Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer got his contract extended by the Vancouver Police Board and he will be on the job until Sept. 30, 2025.
Mayor Ken Sim announced Palmer’s extension Thursday at a police board meeting held at the VPD’s Cambie Street precinct. Palmer’s contract was to expire in June.
“I feel personally, and I know I speak for the board, that we’re incredibly fortunate [to have you as chief],” said Sim, who doubles as chairperson of the police board.
“It’s been a very challenging time over these last couple of years for a whole host of issues…and the leadership that you’ve displayed for the VPD and the city has been absolutely amazing.”
Palmer, who was sworn in as chief May 2015, spoke briefly at the meeting about his extension.
“It is such an honour,” said Palmer, who is in his late 50s and replaced Jim Chu, who now works as a vice-president for Aquilini Investment Group.
“I do think it’s the most amazing city in Canada and one of the most amazing cities in the world, and I really am so humbled and honoured to be able to lead this amazing department.”
Historically, the police board conducts an annual performance review of the chief.
The board has based the chief's performance on areas such as the crime rate, strategic planning, employee satisfaction, public confidence and relationships with various groups in the community and senior levels of government.
Leadership, communication and financial management are other criteria that is examined, although Sim nor Palmer mentioned details of the review. Sim also announced the VPD’s three deputy chiefs — Fiona Wilson, Howard Chow and Steve Rai had their contracts extended, although details weren’t provided.
According to the VPD’s website, Palmer earned $378,368 in 2021. Chow made $273,685, Rai $260,703 and Wilson, $233,560.
