In recognition of the October 22nd International Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and Criminalization, Pivot Legal Society submitted a freedom of information request to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) focusing on the VPD budget, including all records and information related to proposed and actual spending of the annual police budget from 2016-present.
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Using the law as a catalyst for positive social change, Pivot Legal Society works to improve the lives of marginalized communities.
Information and Privacy Coordinator
Vancouver Police Department
3585 Graveley Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada V5K 5J5
Via Email: [email protected]
October 22, 2020
To Whom It May Concern:
RE: Pivot Legal Society, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act request
We request copies of the following documents pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 165.
We have standing to make this request as a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia. We request that any possible fees for this request be waived in the public interest.
This is a request to obtain from the Vancouver Police Department (the “VPD”) a copy of all documents and records which the VPD has in its possession, custody or control relating to the municipal police budget for the years 2016-2020. We request that any material in documents responsive to this request which might be determined to be “out of scope” be considered to be included as part of this request. We request that any material generated by this request that is not subject to extensions of time be released to me within the original time frame of this request and not held back until all material is releasable.
Specifically, we request any and all records and information regarding the amount budgeted annually by the City of Vancouver and/or the VPD for the following:
- Any and all records and information regarding the amount budgeted annually by the VPD to conduct investigations of police complaints pursuant to the Police Act, RSBC 1996, c. 637 from 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the amount budgeted annually by the City and/or the VPD for the defence of civil claims made in the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia against VPD officers, and claims to which the City of Vancouver is joined as a defendant pursuant to s. 21 of the Police Act, RSBC 1996, c. 637. The records may include, but may not be limited to court cases, human rights tribunals, costs of defending VPD officers and the City, costs of investigation, costs of settlements and any disciplinary procedures from 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the amount budgeted annually for all three VPD divisions, and itemized budgets specific to each Section, Service, and Unit for the years 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the actual amounts spent in relation to the areas listed above for the years 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the number of officers assigned to each Division, Section, Service, and Unit for the years 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the hours worked in each Division, Section, Service, and Unit for the years 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding recruitment and new hires in each Division, Section, Service, and Unit for the years 2016-2020.
- Any and all records and information regarding the VPD School Liaison Unit, including estimated and actual budget, number of officers assigned, and any operating agreements with the Vancouver School Board, also known as School District No. 39.
- Any and all records and information regarding the budgets, actual amounts spent, and hours worked in sexual assault investigations conducted by the VPD for the years 2016-2020.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this includes any and all official, draft or other VPD and City of Vancouver budgetary documents, including annual, quarterly and other periodic budgets, and including budgets, budgetary reports, and all other financial memoranda and briefs.
Please contact me should you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
______________________________
Meenakshi Mannoe
Criminalization & Policing Campaigner
Pivot Legal Society
