NRI Steve Rai has been Appointed as Vancouver's new police chief
Los Angeles/ May 25, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh
NRI Steve Rai has been appointed as the 32nd Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), succeeding Adam Palmer, who retired to join the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as an assistant commissioner.
Born in Punjab, India, Rai immigrated to Vancouver at a young age.
He began his career with the VPD in 1990, serving in various roles over the years, including frontline patrol, recruiting, and major citywide operations such as the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot.
In 2015, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable of Support Services Division.
Rai holds a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of the Fraser Valley. Prior to joining the VPD, he served with the Canadian Forces Reserves.
His leadership during the tragic vehicle-ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in April 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities, was noted as a significant factor in his appointment.
Mayor Ken Sim highlighted Rai's deep operational experience and commitment to community engagement as key qualities for the role.
Rai emphasized the importance of making the police department accessible to all cultures, reflecting Vancouver's diverse population.
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