VPD Chief Constable's Citation: Operational Review Team
Channel: Vancouver Police Department
Date: 2019-03-15

The Operational Review Project Team came together in June 2016 to do a comprehensive study of Vancouver Police Department operations to determine long-term staffing needs. The team included a mix of civilian and sworn staff, with diverse academic and policing backgrounds. Over the next 18 months, they worked closely with independent consultants, exploring best practices in other police agencies and leading research in criminology.

The team conducted thorough, extensive research. Researchers went on “ride-alongs” with patrol officers to document their tasks. They sent out questionnaires and interviewed staff to examine existing resources, challenges, and performance improvements. They analyzed data and previous budgets, including mandatory overtime and sick leave. 

Their 126-page report illustrated that service demands and expectations for the VPD continue to steadily rise. Since 2009, the population of Vancouver increased by 8.3 per cent, and calls for service were up 12.6 per cent. The team outlined the impact on public safety and on employee health and wellness, as well as the risk and liability to the Department, if status quo remained.

The result was the approval of 120 sworn and 52 civilian positions to be added to the Vancouver Police Department over five years.

For their outstanding commitment, which will result in a significant and lasting impact on the VPD and the safety of Vancouver’s citizens, the members of the Operational Review Project Team were awarded the Chief Constable’s Citation: Staff Sergeant Phil Heard, Sergeant Tyrone Sideroff, Managers Simon Demers and Melissa Lee, Planning Advisors Tim Szkopek-Szkowpowski and Nelson Teixeira, Senior Budget Analyst Kimberly Jang, Audit Analyst Cynthia Langan, and Planning Analysts Steve Christensen, Correen Smitas, and Helen Wong.