In 2018, Sgt Schafer, while still a constable, was reassigned to the VPD lead Project Territory – Task Force Tourniquet. This was a multijurisdictional joint forces operation consisting of police members from partnering agencies across the Lower Mainland. The investigation had a $6 million budget and targeted the Red Scorpions and the Kang Crime Group who were responsible for the most violent events in the region at the time.
Project Territory grew to be one of the largest investigative files under the taskforce Tourniquet umbrella and was one of the most successful gang crime investigations in B.C. history. The investigation resulted in a 100% conviction rate of 17 high level organized crime figures for organized crime, firearms, drug and murder conspiracy related offences. This ultimately dismantled the organized crime groups and led to a 42% province-wide reduction in gang-nexus murders. 146 firearms, 61 prohibited devices, 1 improvised explosive device, 50 kilograms of drugs, and nearly 2 million dollars in cash and other assets were seized.
Sgt Schafer was initially assigned as an investigator for this Project but he performed exceedingly well and was further tasked with the additional role of Site Commander. As Site Commander, Sgt Schafer was responsible for directing static surveillance teams during covert operations and the subsequent entry of “entry teams” and “search teams” prior to affecting arrests of targets and searching locations.
In addition, Sgt Schafer was subsequently assigned to the role of File Coordinator on a splinter project named “Project Triforce.” As File Coordinator, Sgt Schafer was responsible for assessing, collecting and collating all of the investigative material and ensuring that other investigators completed their tasks. This splinter project was created to focus on a high-profile crime group (Brothers Keepers) who were involved in significant acts of violence and robbery files. The intelligence obtained raised real and substantiated concerns of this group engaging in opportunity-based violence, particularly targeting an executive member of the Red Scorpions. Last month, Sgt Schafer received a VPD Deputy Chief’s Citation for his contributions to the Project Territory team. He was recognized for performing at an exceptional level, with extraordinary effort, and exceeding normal expectations while achieving an incredible outcome. Please see attached a picture of Sgt Schafer receiving the Deputy Chief’s Citation from DC Wilson.
