The 24 newest members of the Vancouver Police Department will be sworn in today by Chief Constable Adam Palmer at a ceremony in front of their friends and families in Vancouver.

“We are currently hiring and are looking for strong candidates who reflect our community. These new recruits are great additions to the VPD and come with strong backgrounds that include volunteering with youth, people with disabilities, with parolees, and at police agencies and community policing centres,” says Constable Tania Visintin, VPD.

The diverse group of recruits come from a wide variety of backgrounds. They have lived in the Lower Mainland and other parts of Canada, in Nigeria, Singapore, China, Tasmania, India, Korean, the Philippines, Germany, and El Salvador. The recruits speak many different languages, including Portuguese, Hindi, Punjabi, Korean, Mandarin, French, and Spanish.

Their studies have included criminology, business, psychology, international and criminal law, political science, electronics technology, sport and fitness leadership, crime and intelligence analysis, forensics, carpentry, plumbing, and electronics technology.

Many have excelled at sports, such as hockey, soccer, rugby, baseball, martial arts, basketball, volleyball, swimming, lacrosse, and lacrosse – including professional football.

The recruits have previously worked in construction, and as security guards and loss prevention officers, lifeguards, support workers, and reservists with the Canadian Forces and the Royal Westminster Regiment. They have fought forest fires and taught music and physical education. Some recruits were Special Municipal Constables with the VPD, or worked with partner agencies like Corrections, Canada Border Services, and B.C. Sheriffs.

“Today is a special day for these officers as they officially commit to serving our city and its residents,” adds Constable Visintin.

The VPD is currently hiring police officers and special municipal officers. For information, please visit JoinVPD.ca.