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Vancouverites express mixed emotions about new VPD recruitment campaign (VIDEOS)

One person called the videos "criminally cheesy." The VPD has issued a response.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
vpd-recruitment-video
Metro Vancouver, B.C. residents took to social media to share their thoughts about a new recruitment video shared by the VPD in March 2022. Photo via @VancouverPD / Twitter

Are police recruitment videos disturbing?

Several Metro Vancouver residents took to social media this week to share their thoughts about a new recruitment video shared by the Vancouver Police Department. 

The videos show several dimensions of police work in the city, including the canine and mounted units, as well as some more intense action, where officers are shown rappelling from helicopters and down the sides of statuesque buildings. Many of the stills in the video include billowing flames in the background and weaponry. 

In one video, officers introduce themselves, showcasing the faces behind the badges. The officers are edited together to state that "this is the place to be." Another video primarily focuses on the forensics team. 

In several Twitter posts shared Wednesday (March 1), the VPD shared videos that show some of the officers' duties. One caption read: "This is who we are." 

Many locals have criticized the videos and feel that they show a side of law enforcement that shouldn't be spotlighted. Others said it looks "cheezy" and appears to emulate crime drama TV shows. 

Several people supported the VPD's efforts, however. Someone commented that there are people who will find something to be offended about, regardless of the material. Others thanked the officers for their bravery.

One person simply asked why the VPD would waste resources making a video like this. 

The VPD responded to the criticism in a Twitter post on Thursday (March 4) night. The department stated that some people may have been "triggered" by seeing police officers in tactical gear but that it is important for the public to understand how the VPD work.

In response, many people have stated that they were not "triggered." Instead, they said the lion's share of criticism is that the VPD has recently stated that it is gearing toward a community policing approach focusing on mental health. Others mentioned that it looks more like an army recruitment video than one for a city's police department.

Other people continue to support the VPD's response and say they have confidence in its choices.