Public Safety and Solicitor General
Seventy-one police officers in British Columbia have been recommended and meet the prescribed criteria and qualifications to receive Police Officer Commissions.
Police Officer Commissions are a new provincial honour to formally recognize high-calibre, senior members of municipal police departments and designated policing units for their rank, professionalism and dedication to policing in B.C.
The Police Officer Commission regulation sets out the criteria and qualifications to be met before a commission is issued. In summary, they are:
- An exemplary service record.
- 10 or more years of service in British Columbia.
- At least a baccalaureate or master’s degree or equivalent, or the rank of inspector or higher for at least four years.
- A qualifying supervisor or police board’s recommendation for a commission.
Government passed related legislation in 2014 and recently finalized eligibility criteria in consultation with senior police leaders and representatives of the BC Association of Police Boards and the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner.
Quotes:
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris –
“The outstanding leadership and dedication of the officers recognized today reflect their ongoing commitment to the highest level of service to British Columbians. These officers have raised the public-safety benchmark in this province, and we can all take comfort in their continued efforts to make our communities safer.”
Quick Facts:
- The new provincial commissions are intended to recognize senior officers in the same spirit as commissions issued to senior members of the RCMP in British Columbia and police elsewhere in Canada.
- Only currently serving members are eligible to receive a commission.
- Retired Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu received the first commission issued to a municipal police officer in May 2015.
Learn More:
The Provincial Symbols and Honours Act:
http://www.bclaws.ca/Recon/document/ID/freeside/00_96380_01
Orders-in-Council:
http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/content/oic/?xsl=/templates/browse.xsl
