Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
ADVT 
Interesting

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

Naina Grewal Darpan, 04 Nov, 2024 06:13 PM
  • 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 Interesting ARTICLES

Let's bust some diamond myths!

Let's bust some diamond myths!
The glittering, scintillating and resilient diamond is the zodiac gem for the month of April, often celebrated as the diamond month!De Beers Forever mark busts some of the most common myths associated with this scintillating gemstone to ensure that you are well informed before your next diamond purchase.

Let's bust some diamond myths!

10 Greatest Figures in Sikh History

10 Greatest Figures in Sikh History
The Sikh history is enshrined with glorious sagas, plenty of struggle, relentless battles and the perseverance of some remarkable warriors and saints who have played a key role in shaping the social, religious, and political milieu of the Sikh faith. This Vaisakhi, we bring to you some of the most significant and revered Sikh figures, who have made their mark in the pages of Sikh history eons ago.

10 Greatest Figures in Sikh History

Canada’s First Sikh Studies Program at University of Calgary

Canada’s First Sikh Studies Program at University of Calgary
Recognizing the valuable stories, literature, and poetry such a program could bring to the table, Dr. Grewal and Dhillon started the journey towards creating a legacy through the establishment of a Sikh Studies program at the University of Calgary. 

Canada’s First Sikh Studies Program at University of Calgary

Has the real message of Vaisakhi been lost?

Has the real message of Vaisakhi been lost?
The religious significance mixed with the cultural festival of Punjab makes Vaisakhi an exciting and festive time. However, as time goes by, we are gradually losing sight of the fundamental importance and significance of this day. We keep forgetting the guidelines established by Guru Gobind Singh ji.

Has the real message of Vaisakhi been lost?

EcoSikhs: Care for Nature, Care for All

EcoSikhs: Care for Nature, Care for All
After EcoSikh's tremendous work, World Sikh Environment Day is now celebrated in eight countries, with the involvement of several Gurdwaras and families participating. Sikh Environment Day aims to sensitize society/students of all ages, social, religious, and academic institutions and organizations.

EcoSikhs: Care for Nature, Care for All

7 Ways to make your Vaisakhi filled with colour and joy!

7 Ways to make your Vaisakhi filled with colour and joy!
Besides visiting the gurdwara, Vaisakhi is also an amazing time to get together with the entire family and enjoy delicious meals prepared for the entire family. So before all the festivities hit the peak, how about we give the house a little makeover and make sure the house and you are both Vaisakhi-ready? Follow these simple steps you can take to give the house a festive look. 

7 Ways to make your Vaisakhi filled with colour and joy!