Where on earth do I start? Well, the bridge has been the biggest local news, and hot the heels of the bridge is Vancouver’s week in policing: Pattullo Bridge fire – one of the wooden trestles under the south section of one of the Lower Mainland’s busiest bridges caught fire early in the morning on [...]

Since 1909, the Vancouver Police have deployed officers on horseback.  Stationed out of the stables located in Stanley Park, the Mounted Squad members patrol the park and the surrounding streets.  When the need arises, the squad is brought further into the city, and the horses can be seen working events such as the summer fireworks, or assisting [...]

As police officers, not only must we be physically prepared to deal with a threat or a high stress situation, we have to be mentally prepared to do so.  Experience usually plays a role in how calm an officer will be when under stress, and one of the most obvious cases of this I have seen is when officers [...]

Following are some signs and symptoms a person may experience if involved in a critical incident.  When we, as the VPD CISM Team, meet with officers, we try to impress upon them that they may experience all or none of the signs, and at any intensity.  We also try to impress upon them that whatever they are [...]

Last week I introduced you to the Critical Incident Stress Management Team of the VPD.  Today, I’m going to cover some things to consider if you have been involved in a critical incident.  The list of ‘do’s and don’ts’, compiled with the assistance of the ICISF, are suggestions only – all with the intention of educating [...]