Legislated Mandate
The Vancouver Police Board (the Board) provides civilian oversight to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) by governing in accordance with relevant legislation and in response to public safety needs. The Board provides high-level strategic oversight, fostering accountable police services which reflect the needs, values and diversity of Vancouver’s many communities. Municipal police boards are created independently from municipal councils and from the provincial government. This removes boards from partisan politics and recognizes that both the municipality and the Provincial Government have legitimate interests in municipal policing.
Police boards in British Columbia perform four main governance functions:
• Employers of sworn and civilian staff of the VPD;
• Policy and direction setters;
• Financial overseers (budget); and
• Authority for policy and service complaints.
To provide independent civilian oversight, governance, and strategic leadership to the Vancouver Police Department, reflecting the needs, values, and diversity of Vancouver’s communities.
‘To help make Vancouver a safe city for all’
As part of its oversight role, the Board is guided by the values of Independence, Fairness, Objectivity and Accountability:
INDEPENDENCE
Our decision making is strategic, fact-based, policy-oriented, autonomous and free of political or partisan influence.
FAIRNESS
We govern impartially and equitably. We recognize that institutions can uphold systems of oppression if they do not meaningfully and deliberately practice equity. We do our work in a manner that recognizes and values diversity, and actively upholds human rights for all. We recognize our responsibility in truth and reconciliation and aim to work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure we are building a safe Vancouver for all. Internally, we create an environment that is free of discrimination, we respect diversity, create equitable systems and processes and build an inclusive workplace culture. We behave in an open, honest and transparent way in partnership with community.
OBJECTIVITY
We provide impartial oversight and strategic direction based on a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand, governing the Department in the best interests of the community in all its diversity.
ACCOUNTABILITY
We are accountable to the public by monitoring, measuring and challenging the Department. We centre, engage with, learn from, and inform the people of Vancouver, as we deliver on our commitments to make Vancouver a safe city for all.
- The Board acts in accordance with the law and the highest standards of practice as established by the needs of the community, the Police Act, and Provincial standards
- The Board supports and upholds the VPD’s core values of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence
- The Board addresses both the issues of today and in the future, through communication, collaboration and advocacy
- The Board pursues change by tackling defined problems in a pragmatic non partisan manner
In 2022-2026, the Vancouver Police Board will focus on the following:
- Ensuring an Anti-Racism and decolonization lens is applied to all policies and practices
- Continued excellence in Governance
- Promoting positive employee morale and wellness
- Strengthening and supporting the VPD’s partnerships with Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and Providence Health Care (PHC) as they relate to mental health and substance use issues
- Building trust by enhancing public confidence in policing and the Board’s oversight of policing
For more information on the Vancouver Police Board Areas of Focus for 2022-2026, click here.
Vancouver Police Board Associations
The Vancouver Police Board is a member of the following associations:
