MEET CST. DAVE DUNCAN
We interviewed one of our Contract Policing Officers to find out more about them, and why they chose the WVPD.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Dave Duncan’s policing career began in Vancouver back in 1990. As a young Constable he served in all four of Vancouver’s Patrol Districts, Detention Services, the Communications Section, the Collision Investigation Unit and the Education and Training Unit. In 2005 he was promoted to Sergeant and became a Patrol supervisor. In 2010 he was in charge of a Quick Response Bicycle Team for the Winter Olympics, then went on to work in the Career Development Unit of the Human Resources Section. In 2011 Dave was promoted to Staff Sergeant and assigned to the Operations Division where he managed three of the four Patrol Districts before moving on to the VPD’s Traffic Section. Here, he became a proud member of the VPD Motorcycle Drill Team as well as an active member of the departments official Motor Officer Escort Team. During his career, Dave was the recipient of two Chief Constable Commendations and one Inspector Unit Citation. Born, raised and still living in North Vancouver with his wife of 26 years and their two adult daughters, Dave is actively involved with supporting and volunteering for the local minor hockey and ringette associations and enjoys spending his free time exploring our local mountains and ocean.
Q: What drew you to WVPD?
The opportunity to work for the West Vancouver Police Department became available to me after I had already decided to retire from the Vancouver Police Department in the spring of 2023. Being a North Shore resident, the idea of serving my home community was very appealing to me. When I realized my commute would only be about 10 minutes and I wouldn’t have to cross any bridges, the decision was easy!
Q: How do you like being a Contract Police Officer?
After already having served 33 years as a police officer, I was preparing to retire and move on to something completely different. Once I learned of the opportunity to be a contract officer with West Vancouver, I became very excited to have my career come full circle and return to Patrol where policing is the most interesting and fun. Working with young, eager officers has recharged my own batteries and it has surprised me how enjoyable it is to be back on the front lines. Being a contract officer I am not part of promotions, competitions or transfers, I am just here to support my fellow members in Patrol and I get an incredible sense of satisfaction from this. This has become a win – win situation. I am helping bridge a gap in staffing during a challenging time for the organization, providing mentorship and guidance to new officers, and in return I am enjoying the excitement of being a front line officer again, while challenging myself to learn new skills and procedures from the young officers themselves.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering WVPD and Contract Policing?
Come and see what this opportunity could become for you. I think you will rediscover the reason you became a police officer in the first place and you will be surprised at how fun and rewarding it will be. We are provided with the best equipment and training to do our job, and the culture along with the amazing people who work here at WVPD will exceed your expectations. It is amazing to be part of a smaller organization where everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Becoming a member of this unique team has been the most rewarding move of my entire career.
Q: Do you have anything to add?
The West Vancouver community is incredibly supportive of its police department. People are so friendly and regularly thank us for our service. I feel genuinely appreciated for serving this community – my community. The north shore is also the most beautiful place to work with all of our mountains, beaches, parks and the ocean. The pace of work is fantastic as well. There is more going on in West Vancouver than you might be aware of, so we are kept busy, but we are not run off our feet like police agencies in other communities throughout the lower mainland. This is truly the best place to work, live and play.