BURST
The Vancouver Police Department has a new chief constable, and he’s a familiar face to the department.
Deputy Chief Steve Rai, who has been serving as interim chief since the retirement of former Chief Constable Adam Palmer earlier this year, has been appointed as the police force’s 32nd chief constable.
The police board reached a decision to appoint Rai on Thursday following a “demanding and comprehensive” search, including using the assistance of a third-party executive recruitment firm that specializes in policing.
“We are looking for a leader with deep operational experience, sound judgment, and the trust of not just the community but of the department as well, and we did find that leader in Steve Rai,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.
Huge congratulations to #VPD Interim Chief Steve Rai on his well-deserved promotion to Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department! @DeputyChiefRai @VancouverPD @VanPoliceBoard @CityofVancouver @KenSimCity @BCPoliceChiefs @CACP_ACCP @MjrCitiesChiefs pic.twitter.com/EZUpCcVWQ4
— Adam Palmer (@ChiefPalmer) May 23, 2025
The son of immigrants, Rai was born in the Punjab region of India and grew up in Vancouver.
His father found work in the VPD’s building services team, “the same organization where his son today would become chief,” said Sim.
Rai has served with the VPD for more than 30 years, starting his career as a front line patrol officer in Vancouver’s east side. His many roles within the department include being a hostage negotiator, forensic interviewer, community policing officer, field trainer, and a public order commander.
He has led public order operations during major citywide events, including the Occupy Vancouver protests, the 2010 Winter Olympics, and the 2011 Stanley Cup riot.
Rai also has experience in key VPD areas, including human resources and training and recruitment, and served as deputy chief of support services.
Rai had a baptism of fire when he assumed acting chief duties during the horrific Lapu Lapu Day festival attack that killed 11 people and injured dozens more. The tragedy drew international media attention and shone a spotlight on Rai as he spoke to reporters from the scene, calling April 27 “the darkest day in our city’s history.”
He appeared at subsequent news conferences alongside Sim and other officials and spoke at a memorial mass for the victims of the attack at Holy Rosary Cathedral.
“We were looking for a leader who can really jump in,” said Sim. “First day on the job, absolutely incredible.”
Contract negotiations for Rai’s position are underway and will be finalized in the coming days, said police board chief Frank Chong.
The talent pool for the position within Canada is “very small,” he said. There was a shortlist of less than 10 candidates.