Diversity & Aboriginal Policing Section (DAPS) : Hate Crimes Unit | Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) | Citizens Police Academy | Diversity & Aboriginal Policing Section FAQs

Diversity & Aboriginal Policing Section FAQs

Q. What are the police doing about violence against Vancouver's LGBTQ communities?

A. Vancouver's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer communities have recently experienced several high profile, homophobic-motivated violent incidents, and have a historic mistrust of police.

In response, the Vancouver Police Department has been reaching out first to community leaders and organizations in the hopes of establishing positive and trusting working relationships.

In partnership with LGBTQ advocacy organizations like Qmunity, West Enders Against Violence Everywhere (WEAVE), Trans Alliance and other groups, the VPD presents community forums, public awareness campaigns and panels to communicate to the general public that violence against LGBTQ communities will not be tolerated.

For 13 years, members of the VPD, including Chief Constable Jim Chu, the Pipe Band, Motorcycle Drill Team and numerous other members and volunteers, have participated in the annual Pride Parade to send a public message of the VPD's support and respect for Vancouver's LGBTQ communities.

The VPD encourages LGBTQ individuals to report incidents of violence against and within their communities. See Hate Crimes Unit for information on how to report a hate crime.

Q. What is a hate crime?

A. A hate / bias crime is a criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated by the suspect's hate, bias or prejudice against an identifiable group based on the victim's race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other similar factor. See Hate Crimes Unit for a fuller description of hate crimes, and information on how to report a hate crime.

Q. How do I report a hate crime?

If you feel your personal safety is at immediate risk, call 911. Otherwise, report it to police at 604-717-3321. Stay calm and provide as much detail as you can. Record all information regarding the incident while it is still fresh in your memory.

Q. How is the Diversity and Aboriginal Policing Section involved with Vancouver's urban aboriginal community?

A. The Diversity and Aboriginal Policing Section works with Training and other VPD sections to provide cultural competencies to front line members. For example, in 2009 DAPS and the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre collaborated on an Aboriginal Awareness pilot program. These sessions introduce VPD members to the urban aboriginal community who, at excessive levels, have histories of physical and sexual abuse, alcohol and drug abuse, suffer over-victimization, and have a lack of trust in the police due to their history.

The Section's Aboriginal Liaison works closely with the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, developing front line relationships with numerous organizations and individuals in the urban aboriginal community.

Q. How can I apply to be a member of the Diversity Advisory Committee?

A. At present, the VPD does not have a formal process for soliciting or receiving applications to the DAC. See Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) for more information.

Q. What is the Citizens Police Academy?

A. See Citizens Police Academy for information.