Chief Constable Jim Chu issued the following statement today (January 29) on the case of Yao Wei Wu, who was beaten by Vancouver police officers who mistook him for a suspect:

Good morning,

I would like to thank SUCCESS for hosting this special public briefing today at their offices. I would also like to thank Police Complaint Commissioner Mr. Lowe for responding promptly that he would take part in today’s briefing.

As Police Officers we are trained and always believe strongly in doing the right thing. We are very aware that police officers are held to a higher standard and we strive every day to meet and surpass that standard.

But police officers are also human, and as such, we can sometimes make mistakes and do the wrong thing. When that happens, as it has in the past and we know with certainty, will happen again in the future, we try quickly to right the wrong.

We believe in apologizing without delay when we do the wrong thing and communicating that apology as widely as possible.

It is also possible to make mistakes in our communications. Once again, we believe in acting quickly to right the wrong and apologize for whatever inconvenience or discomfort our mistake may have caused.

We learn of our mistakes mainly in two ways. Either through our own members or members of the public let us know. It is a system built on trust and an understanding that the VPD will investigate the complaints thoroughly, with civilian oversight from the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner.

At the conclusion of those investigations we take immediate actions that can include reviews of our procedures and policies, discipline or advice for officers, and compensation when appropriate.

There has been lots of debate on the current system. Without going into that debate, I will say that whatever the system is, it our job as police officers to work within that framework and do the best we can.

We currently have 12 investigators in the VPD professional standards section. They do not work in the police building. They have their own office at W. 10th and Cambie Street.

If you have a complaint about the VPD, I can assure you that your information will be received by professional and courteous officers who will assist you and keep you informed throughout the process. As will be stated today, their work has many oversight processes including the independent Police Complaint Commissioner.

I do have an investigative update for you today. The Vancouver Police Department has asked the Delta Police Department to take over the investigation into the arrest of Mr. Yao Wei Wu.

From the beginning of this unfortunate incident the focus of the Vancouver Police Department has been to serve the public interest by providing a thorough and timely investigation into the matter. However, a recent development may create complications that would impede that progress.

Mr. Wu has retained Mr. Cameron Ward as his lawyer. Mr. Ward is already involved in a case personally with the VPD which is still before the courts and this could impede the investigation.

I have notified the Police Complaint Commissioner that I have consulted with Chief Constable Jim Cessford, of the Delta Police Department, and from today onwards, the Delta Police will take charge over the investigation.

In closing, I would like to again express our sincere apologies to Mr. Wu for what happened to him.