Law Enforcement in Vancouver has worked to increase the public safety of all citizens. Currently Vancouver Police Department has 1300 members and 300 civilian staff. Vancouver is a destination for many travelers as well as a busy port city. There are large numbers of street youth in the downtown core and high levels of youth sexual exploitation. Crack cocaine and methamphetamine addiction are growing concerns and the availability of drugs is easy and cheap. For these reasons we as a community can familiarize ourselves with the Vancouver Police Departments goals and initiatives around building safer and healthier communities.

Vancouver Police Department has implemented a strategic plan focusing on reducing violence against the vulnerable. This includes the following:

• Sex workers
• Run aways
• Broken dysfunctional homes
• Drugs and alcohol abuse
• Street youth
• Gangs
• Mental illness