The Vancouver Police Department today announced that Deputy Chief Constable Warren Lemcke will retire on September 30 after 32 years of service with the VPD.

“Throughout his entire career with the VPD, Warren has been passionate about building relationships and focusing on the human-side of policing. He’s well-respected by not only our members, but also the community,” said Adam Palmer, Chief Constable, VPD. “Warren has worked in nearly every area of the VPD and knows the Department inside out. We will miss both his leadership and expertise in policing.”

Deputy Lemcke was appointed Deputy Chief Constable in 2010 and took command of the Investigation Division. He will retire as Deputy Chief Constable of the Operations Division, a role he took on in July 2015. In this role, he has provided leadership and oversight to areas like Patrol, the Emergency Response Section, the Traffic Section, and Emergency and Operational Planning.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve the citizens of Vancouver for more than more than three decades,” said Deputy Lemcke. “Over the course of my career, I have watched the city grow and change and the Department evolve. I’m proud to have worked with the men and women who have made this Department one of the most progressive policing organizations in the country.”

Deputy Lemcke started his career with the Vancouver Police in 1985. He worked in all four police districts in Vancouver as a patrol constable and sergeant, and spent several years as a traffic enforcement officer and walking the Granville beat. He has also worked in community policing, property crime, and conducted internal investigations.

He had three assignments in the rank of Inspector. As Superintendent, he had command of two districts in the city.

Deputy Lemcke was designated a Public Order Commander in 2006 after receiving training in the United Kingdom. He has completed specialized education in major case management and incident command. He is one of only a few Canadian police officers to complete the NYPD Internal Investigators’ course. In 2011, he was invested by the Governor General as an Officer of the Order of Merit of Police Services.

An internal competition is currently underway at the VPD for a new Deputy Chief Constable.