Adam Palmer

Chief constable for the Vancouver Police Department

Adam Palmer took command as the 31st chief constable of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) on May 6, 2015. Chief Palmer was born and raised in the Vancouver area.

Prior to joining the VPD, he studied business administration at Simon Fraser University and worked as a correctional officer. Chief Palmer began his career with the VPD in 1987 and has since worked in a variety of operational, investigative, and administrative areas. He spent the first 13 years of his career working as a patrol officer in East Vancouver. He has also worked in the jail, the Crowd Control Unit, the Gang Crime Unit, the Organized Crime Agency of British Columbia, Police/Crown Liaison, and the Planning, Research and Audit Section.

As a sergeant, he was extensively involved in the development of the VPD’s Strategic Plan and managed a long-term review of policing operations at the VPD. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Chief Palmer was seconded to the Integrated Security Unit as the venue commander for the Pacific Coliseum where he oversaw the security for the figure skating and short track speed skating events.

Chief Palmer has completed numerous policing and professional development courses throughout his career. He holds a bachelor's of arts degree (honours) and has completed two executive leadership programs with the FBI: Leadership in Counter-Terrorism and the National Executive Institute. Chief Palmer sits on the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Board and the Criminology Advisory Committee for Kwantlen Polytechnic University. He is the recipient of nine VPD commendations and is a former Police Officer of the Year.

He has been invested as a Member of the Order of Merit for the Police Forces by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada.