VPD Chief Jim Chu announces his retirement
Posted January 23, 2015 4:45 pm.
Last Updated February 3, 2016 9:33 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Vancouver’s police chief is calling it a career.
Jim Chu will retire in the coming months, after 36 years with the force.
Chu has been chief since 2007, when he took over from Jamie Graham. He is also the former head of the Canadian Chiefs of Police.
There has been a lot of speculation about Chu entering politics. In past interviews, he’s said he has no interest in holding public office but that could change once he hangs up his uniform.
In a news conference today, he was asked multiple times about a possible future in politics, but says until he’s officially done in his current position, he won’t address those question.
Chu says it’s an honour to have served for so long and his decision to retire didn’t come easy. He’s the last of his police academy class in the 1970s who is still working.
He also discussed some fond memories he has, including the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. He also talked about reducing crime and increasing community engagement.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson says the search for the next chief will start in a few weeks. Chu will stay on until they find his replacement. The search won’t just be within the Vancouver Police detachment; it will be a nation-wide search.
Chu inherited the legacy of the Robert Pickton case, publicly apologizing for the department’s failure to stop the serial killer and leading its response to a public inquiry.
He received national attention when he admitted the city was facing a gang war in 2009 and he was the force’s public face in the aftermath of the Stanley Cup riot.
Chu also oversaw the department as it relaxed its approach to marijuana, which has led to the proliferation of illegal storefront dispensaries.
NEWS 1130’s Anita Bathe was on hand when Chu announced his retirement:
