Jury makes 12 recommendations following inquest into VPD Const. Nicole Chan suicide

Editor’s note: This story contains references to suicide. If you or a loved one is at risk of self-harm, the BC Crisis Centre can be reached at 1-800-784-2433. Translation services are available.

A coroner’s jury has made a dozen recommendations for the British Columbia government and Vancouver police, including that all the department’s officers receive mandatory yearly psychological check-ins regardless of rank or what department they work in.

The unanimous recommendations from the jury follow seven days of testimony at the inquest into the suicide of Vancouver Police Department (VPD) officer Const. Nicole Chan.

The inquest heard that Chan died in January 2019 during a mental health crisis after having relationships with two senior Vancouver officers, one of whom allegedly “extorted” her to continue a sexual relationship.

Related articles:

• Deliberations underway following coroner’s inquest into death of VPD officer

• Const. Nicole Chan feared she’d never work again after hospital stint: VPD sergeant

• Sister of VPD officer says Nicole Chan felt aimless before suicide

Chief Const. Adam Palmer released a statement Wednesday on the coroner’s inquest verdict.

“Constable Nicole Chan chose a noble profession, and devoted her career to helping people in their time of need. That she died alone, of suicide, and when she herself was in need, is something that will stay with us always,” he said.

“My continued heartfelt condolences to Nicole’s family, her friends, and others touched by her death. Her life and career were tragically cut short, however, Nicole’s death has highlighted the importance of our conversations about mental health and accountability in policing.”

Palmer says although the inquest has come to a conclusion, the tragedy of Chan’s death continues to impact people.

Statement from Chief Constable Adam Palmer on Coroner’s inquest verdict pic.twitter.com/iEURJsVnas

— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) February 2, 2023

“These conversations are never over. The Coroner’s inquest into Nicole’s death has been powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking. It has deeply impacted us all,” the statement reads.

“We are grateful to everyone who participated in the inquest, including Nicole’s family, her friends, her co-workers, and the members of the Coroner’s jury. Though we will take time to review the jury’s recommendations, we remain committed to ensuring Nicole’s death continues to lead to positive change within policing and for anyone struggling with their mental health.”

While a coroner’s jury can’t place blame, its job is to provide recommendations to prevent deaths in similar circumstances.

The jury suggested the VPD recognize rumours and gossip as an example of unprofessional behaviour in its respectful workplace policy, and ensure all officers attend mandatory, rigorous in-person training on that policy.

Other recommendations include; mandatory psychological clinical interviews during the recruitment process to become a Vancouver police officer, and suggesting the Ministry of Health consider a database that contains medical records for patients who have suicidal ideations.

The recommendation for the Ministry of Health suggests having this database accessible across all health authorities.