The Vancouver Police Department has a new chief constable. Deputy Chief Steve Rai – a 30-year veteran of the force – has been promoted to the department’s top job, Mayor Ken Sim and police board chair Frank Chong announced Thursday. Sim, who headed up the search committee, said Rai’s appointment came after an “extensive” selection process, but did not say how many applications were received or how many were called upon to make a final pitch to the board. “We did not take this process lightly,” Sim said. “We were looking for a leader with deep operational experience, sound judgment and the trust of not just the community, but the department as well. And we did find that leader in Steve Rai.” When Adam Palmer announced his retirement after 10 years at the helm, he predicted his successor would be chosen from among his three deputies at the time. After Fiona Wilson announced she would be leaving to lead the Victoria Police Department, the field narrowed to Rai and Howard Chow. Despite the apparent competition between the two for the role, both Rai and Chow told reporters they are friends, not rivals. Rai has been the acting chief since Palmer’s departure. Almost immediately after assuming the role of interim leader last month, Vancouver was rocked by a mass killing at the Lapu Lapu Festival in South Vancouver. Rai, speaking at the news conference, praised Palmer’s “legacy of excellence” saying the former chief left “really tough shoes to fill.” He pledged to prioritize training and supporting rank and file officers – many of whom Rai said are young or new to the department. “They take care of our city and we’re going to take care of our officers,” Rai said. Asked about his approach to policing, Rai described it as “collaborative, inclusive – but decisive.” Rai’s promotion is effective immediately, but the length of his contract has not yet been determined.
