Vancouver announces new VPD Chief Constable

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has announced the appointment of Steve Rai as the new chief constable of the Vancouver Police Department.

Sim says the decision was made after a “rigorous and thoughtful selection process.”

“Chief Rai brings more than three decades of experience with the VPD,” the mayor said.

“He has worked across nearly every area of the department, starting as a frontline officer in the Downtown Eastside and rising through the ranks to lead major citywide operations, including the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot.”

The announcement came right before Sim spoke at a news event to address public safety.

Rai will be the VPD’s 32nd Chief Constable.

— With files from Charles Brockman.