VPD whistleblower alleges arrest quotas in Downtown Eastside crackdown

British Columbia’s police watchdog has called on the Vancouver Police Board to investigate an officer’s claim that arrest quotas are being implemented as part of Mayor Ken Sim’s “Task Force Barrage” initiative in the Downtown Eastside. The whistleblower’s email, which is set to be discussed at Thursday’s board meeting, alleges that Task Force Barrage is a politically motivated crackdown, with authorities imposing quotas on officers.

The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner has requested the board to take action following a complaint it received from a VPD member on March 8. The complaint describes Task Force Barrage as an initiative that undermines officers’ discretion in deciding whether to press charges, instead emphasizing the enforcement of quotas. The whistleblower expressed concerns about the legality and ethics of such practices.

Task Force Barrage was launched by Mayor Ken Sim in February, aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and targeting predatory criminals in the Downtown Eastside. While the police spokesperson, Sgt. Steve Addison, did not directly confirm the use of quotas, he defended the work being done in the area, highlighting the significant increase in weapons seizures and criminal arrests since the task force’s inception.

According to a recent update, weapons seizures in the Downtown Eastside have surged by 258%, with 197 weapons confiscated and 204 Criminal Code arrests made within the first four weeks of Task Force Barrage. Additionally, 314 warrant arrests were made by the police up to April 15, contributing to a 17% decrease in violent crimes compared to the same period last year.

Despite criticism from police critics and defunders, Addison emphasized the department’s commitment to the initiative and the positive impact it has had on crime rates in the area. In response to the whistleblower’s concerns, Vancouver Coun. Sean Orr urged Mayor Ken Sim to uphold integrity and keep politics separate from policing, emphasizing the importance of protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.

As the controversy surrounding Task Force Barrage continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Vancouver Police Board will address the issue raised by the anonymous whistleblower. The outcome of Thursday’s meeting could have significant implications for the future of policing in the Downtown Eastside and the relationship between law enforcement and local authorities.