7 and, alarmingly, 61 per cent reported struggling with their mental health. There are also significant financial costs to this new reality. Over the past 19 months, the total security costs for Jewish institutions across Metro Vancouver have risen to more than $100,000 a month — an increase of more than 1,300 per cent. That means vital funding no longer goes toward feeding our community's most food-insecure, providing services to seniors, or giving children from families living in poverty a chance to participate in extracurricular activities like sports or summer camps. In Canada, communities should not have to pay to gather safely, yet those targeted by hate are often forced to shoulder these costs. In 2023, the provincial Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced a one-time anti-hate community support fund, offering $10,000 grants to organizations representing groups at risk of being targeted by hateful acts. The funding supported 'security equipment, graffiti removal and repairs to damaged property as part of community efforts to respond to hate-motivated crimes.' A further $200,000 in funding to address the rise in security costs for the Jewish community was provided in 2024. These programs have now ended, but the security needs of the community remain. As we saw with the explosion of anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic — and now with Oct. 7 and our community — it is inevitable that global events lead to the targeting of local diasporas. Programs like the anti-hate community support fund provide crucial resources that allow vulnerable communities to secure and rebuild their institutions. Notably, this program is funded through civil forfeiture, meaning it does not come at a cost to taxpayers — an important consideration in today's challenging fiscal climate. As the shock of last year's arson fades with time, the threats to our community remain unchanged. That's why the provincial government must make the anti-hate community support fund permanent. Nico Slobinsky is the vice-president, Pacific region, of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.
CTV News
23-05-2025
- CTV News
Witnesses sought after pedestrian struck, left with life-altering injuries in Vancouver
A Vancouver Police Department patch is seen on an officer's uniform in Vancouver, on Jan. 9, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
The Province
23-05-2025
- The Province
Steve Rai is Vancouver police's new chief constable
Steve Rai has been with the VPD for more than 30 years, starting his career as a front line patrol officer in Vancouver's east side Steve Rai is the new chief constable of the Vancouver Police Department. Photo by Darryl Dyck / THE CANADIAN PRESS The Vancouver Police Department has a new chief constable, and he's a familiar face to the department. Deputy Chief Steve Rai, who has been serving as interim chief since the retirement of Adam Palmer earlier this year, has been appointed as the police force's 32nd chief constable. The police board reached a decision to appoint Rai on Thursday following a 'demanding and comprehensive' search, including using the assistance of a third-party executive recruitment firm that specializes in policing. 'We are looking for a leader with deep operational experience, sound judgment, and the trust of not just the community but of the department as well, and we did find that leader in Steve Rai,' said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The son of immigrants, Rai was born in the Punjab region of India and grew up in Vancouver, graduating from Kitsilano Secondary school in 1984. His father found work in the VPD's building services team and regaled a young Rai and his brother Roger with stories about police officers. Roger also joined the VPD and had a 29-year career. Rai served with the Canadian Forces Reserves while working towards his undergraduate degree in Asian studies at the University of B.C. He later completed a master's degree in criminal justice from the University of the Fraser Valley. Rai joined the VPD in 1990, starting his career as a patrol officer in Vancouver's east side. His many roles within the department include being a hostage negotiator, forensic interviewer, community policing officer, field trainer, and commander of the public order unit. He has led public order operations during major citywide events, including the Occupy Vancouver protests, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the 2011 Stanley Cup riot. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Rai also has experience in key VPD areas, including human resources and training and recruitment. He has served as deputy chief of support services since June 2015. Rai had a baptism of fire soon after becoming acting chief when an SUV rammed into a Filipino street festival on April 26, killing 11 and injuring dozens more. The Lapu Lapu Day festival attack drew international media attention and shone a spotlight on Rai as he spoke to reporters from the scene, calling April 26 'the darkest day in our city's history.' Steve Rai speaks during a news conference after the Lapu Lapu Day tragedy. Photo by DON MACKINNON / AFP via Getty Images He appeared at subsequent news conferences alongside Sim and other officials and spoke at a memorial mass for the victims of the attack at Holy Rosary Cathedral. 'We were looking for a leader who can really jump in,' said Sim. 'First day on the job, absolutely incredible.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Contract negotiations for Rai's position are underway and will be finalized in the coming days, said police board chair Frank Chong. The talent pool for the position within Canada is 'very small,' he said. There was a shortlist of fewer than 10 candidates. Rai was flanked at the news conference by Deputy Chiefs Howard Chow and Fiona Wilson. Wilson was recently hired as the police chief of the Victoria Police Department. She will take over the position on Aug. 15. Asked by reporters whether there was rivalry between him and Chow, who was promoted to Deputy Chief in September 2017, Rai said he and Chow were good friends. Chow said Rai was an 'excellent choice.' 'We're in a good position, a good spot with public safety with Steve at the helm.' chchan@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Local News Local News Local News
Vancouver Sun
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Steve Rai is Vancouver police's new chief constable
The Vancouver Police Department has a new chief constable, and he's a familiar face to the department. Deputy Chief Steve Rai, who has been serving as interim chief since the retirement of Adam Palmer earlier this year, has been appointed as the police force's 32nd chief constable. The police board reached a decision to appoint Rai on Thursday following a 'demanding and comprehensive' search, including using the assistance of a third-party executive recruitment firm that specializes in policing. 'We are looking for a leader with deep operational experience, sound judgment, and the trust of not just the community but of the department as well, and we did find that leader in Steve Rai,' said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. Huge congratulations to #VPD Interim Chief Steve Rai on his well-deserved promotion to Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department! @DeputyChiefRai @VancouverPD @VanPoliceBoard @CityofVancouver @KenSimCity @BCPoliceChiefs @CACP_ACCP @MjrCitiesChiefs The son of immigrants, Rai was born in the Punjab region of India and grew up in Vancouver. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. His father found work in the VPD's building services team, 'the same organization where his son today would become chief,' said Sim. Rai has served with the VPD for more than 30 years, starting his career as a patrol officer in Vancouver's east side. His many roles within the department include being a hostage negotiator, forensic interviewer, community policing officer, field trainer, and commander of the public order unit. He has led public order operations during major citywide events, including the Occupy Vancouver protests, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the 2011 Stanley Cup riot. Rai also has experience in key VPD areas, including human resources and training and recruitment, and served as deputy chief of support services. Rai had a baptism of fire the day he became acting chief duties when the horrific Lapu Lapu Day festival attack killed 11 people and injured dozens more. The tragedy drew international media attention and shone a spotlight on Rai as he spoke to reporters from the scene, calling April 26 'the darkest day in our city's history.' He appeared at subsequent news conferences alongside Sim and other officials and spoke at a memorial mass for the victims of the attack at Holy Rosary Cathedral. 'We were looking for a leader who can really jump in,' said Sim. 'First day on the job, absolutely incredible.' Contract negotiations for Rai's position are underway and will be finalized in the coming days, said police board chair Frank Chong. The talent pool for the position within Canada is 'very small,' he said. There was a shortlist of fewer than 10 candidates. chchan@
