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Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC)

Mission Statement

The Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) will assist the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) to create and sustain a safe, secure, fair, and respectful city for a diverse population.

DAC Mandate

The DAC was established to provide a forum to explore and better understand diversity topics in thecontext of police activities, and to participate in and develop initiatives that enhance police relations and communications with diverse populations in the City of Vancouver.

2012 Diversity Advisory Committee Members:

• Mr. Vance Campbell, co-chair
• Mr. Johnny Cheung
• Inspector Mario Giardini, co-chair
• Ms. Marilyn Gutierrez-Diez
• Dr. Rosalin Miles
• Ms. Carmelita Tapia
• Mr. Bhalwinder S. Waraich
• Ms. Barbara Snelgrove

The DAC’s role includes:

• offering advice to the VPD on diversity-related issues
• serving as a catalyst for positive change
• providing an informed resource on diversity
• serving as a liaison between the VPD and local communities

Commitment
The DAC is committed to the principles articulated in Federal and Provincial legislative responses such as:

• Canadian Human Rights Act B.C. Human Rights Code
• Canadian Multicultural Act B.C. Multiculturalism Act
• Canadian Charter of Rights & Freedoms Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act
• Canadian Bill of Rights B.C. Police Act
• Canada Labour Code Employment Standards Act

The DAC recognizes that social change in the external environment creates challenges that affect the internal police organization, and the ability to respond equitably and fairly.

Members’ Code of Conduct
The DAC members commit themselves to ethical, business-like and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and appropriate decorum.

Term and Succession
The term of office will be two years. No member can sit for more than two consecutive terms. New members for the DAC will be selected from an approved pool of applicants.
Participants of the DAC may include all citizens living within Metro Vancouver and selection for the committee will be based on the following criteria:

• knowledge of issues impacting on their community
• experience in community work
• association with organizations that represent their community
• a records check will be conducted by the VPD to assure no negative impact on the ability to work closely with the police department
• ensure that each community has fair representation