Lots of news from Vancouver Police Department

Chinese New Year begins each year on the new moon of the calender year and ends 15 days later. This year, Chinese New Year began on February 3rd. It is the Year of the Rabbit.

Up until 2006, the Vancouver Police Lion Dance Team, which takes part in the annual festivities, consisted only of officers. That was until IAWP own Maureen Ing became involved in the Lion Dance Band. Since she joined, Maureen has made a concerted effort to invite officers with children in hopes of more youth involvement in the future.

IAWP Region 12 member Maureen Ing with the VPD Lion Dance Band

Valentines Day is another special, yet very sombre, occasion on the streets of Vancouver. This past February 14 marked the 20th Annual Women's Memorial March which marks the death of women from the Downtown Eastside. Last year's event saw 5000 people turn out. This is the first year that the VPD has been invited to join the marchers.

For our IAWP friends from other regions, the Dowtown Eastside of Vancouver was made infamous by one of Canada's most horrific serial murders, Robert Pickton. He targeted vulnerable victims from this area of the city. Even though his crimes began years ago, he has only recently been brought to trial.

RIGHTing History...

I have had a recent, and very pleasant, conversation with Retired Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Carolyn Daley. She is more busy now than when she was in control of the Justice Institute of British Columbia training programs.

(Ret'd) Deputy Chief Daley is currently researching information about the "firsts" of many who have worked for the VPD. She enlisted the support of current VPD Chief Constable Chu and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police for this project. She has graciously shared some of her initial findings with me so check back here for further information.