New West Vancouver Police Chief Constable Hired
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
West Vancouver, BC: “It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of Mr. Peter Lepine as Chief Constable for the West Vancouver Police Department. Mr. Lepine comes to West Vancouver after a 30 year career in policing with the RCMP. His passion and his strength in community policing will enable us to serve our residents best. He has an outstanding reputation for his ability to solidify his team and I know the dedicated men and women of our department will welcome and benefit by his leadership," says Police Board Chair, Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones.
"This is a truly exciting opportunity that came along at a perfect time in my career," says Peter Lepine. "In three decades as a Mountie, I have had the chance to work with some extremely dedicated and talented people on some innovative policing initiatives, and I am very proud of what we achieved together. Now I am looking forward to getting to know the community of West Vancouver; working with a new team of police, civilians, and volunteers at WVPD; and applying all my policing and leadership experience to the unique public safety context of this community."
The West Vancouver Police Board thanks Interim Chief Constable Jim Almas for stepping up and leading the department since last February. “His personal and professional commitment to West Vancouver is second to none and we will continue to benefit by Jim's experience as he supports the new Chief Constable," says Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones. "I am extremely proud of the groundbreaking community outreach initiatives that the West Vancouver Police officers and support staff have implemented, and I am confident that Chief Constable Lepine's strong leadership and three decades of law enforcement experience will build upon the progress we have achieved. I look forward to assisting the new Chief in enhancing these essential relationships," added Jim Almas.
Peter Lepine was raised in Quebec and, after joining the RCMP in 1980, transferred to Surrey Detachment where he spent his first 10 years of service. He also served at the RCMP Training Academy as well as in Port Alberni and Parksville, before taking up duties as a senior officer at Halifax Detachment.
In 2005 Mr. Lepine took command of Coquitlam Detachment, which serves the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam as well as the villages of Belcarra and Anmore. During his four and a half years as Officer in Charge, Mr. Lepine led the introduction of an evidence-based crime reduction strategy that has succeeded as a result of strong support from municipal Councils and community partners, and the hard work of frontline police officers and civilian staff at Coquitlam Detachment.
In addition to frontline policing and managing municipal police organizations, Mr. Lepine has also been actively involved in policing professional organizations at the provincial and federal level throughout his career. He is currently serving as the Secretary Treasurer of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP). Mr. Lepine is married to Lori, a 17 year member of the RCMP, and has an adult daughter who is also pursuing a career in criminal justice.
Mr. Lepine will commence his service as Chief Constable for West Vancouver on September 14th, at which time he will be available for comment.
-30-
Media Contacts:
Patricia Leslie
District of West Vancouver Communications
604-925-4736
Cst. Lisa Wanless
West Vancouver Police Community Services
604-925-7429
Cst. Brigitte Goguen
Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Officer
604-999-7411