Vancouver Police prepare for October 7 anniversary of Hamas attacks on Israel

VANCOUVER Police announced on Friday that they are deploying additional officers at strategic locations throughout the city leading up to the one-year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

“As we move closer to October 7, I know that some people have feelings of unease and anxiety,” said Chief Constable Adam Palmer.

“Whether you’re a person of Jewish or Muslim faith, someone who comes from or has loved ones in the Middle East, or someone who feels impacted by the ongoing crisis, I want you to know that the Vancouver Police Department is here to provide a sense of reassurance, calm, comfort, and safety during this difficult time.

“In the coming days, you will see a significant and visible police presence throughout our city. We will also be working behind the scenes – with officers you don’t see – to assess and reassess potential risks, to respond immediately to emerging threats, and to share intelligence with our local, national, and international public safety partners.”

VPD deployment:

  • There are a number of planned and unplanned protests anticipated, and the risk of disorder is significant. Public Safety Unit officers will deploy during the weekend to mitigate traffic disruptions and maintain order when protests occur. The Public Safety Unit is a specially trained and experienced team of officers that works during large-scale events that draw large crowds.
  • VPD Metro Teams are quick-response teams that will deploy city-wide to respond if major crimes, spontaneous protests, or other significant public safety events require immediate police attendance.
  • Major Crime Section investigators are standing by to investigate hate-motivated incidents and other serious crimes, should they occur. These officers will support victims, collect evidence, and prepare complex reports to Crown counsel.
  • Highly trained tactical Emergency Response Team members and uniformed patrol officers will provide a visible police presence at key locations, including places of worship, community centres, and gathering places, in consultation with, and support from, community leaders. Police leaders from VPD’s Diversity, Community, and Indigenous Relations Section are working closely with members of the Jewish and Muslim communities to address emerging public safety concerns and share information about what the Vancouver Police Department is doing to keep everyone safe.
  • Uniformed School Liaison Officers will be positioned at some faith-based schools during pick-up and drop-off times on October 7. These officers will maintain a highly visible police presence to reassure parents and students, and to keep people safe.
  • The VPD Mobile Command Centre has been staged outside the Jewish Community Centre at Oak Street and West 41st Avenue. The Mobile Command Centre serves as a command post during major events and police deployments. A public safety trailer will be positioned at a Vancouver synagogue. These trailers feature 360-degree cameras that record 24 hours a day. Their main function is to deter crime. Cameras are not used for active surveillance, however, the recordings can be used as evidence if crimes occur.
  • Marked police cars will perform proactive patrols near places of worship and community gathering places, including synagogues, mosques, and community centres. Vancouver Police and Metro Vancouver Transit Police officers will conduct extra patrols in and around SkyTrain stations.
  • VPD Criminal Intelligence Unit investigators are working with the RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team and counter-terrorism partners – locally, nationally, and internationally –  to assess and monitor potential risks in our community.

“We serve everyone in our community, and I am committed to making sure everyone – regardless of their race, religion, language, or culture – feels safe,” said Palmer.

“Over the past year, we’ve worked closely with members of the Muslim and Jewish faiths, and with leaders from the community at large to listen, to understand, and to address everyone’s safety concerns. This work is ongoing, and I am grateful to all community leaders who have worked with us to address these complex issues.”

The Vancouver Police Department supports everyone’s right to peacefully assemble and express themselves as guaranteed in Section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Chief Palmer reminds anyone attending a protest to remain lawful, peaceful and respectful of different points of view.

“I know emotions are raw and people are experiencing a wide range of feelings right now. I also know there are many diverse opinions in this city,” said Palmer.

“I don’t expect everyone to have the same point of view about the military conflict in the Middle East, however, I do expect that people will treat each other with respect and not resort to violence when expressing their points of view. Public safety is our priority. We will not accept violence and hatred in Vancouver.”

By the numbers:

344 – protests related to the Israel-Hamas war

3,318 – overtime shifts worked to staff protests related to the Israel-Hamas war

$4.1 million – spent to police protests related to the Israel-Hamas war

74 – criminal investigations have taken place

47 – criminal charges have been recommended to Crown counsel

*since the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel