Chief Constable Adam Palmer’s remarkable tenure with the Vancouver Police Department is one of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Chief Palmer began his career in 1987 and served for nearly four decades including ten years as Chief Constable.

Under his leadership, the VPD has navigated complex challenges, from major public events (including the 2010 Winter Olympics as Venue Commander) to addressing everyday policing issues – such as tackling organized crime and gang violence to enhancing community policing initiatives and implementing innovative crime reduction strategies. His steady leadership has been instrumental in the safety and security of Vancouver’s residents and visitors; and during a time that saw the city and region grow in both size and complexity.

Chief Palmer’s contributions extend far beyond Vancouver, with his influence shaping national and international policing policies through his work with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, The National Executive Committee for the Criminal Intelligence Service of Canada, the Police Executive Research Forum and numerous other law enforcement bodies. He has helped shape policies, mentorship programs, and best practices that have strengthened policing agencies across North America.

His expertise in policing operations and public safety has earned him national and international recognition, including the prestigious Order of Merit of the Police Forces at its highest rank, as Commander. In 2021, Chief Palmer received the Major Cities Chiefs Association Leadership Award, the first Canadian police officer to receive this honour. In 2022, he received the CACP’s Recognition Award for developing a national mentorship program for police executive leaders. As past President of the CACP, Chief Palmer was chosen to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024. He is the recipient of nine Vancouver Police Department Commendations and is a former VPD Police Officer of the Year.

Throughout his career, Chief Palmer has been a champion of modernization within the VPD. His work in managing a long-term review of policing operations in Vancouver led to significant improvements in resource allocation, increased staffing levels, and the implementation of strategic reforms that continue to benefit both the department and the community. His efforts in fostering collaboration between policing agencies, government bodies, and community stakeholders have further strengthened trust and accountability in law enforcement.

As Chief Palmer steps away from his role, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the entire department and the city he has served so passionately. While we will miss his steady leadership, we know he will bring this same passion and dedication to his next endeavor. In preparation for this transition, the Board has engaged an executive search firm as part of the recruitment of the next leader who will build upon Chief Palmer’s legacy and guide the Vancouver Police Department into the future.

On behalf of the Vancouver Police Board and Department, we extend our deepest gratitude to Chief Palmer for his decades of exemplary service, his steadfast leadership through both triumphs and challenges, and his dedication to keeping Vancouver safe. We wish him the very best in this next chapter of his life and know that his influence in policing will continue to be felt for years to come.

Frank Chong
Chair, Vancouver Police Board

Office of Vancouver Police Board
office@vanpoliceboard.ca