The Vancouver Police Department wants to know: Is it within you?

The VPD is conducting a provincewide campaign, and recruiters swung through the Okanagan this week to drum up prospective cops.    

“We are travelling to Penticton, Vernon and Kelowna to answer questions and provide potential applicants with more information about being a police officer in Vancouver,” said Sgt. John Gibbons. “It’s a career like no other, and we are looking for people who want to make a difference.”  

The force is looking to fill about 80 front-line vacancies by the end of the year. The openings include police officers, community safety personnel, jail guards and traffic authority members.

There are benefits to working with the VPD, Gibbons said. “For example, after some time as a patrol officer, you have several options to move to other units and advance your career.”

Terry Parmara was one of the six officers at UBC Okanagan on Thursday. 

"We want to get educated, well-rounded people, and that's why we are here in Kelowna," he said.