Vancouver Police Department Chief Constable Jim Chu has put forward recommendations for the Police Board to change how the force deals with those protected by diplomatic immunity.
The report states the VPD’s existing policy is not in line with the Foreign Missions and International Organizations Act, and that diplomatic immunity is greater than currently recognized by the department’s current regulations.
The report suggests mimicking police in Ottawa and Toronto. Those departments use a policy described as ‘temporary protection.’
Under that policy diplomats may be detained to protect the public until a member from their embassy takes custody.
If the Police Board gives approval, diplomats will only face arrest if suspected of committing a crime with a potential sentence of five years or more.
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