Deputy Chief Constable Steve Sweeney

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Sweeney joined the Vancouver Police Department in 1980 after working in local television for five years. He is a graduate of B.C.I.T., where he obtained a Diploma of Technology in Broadcast Communications.

His assignments have included Patrol, Traffic, Community Relations, Strike Force, Internal Investigation Section, Emergency and Operational Planning Section, Services Liaison Section and the Tactical Support Section. In his most recent posting as the Superintendent responsible for North Command, he has overseen the Entertainment District and the Downtown Eastside. He has implemented some creative and innovative policing methods to deal with street disorder problems in these areas.

Deputy Chief Sweeney is also responsible for developing a Public Order Commanders' Program for the department. His previous assignment with the Emergency and Operational Planning Section provided him with a great deal of experience with special event and public order policing, both in a planning and in an operational capacity.

Deputy Chief Sweeney is a recipient of the Junior Board of Trade Police Officer of the Year, Province of British Columbia Meritorious Service award, B.C. Chiefs of Police Traffic Award of Merit and other departmental commendations.

For 10 years he has volunteered with the B.C. Special Olympics as a coach and referee. He is a commissioner of the Delta Heritage Advisory Commission and a trustee of the Delta Museum and Archives.

Deputy Chief Sweeney and his wife Shelley, a retired Vancouver Police officer, together have a family of three adult children.

Public service is a family tradition; Steve's father, Ed Sweeney, was a Vancouver Alderman in the late 60s and 70s.