Illustration by Sonny Assu

Why an Online Database?

The Vancouver Police Department has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years for alleged heavy-handedness and a general lack of accountability. Overpolicing has been criticized by some as a livability factor. The police complaints process is seen by many as ineffective.

The VPD Public Complaints database exists as a community response to the lack of transparency in the police complaints process. Unlike the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, the VPD Public Complaints database is not run by, or affiliated with, the Vancouver Police Department.

The project's aim is to provide easily searchable complaint information. We feel the end result will give a clearer picture of the impact of policing on our communities than a closed process.

How It Works

The VPD Public Complaints database works by accepting online incident reports from citizens who wish to publicly complain about police behaviour, anonymously or not. The submitted incidents are then reviewed by our administrators and, if approved, become searchable by anyone who visits the site.

Support the Project

Community support is vital to this project. Please support us in any of the following ways:

• Sign up to get involved in the project
• Submit an incident to the online database
• Let your community know about the project
• Purchase t-shirts that are sold at cost to promote awareness of the problem of overpolicing in the GVRD

Thanks and Endorsements

Thanks to:

• The Work Less Party for their partnership in this project
• Sonny Assu for the great illustration used throughout the site
• The individuals who have helped with setup and promotion