New Vancouver police training academy opens in Woodward’s building
Forty recruits began their studies at the facility, located at 351 Abbott St. in the Downtown Eastside, and the students are expected to start working in the city next June.
A new Vancouver Police Training Academy opened its doors on Thursday inside the Woodward’s building. Forty recruits commenced their studies at the facility, situated at 351 Abbott St. in the Downtown Eastside. These students are projected to start working within the city by June. Another group of 40 recruits will begin their training there in January.
Chief Steve Rai of the Vancouver Police Department hailed this state-of-the-art Academy as a new chapter in the history of the VPD and a significant shift in how recruits are trained to become officers serving the unique and dynamic policing needs of Vancouver.
The academy, which spans 30,000 square feet over three floors, occupies the former London Drugs space in the Woodward’s building. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim remarked on the Academy being a foundational addition to the Woodward’s building and the Downtown Eastside community.
The City of Vancouver allocated $4 million for the project, with $2.8 million earmarked for establishing District 5 and $1.2 million for the academy. All additional expenses are covered by the approved Vancouver police budget. Moreover, the Vancouver police museum will also take residence in the Woodward’s building.
With the addition of District 5 operations, the enhanced police presence in the area is already demonstrating a positive impact on public safety, which is expected to continue as the Academy starts operating.
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