VPD Chief Constable Jim Chu Retires

Posted 26 January 2015

Chief Constable Jim Chu asked that his message be sent to all his volunteers. He will be greatly missed, and on behalf of Vector I would personally like to thank the Chief for his exceptional work and his support and recognition put forth to the volunteers that support our great community.

Gary Webb
President Vector
VA7GMW

Hello,

Today, I will be announcing my retirement to the public. After 36 years in policing with the VPD, seven-and-a-half of those years as Chief Constable, I believe now is the right time for me to move on to other challenges in life.

It has been a distinct honour and pleasure to serve with hundreds of talented and committed women and men (sworn, civilian and volunteer) over those years. What we have accomplished together and the good times we often had while doing it form the basis of my fondest memories.

In these last seven-plus years, I have been fortunate to lead an organization comprised of amazing people who, working together, have created a safer city. Our police department enjoys tremendous community support and is known internationally for our innovation, expertise, and community partnerships.

A major factor for my decision to retire now is succession planning. There are members of the VPD executive team who will be highly sought after in the near future for vacant police chief positions in other cities. I would like the executives who have been dedicated to the VPD, and who are very capable and ready to lead this organization, to have an opportunity to be police chief here, in one of the best cities in the world.

I am very appreciative of the ongoing guidance and support of our civilian governance authority, the Vancouver Police Board. Over the next few months, as I learn of the steps the Police Board is taking to select your new chief, I will pass on the information to you as soon as I can. I do believe that this search will be national in scope. These processes typically take several months and I have committed to the Police Board that I will continue as Chief in the interim. I am not leaving for another job or position.

Thank you for your ongoing dedication and commitment to the VPD. Your work has contributed to the VPD being the best police service in Canada. While the uncertainty associated with a leadership transition can be distracting, I know our organization is strong and will continue to provide excellent police services while this renewal of leadership takes place.

Jim Chu
Chief Constable

Link to VPD Media Release (contains video)