Q and A with Chief Constable Jim Chu
 Chief Constable Jim ChuChief Constable Jim Chu of the Vancouver Police Department answers some questions on why he is a fan of Vancouver public schools. |  |
1. How important was your K-12 education in preparing you for future success?
The education I received in Vancouver schools taught me the importance of citizenship and made me a life-long learner.
2. How can parents help their children to be safe at school?
Parents need to be involved in their children's lives and be aware of their activities. Children should be encouraged to get involved in school activities of all types as contributing and being part of a school community is very important.
Not only are young people kept busy participating in athletics, music, community services and other worthwhile endeavours, but the relationships that are fostered help keep them safe and away from trouble.
Parents can encourage children to trust and seek out the assistance of the VPD School Liaison Officer, the school administrators, counsellors and teachers should they encounter a problem.
3. What was your favourite and least favourite subject in school?
I liked social studies courses (current events, history and geography) and my least favorite was physics.
4. Was there a teacher or staff member at Tupper that was a real inspiration to you?
One of my favorite teachers was my Geography 12 teacher, Mr. Peter Cumberbirch, who took us on a hike to Black Tusk early in September. Throughout the year, he would show pictures from Black Tusk and use this as a basis to explain many concepts from our textbook. This was my first real experience with the outdoors and I often think back to what I learned from this class when I am out on hikes in the countryside.
5. Did you belong to any clubs in school?
I was on several sports teams like rugby, tennis and wrestling and I played in the Tupper band. I was active on our Grad Committee in my Grade 12 year. I organized noon hour dances as a fundraiser and I played disco tunes (it was the late 70s) from my cassette player which was hooked up to a large guitar amplifier. These dances were fun for the whole school and we raised quite a bit of money for our Grad.
6. Were you a shy or outgoing student?
Some of my teachers might have described me as being on the loud side.
7. You recently attended the General Wolfe Elementary 100th Anniversary celebration. Do you have a story to share about your elementary years at Wolfe?
I remember being part of the first school band at Wolfe and this program is still going strong. At the 100th anniversary celebration, I re-connected with several classmates and our music teacher, Ms. Merle Rector.
I was also a member of the school safety patrol. One time, one of the VPD School Safety Patrol officers, Constable Fred Ells stopped by to check on how we were doing. I stood up as straight as I could while he watched us perform our duties and as our shift ended, he handed me and my partner a chocolate bar. At the end of the year, we were invited by the Safety Patrol officers to a jamboree at John Oliver School where they served burgers and had prize draws.
8. School liaison officers have an important role in Vancouver schools. What should all parents know about SLO's role in schools?
School Liaison Officers are not in the schools just to enforce the law. While they investigate criminal offences relating to the schools and its population, it is not the only duty they carry out. SLOs ensure the safety of the schools and patrol the areas around the schools checking for any suspicious activity.
They provide a positive role model for the students while working to enhance the safety and security of the schools. They provide educational lessons and regularly act as a legal resource to students and administrators. SLOs are also are actively engaged in the schools and they frequently coach teams and escort field trips. They are available to provide advice if needed, and help solve problems within the schools and in the surrounding community.
