VPD give second major update on ‘Task Force Barrage’

Vancouver police say violence and street crimes in the Downtown Eastside have continued to decline since it launched a specialized task force months ago.

Mayor Ken Sim and the Vancouver Police Department launched ‘Task Force Barrage’ on Feb. 13, with a purported focus on targeting organized crime, violent offenders, and street disorder.

More officers have been deployed to patrol the area to target suspected drug traffickers and organized criminals.

Since it launched, the VPD boasts that it has completed an average of five arrests per day and seized hundreds of weapons.

Critics say reported crime statistics don’t tell the complete story, and the increased possibility of wrongful arrests can make life incredibly difficult for neighbourhood residents.

The VPD is expected to hold a media event and provide its second major update about the task force at 11 a.m. Thursday.

More to come.