Details of the Operations Division

Key Areas of Responsibility of the Operations Division

A. Criminal & Targeted Investigations

The Criminal Investigation Section has the responsibility to conduct investigations of major criminal offences of all types that require advanced investigational skills. The Target Team has the responsibility to investigate serial crimes and crimes associated to repeat offenders.

B. Crime Reduction

The Operations Division is primarily responsible for reducing crime and the fear of crime through accurate, timely intelligence, rapid deployment, effective tactics and relentless follow-up and assessment.

C. Public Safety

The Operations Division is the front line of the West Vancouver Police Department. Responsibilities include conducting proactive policing operations directed at ensuring a peaceful community and the safety of the public through highly visible, professional uniform police patrols, problem-focused law enforcement, conducting accurate and effective investigations and ensuring an enhanced awareness of community public safety issues. In addition, planning, preparing, equipping and responding to all forms of natural disasters and emergencies in cooperation with other municipal departments in an integral part of what the Operations Division accomplishes on a daily basis.

D. Team Building and Personal Development

 

The Operations Division has a responsibility to provide a positive work experience to the police members assigned to the Patrol Section, the Criminal Investigation Section and the Target Team. A responsibility of every operational supervisor and manager is ensuring that our members are recognized and rewarded for their contributions to establishing the high level of service enjoyed by the residents of West Vancouver and the confidence, trust and cooperation between the community and the police.

E. Traffic Services

The Operations Division, in cooperation with the Traffic Services Unit, is also responsible for maintaining a high level of traffic safety on community streets and Provincial highways within the boundaries of West Vancouver.

 

 

Sections and Units in the Operations Division:

    • Responsible for the implementation and management of community based programs and initiatives involving volunteers and cooperating with community partner groups focused on solving crime problems and public safety concerns.
    • Works with youth in providing education and awareness programs in West Vancouver.
    • Media Relations - The Community Services Unit is the first point of contact for all media relation issues including responding to media inquiries and providing information for publication in support of police operations.
    • Victim Services - The Victim Services Unit is a component of the CSU and provides support for victims of crime. The Community Services Unit will research and develop a local Police Foundation initiative to assist with funding community policing programs. In addition the Community Services Unit will implement a diversity committee in 2008.
  • COMPSTAT Unit
    • Responsible for accurate statistics for strategic and tactical planning.
    • Analyses data to identify crime trends and problem areas for operations deployment.
  • Forensic Identification Section
    • Responsible to provide forensic crime scene examination, evidence collection and analysis to maximize the effectiveness of investigations.
    • Manages all photographic and video equipment and analysis related to identifying criminals and our legal requirements for the maintenance of criminal records.

    • Responsible for providing specialized enforcement of traffic related laws, regulations and municipal bylaws.

    • Supports operations by providing motor vehicle collision investigation capabilities through the use of specialized evidence gathering techniques and equipment.

    • Focuses traffic safety efforts on problem areas in the community.