Police Alternatives

When we hear about #defundthepolice some people think that means no more police, but what it’s asking for, is police reform – most notably to resolve the systematic racism and unaccountable brutality. There are many other alternatives to calling the police, and that’s the intention of this post – let’s highlight some of the other alternatives to calling the police for those who might be better trained to deal with the specific situation:

These number are not intended to replace 9-1-1. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Crisis/Suicide:

• 1-800-SUICIDE - BC Wide
• 8-1-1 Healthlink BC
• 7-1-1 for TTY (Deaf and hearing impared)
• 1-800-668-6868 Kids help phone
• 686868 - text Connect to this texting/SMS version of the kids help phone

Victim of crime:

• 1-800-563-0808 VictimLink BC. You can also email [email protected].
• 1-866-437-1940 Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) is senior specific assistance. 604-437-1940 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm)

Neighbourhood/Community Policing Centres (CPCs):

• Chinese CPC
• Collingwood CPC
• Grandview / Woodland CPC
• Granville / Downtown South CPC
• Kerrisdale Oakridge Marpole (KOM) CPC
• Strathcona Community Policing Centre
• South Vancouver CPC
• Vancouver Aboriginal CPC
• West End – Coal Harbour CPC

Bicycle Theft:

• Install the Project 529 App on your phone

Find the appropriate alternative service to police service:

• 2-1-1