Vancouver Police Department
Partnering with our community to preserve life, protect property and enhance livability.
We serve the public out of two precincts:
Both precincts offer front counter service where the public can make a police report in person, pick up crime prevention materials or drop off unwanted medications between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday (excluding holidays).
The VPD Records Unit counter is also at West Precinct and is open during the same hours as the precinct. The West Precinct Records counter is the only location to apply for a Concealed Pistol License.
VPD precincts also serve as Safe Exchange Zones where individuals conducting legal online purchase transactions can meet to complete the transaction.
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FAQs
Where can I drop off unwanted medications?
Safe disposal of prescription medications (including pet medications) and over-the-counter medications can be dropped off at both the Vancouver Police East and West Precincts during regular business hours. There are also several other community locations that accept liquids and sharps. In addition, there are drug take back events scheduled twice a year. Visit the Unwanted Medication Disposal page for additional information on all locations that offer unwanted medication disposal.
What training do Vancouver Police Officers receive?
Becoming a police officer requires many hundreds of hours of training.
Washington State requires officers to receive 24 hours of training a year. On average, the Vancouver Police Department provides our officers with 130 hours of training a year.
Officers hired without any previous law enforcement certification must attend the 720-hour Basic Law Enforcement Academy - CJTC. New officers are trained on:
- Criminal law and procedures
- Traffic enforcement
- Cultural awareness
- Communication skills
- Emergency Vehicle Operations Course
- Firearms
- Crisis intervention
- Patrol Procedures
- Criminal Investigation
- Defensive Tactics
New officers to the department also complete a field or "on the job" training program totaling 735 total hours.
Visit the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the Revised Code of Washington for basic requirements for law enforcement training.
Example 720-hour Basic Law Enforcement Academy Syllabus.
Crisis Intervention Training
Every new officer receives 40 hours of training dedicated to Crisis Intervention.
Every sworn member receives two hours of Crisis Intervention Training online annually.
The Job of a Police Officer
For more information on how to apply as a police office visit Join VPD.
Does the Vancouver Police Department have body cameras?
Yes, all sworn VPD personnel have body worn cameras. Visit our Camera Program page for additional information.
How do I apply for a concealed pistol license?
The Vancouver Police Department Records Unit accepts applications for Concealed Pistol Licenses (CPL)
How do I register my residential or commercial alarm?
Visit our False Alarm Reduction page for information on reducing false alarms and also to register or pay for your alarm using our online portal.
How do I claim evidence or found property?
The Evidence Unit of the Vancouver Police Department is responsible for maintaining the integrity of evidence and property in accordance with state laws and departmental policies and procedures. When items are eligible for release, the owners are notified via mail of the proper procedures for retrieving property. Property return is done by appointment only. Visit our Evidence Unit page for more information.
How do I find out about registered sex offenders in the area?
The Clark County Sheriffs Office Sex/Kidnap Offender Registration Unit maintains the records for all offenders in the county, including those living in the City of Vancouver, and is responsible for maintaining and updating the sex offender website. Visit the Sex Offender Unit page for more information.
How do I file or request a collision report?
Visit Washington State Patrol’s website and follow the instructions for filing a collision report or getting a copy of a filed collision report.
How do I apply for an RV permit?
To submit an RV parking permit, visit the Community Development department’s page and fill out this form.
PERF 2020 Use of Force Report
In June 2019, the City commissioned the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to perform a review of the VPD’s culture, policies, training, documentation, and data on use of force and officer-involved shooting incidents. The purpose of this study was not to investigate any particular incident or specific police officer, but rather to identify areas where VPD can improve its policing practices.
The PERF report is exceptionally thorough and offers a comprehensive set of 84 recommendations that serve as a road map to reform the VPD’s culture, policies, and practices around use of force. These recommendations will result in policing that can better serve the public safety needs of our community in a way that proactively counteracts the inequities that exist in policies and throughout the system as a whole. We want to improve equity, accountability, transparency, promote higher standards, and increase public trust and confidence.
All 84 recommendations have been addressed.
How do I request a City or Police record?
Visit the City of Vancouver public records center to request a public record.
Contact Us
VPD Main : 360-487-7400
9-1-1, Out of Area: 360-696-4461
3-1-1, Out of Area: 360-693-3111
VPD Tip Line: 360-487-7399
Traffic Complaint Line: 360-487-7402
vanpd@cityofvancouver.us
