Chinese Community Policing Centre – Vancouver, BC

About Chinese Community Policing Centre

The Chinese Community Policing Centre (CCPC) is a non-profit community organization that operates in partnership with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD). Established in 1992, it was the first centre of its kind in Canada, created to bridge the gap between the police and the Chinese-speaking community. The CCPC plays a vital role in enhancing safety and reducing crime in the historic Chinatown and Gastown neighbourhoods of Vancouver.

Services and Mandate

The centre focuses on making police services more accessible and culturally appropriate. Its core mandate involves providing assistance to victims of crime, offering safety education, and facilitating communication between residents and law enforcement. A key function of the CCPC is its translation and interpretation services in Cantonese and Mandarin, which help non-English speakers navigate the justice system and report non-emergency crimes effectively.

Programs and Volunteer Work

• Victim Services: Support and referral services for victims of crime, including assistance with police statements.
• Safety Patrols: Volunteers conduct regular foot patrols in Chinatown to deter crime and report suspicious activities.
• Graffiti Removal: A dedicated program to clean up vandalism and maintain the aesthetic of the neighbourhood.
• Community Engagement: Organizing workshops, safety audits, and participating in community events like the Chinese New Year Parade.

Location and Access

Originally located on Main Street, the CCPC has moved to a street-level office on East Pender Street to ensure high visibility and easy access for the public. The centre is staffed by a small team of employees and a large contingent of dedicated volunteers. While it is not a police station and does not hold prisoners, it serves as a safe, welcoming environment for community members to seek advice, report concerns, and access resources related to personal and property safety.