New Vancouver policing district created for Downtown Eastside as task force findings released 

September 8,2025

RED FM News Desk

Plans are moving forward to create a new policing district in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside following what police describe as “significant” results from a temporary task force in the area. 

Vancouver Police Chief Const. Steve Rai said the new district will initially rely on reallocating existing resources, but additional investment will eventually be needed. 

The announcement coincides with the release of data from Task Force Barrage, which targeted organized crime, violent offenders, and street disorder in the neighbourhood. 

Police and Mayor Ken Sim reported that during the task force’s six-month operation from February to August, violent crime in the Downtown Eastside dropped 18 per cent compared to the same period last year — the lowest level in 23 years. 

Rai noted that the task force’s funding will end by mid-October, with details on the funding for the new policing district to be provided later.