Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
Feature

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai: Building a Rewarding Career with the VPD

Naina Grewal Darpan, 04 Nov, 2024
  • Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai: Building a Rewarding Career with the VPD

Deputy Chief Constable Steve Rai’s career with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is an inspiring story of dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to both law enforcement and community service. Embarking on a remarkable journey that would see him rise to one of the highest ranks in the VPD, Rai started his career with the VPD in 1990 as a frontline patrol constable. 

Reflecting on his roots, Rai has often emphasized the importance of his cultural background in shaping his approach to policing. Drawing on his cultural experience has been key in serving the district’s ethnically diverse communities. He shares, “Increasing diversity has always been the goal of any strong, viable, and good police department. They will always say recruiting from the community to reflect the community is a priority.” As per Rai, the VPD is the most diverse police force in the province and ranks among the top five for diversity in the country.

Attributing his success to his willingness to embrace challenges and remain open to learning, Rai says, “I never said no to anything. It’s easy to say no, but saying yes helps you grow. Whether it was writing a warrant at 3:00 am, near the end of my shift, or stepping into the field late at night in the rain, I always said yes. By accepting every challenge, I gained a wealth of experience at a very young age.”

For aspiring recruits, Rai’s advice is to make good decisions and have fun, but also be mindful that some choices will have a long-term impact; the goal should be to pursue interests while prioritizing education, taking care of health, and striving to grow into a well-rounded individual with a broad perspective on the world. 

Rai highlights, “I wanted a profession that had teamwork in it and that would look different every day. In 34 years, I’ve had probably 17 different careers within my vocation. Every 2 or 3 years, I do something different. Moreover, I've never regretted my career choice! I'd do it all over again, and VPD feels like a second home. With our attrition rate below 1%, it's clear that no one quits; they retire, but they don't quit.”

If you're considering a career in policing, Rai’s journey exemplifies firsthand that VPD addresses a wide spectrum of issues and offers diverse, rewarding opportunities beyond crime fighting. These include working with young people, families, women, the elderly, and even tech crime. As Rai puts it, “This truly is a career that offers everything!”

MORE Feature ARTICLES

Self-care Matters

Self-care Matters

A look at how self-care can benefit you physically, mentally, emotionally and even socially

Junk Food For Thought

Junk Food For Thought

Junk food is just so easy to cave into. You are not alone in falling prey to the enticing smell, taste and aura of your favorite treat.

Sunny Hill Health Centre: A New Beginning

Sunny Hill Health Centre: A New Beginning

The new Sunny Hill was made possible through the significant support from the Government of British Columbia, Provincial Health Services Authority and our committed and generous donors.

Plant Power: Unexpected Health Benefits of Gardening

Plant Power: Unexpected Health Benefits of Gardening

Whether you have a small patio planter, a backyard vegetable garden, or a plot in a community garden, embrace your green thumb and start gardening today!

DR. BAL PAWA: Protect Your Mental Health & Well-being

DR. BAL PAWA: Protect Your Mental Health & Well-being

The number of people suffering from anxiety, loneliness and depression has spiked amidst COVID-19, and with lockdowns around the world, people’s mental health has been severely impacted. 

Web Diary

Web Diary

From thrillers to musicals to political dramas — premium digital platforms are gearing up to stream several original Indian series in the second quarter of 2020, which are sure to get you hooked.