Vancouver Mayor credits seven-month police ‘surge’ in Downtown Eastside for declining crime rates

Surrounded by police and fire officials in dress uniforms, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim declared Monday that a special, seven-month police “surge” in the Downtown Eastside has significantly reduced crime there and in surrounding areas.

He and Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai announced that the lessons from what was called Task Force Barrage will be used for a new model of policing the Downtown Eastside, with a reorganized management system at the top and more collaboration with community groups.