Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai’s career with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is an inspiring story of dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to both law enforcement and community service. Embarking on a remarkable journey that would see him rise to one of the highest ranks in the VPD, Rai started his career with the VPD in 1990 as a frontline patrol constable.
Reflecting on his roots, Rai has often emphasized the importance of his cultural background in shaping his approach to policing. Drawing on his cultural experience has been key in serving the district’s ethnically diverse communities. He shares, “Increasing diversity has always been the goal of any strong, viable, and good police department. They will always say recruiting from the community to reflect the community is a priority.” As per Rai, the VPD is the most diverse police force in the province and ranks among the top five for diversity in the country.
Attributing his success to his willingness to embrace challenges and remain open to learning, Rai says, “I never said no to anything. It’s easy to say no, but saying yes helps you grow. Whether it was writing a warrant at 3:00 am, near the end of my shift, or stepping into the field late at night in the rain, I always said yes. By accepting every challenge, I gained a wealth of experience at a very young age.”
For aspiring recruits, Rai’s advice is to make good decisions and have fun, but also be mindful that some choices will have a long-term impact; the goal should be to pursue interests while prioritizing education, taking care of health, and striving to grow into a well-rounded individual with a broad perspective on the world.
Rai highlights, “I wanted a profession that had teamwork in it and that would look different every day. In 34 years, I’ve had probably 17 different careers within my vocation. Every 2 or 3 years, I do something different. Moreover, I've never regretted my career choice! I'd do it all over again, and VPD feels like a second home. With our attrition rate below 1%, it's clear that no one quits; they retire, but they don't quit.”
If you're considering a career in policing, Rai’s journey exemplifies firsthand that VPD addresses a wide spectrum of issues and offers diverse, rewarding opportunities beyond crime fighting. These include working with young people, families, women, the elderly, and even tech crime. As Rai puts it, “This truly is a career that offers everything!”
