National

Police officer program to end in Vancouver schools

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 27 Apr, 2021 04:35 PM

Uniformed police officers will no longer be assigned to Vancouver public schools after trustees voted to end its school liaison officer program.

The program has been under review for almost a year due to concerns that uniformed officers make some students anxious or upset, including many identifying as Black, Indigenous or people of colour.

It’s w/a heavy ❤️ that I think of all the #youth who will no longer have an #SLO or benefit from the countless programs they run. @VancouverPD was hopeful that all #stakeholders could have worked together to find a path forward while preserving the program @VSB39. @VPDYouth https://t.co/7Aq8paFwja
— Fiona Wilson (@FionaWilsonVPD) April 27, 2021

Trustees voted eight to one Monday in favour of a motion to halt the program at the end of June.

The decision is supported by several groups, including the Vancouver District Parent Advisory Council and associations representing elementary and secondary school teachers in the city.

The school board will now work with Vancouver police and RCMP to create what the motion defines as a "new relationship" developing "trauma-informed approaches to working with children and youth."

Sgt. Steve Addison says in a statement that Vancouver police were open to an "evolving" relationship that could include roles for plainclothes officers in city schools.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. To Improve Paid Leave For Workers Affected By Domestic And Sexual Violence

Workers affected by domestic or sexual violence would be eligible for up to five days a year of paid leave under legislation introduced today by the B.C. government.

B.C. To Improve Paid Leave For Workers Affected By Domestic And Sexual Violence

Eyes Forward: March is Distracted Driving Month

Police across the province will be out in full force to crack down on distracted drivers this March, designated as distracted driving month by the BC Chiefs of Police.

Eyes Forward: March is Distracted Driving Month

Metro Vancouver's Cycling Network Nearly Tripled Last Decade

VANCOUVER, B.C. – HUB Cycling and TransLink have partnered to release the first ever State of Cycling Report for Metro Vancouver.

Metro Vancouver's Cycling Network Nearly Tripled Last Decade

SUV Hit 85-year-old Pedestrian In Maple Ridge: Witnesses Sought

Maple Ridge B.C – Ridge Meadows RCMP is seeking further witnesses to a motor vehicle collision where an 85 year old man was struck.

SUV Hit 85-year-old Pedestrian In Maple Ridge: Witnesses Sought

Canadians At Forefront Of COVID-19 Research As Sars Outbreak Informs Response

The potential for a worldwide pandemic has kept scientists in Canada at the ready and placed them at the forefront of the global response to the outbreak of the new coronavirus, several prominent researchers say.

Canadians At Forefront Of COVID-19 Research As Sars Outbreak Informs Response

Elected Wet'suwet'en Councillor Calls For Inclusivity In Consensus Building Over Deal

Karen Ogen-Toews, a councillor of the Wet'suwet'en First Nation, said six elected councils have historically been excluded from negotiations over land rights and she hopes all Wet'suwet'en people have their say before hereditary house chiefs return to the negotiating table with senior government officials.