Vancouver calls on province to review policing in B.C.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart called on Premier John Horgan on Thursday to conduct a comprehensive review of all policing in B.C., including use-of-force policies, systemic racism, and disproportional violence experienced by Black and Indigenous people.

Stewart added the review should include the Vancouver Police Department, RCMP, and other municipal forces and needs to examine if all officers should be equipped with body-worn cameras.

#BREAKING Vancouver Mayor @kennedystewart seeks province-wide review of systemic racism & disproportional violence against Black & Indigenous people.
He's also demanding end to "discriminatory" street checks saying "we need to fundamentally change how policing is done." #vanpoli

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) June 11, 2020

He is also seeking an end to what he calls “discriminatory street checks,” and changes to the policing approach regarding supports for the mentally ill, homeless, drug users, sex workers, and other marginalized members of society.

“We like to think of ourselves as a community where racism and discrimination don’t happen, but our history and the stories we hear from our neighbours today show us all that this is simply not the case – it has never been the case,” said Stewart.

“While some important steps have been taken in Vancouver, the systemic changes called for around the globe require bolder action, including by the B.C. provincial government.”

Stewart said the province controls almost every aspect of how policing is conducted, including determining training requirements, funding levels. That includes policing standards and use-of-force policies, as well as creating oversight agencies, approving the Police Act, and appointing police board members.

Those aspects should also be reviewed, he added.

“It isn’t very often that we’re given a chance to reimagine something as fundamental and important as how our society protects its people,” Stewart said. “Through terrible tragedy, but also incredible bravery and energy on behalf of activists and community members, we can fundamentally change how policing is done in our province.”

He did not ask that wearing such cameras be made mandatory, adding that should be a provincial decision and consistent for policing across the province.

Asked why he's not seeking mandatory use of body cameras, @kennedystewart says that's a province-wide issue and there are costs attached, so if @VancouverPD officers have to have them, so should every Mountie and other municipal force member in #BC. #bcpoli #vanpoli @NEWS1130

— Marcella Bernardo (@MBernardoNews) June 11, 2020

Stewart said he will be submitting his request in writing to Horgan and ask for a response that matches the urgency of this issue. He also intends to send a copy of the letter to the leaders of the B.C. Liberal and Green parties and request public responses.

The Vancouver Police Department’s current budget of $314 million accounts for 20 per cent of the city’s total budget.

The Vancouver Police board has said it will not be making a one-per-cent cut to its budget as local politicians have asked for.

The police board issued a response to Stewart’s call for review, saying the Vancouver Police Department will cooperate fully.

“The VPD continues to take progressive steps towards addressing the injustices and systemic racism that exists in our City.  As a board we are dedicated to continuing to build an organization that not only reflects the community it serves, but is an integral part of the community.  We hear the voices and concerns of our communities and acknowledge the horrific discrimination that too many members of our society have faced for too long.  These patterns must be broken, and there is more work to be done as a society towards implementing positive change,” it reads.