Metro Vancouver Transit Police hires first ever Indigenous Liaison Officer

The Metro Vancouver Transit Police recently hired its first-ever Indigenous Liaison Officer.

Constable Kirk Rattray moved into the newly-created role earlier this June. He joined Transit Police in 2014 and prior to the move, served as a Neighbourhood Police Officer for the East Vancouver and North Shore.

Prior to joining Transit Police, Rattray spent nearly four years with the Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service and 17 years with the Winnipeg Police Service.

The Metro Vancouver Transit Police says that creating the position of Indigenous Liaison Officer “has been a priority” for a “number of years.”

“It is our hope that the position will bring collaborations and understanding that will help guide our department toward better serving the Indigenous community,” Transit Police said in a statement.

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The detachment also credits “Indigenous groups who offered their wisdom to us,” as well several reports that have “been invaluable sources of guidance.”

In addition to being a Transit Police Officer, Rattray serves as a board director of the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre and has worked closely with the VPD Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Relations Section.

He also plans to launch a youth police cadet program that will serve young Indigenous teenagers, offering mentorship and helping to build leadership skills.

“I look forward to, not only improving current relationships that have been built in the Indigenous community in Vancouver, but I also look forward to developing new partnerships in the diverse Indigenous communities of the Metro Vancouver region,” Rattray says.

He was welcomed with a traditional smudging and cleansing ceremony.