DPD History
Founded in 1888, the Delta Police Department (DPD), has a long and rich history being one of the first Municipal Police Departments established in British Columbia. On July 7, 1888, Joseph Jordan was appointed Delta’s Chief Constable at a salary of $75 per month. Prior to the Chief Constable’s appointment, in 1887, William McKee, the municipal clerk, was designated as a constable in addition to his duties as a clerk.
In the following years, when lumber theft was no longer the most serious issue for police to contend with, the Delta Police Department was forced to expand, growing into full-time operation in the 1950s. As the municipality has grown and evolved over time, so too has its police service. A team of over 194 officers provide service to the community of Delta which is home to over 102,000 citizens.
Though Delta’s population (and its police force) has grown, Delta remains a police service connected to its community. The Delta Police are proud to have provided over 130 years of policing to a community with a changing landscape while never changing our philosophy of No Call too Small, which has resonated with the community throughout our entire history.
The nature of crime and criminal activity has changed dramatically from the early days of policing in Delta. As communities grow and social issues and technologies change, so does the extent and nature of crime. The Delta Police prides itself on staying tuned into crime trends and patterns, using resources strategically to deal with the emerging issues.
In 2013, DPD published their book Building on the Past, Focused on the Future, to commemorate its 125 year anniversary. This historical account provides a fascinating, in-depth look at how the DPD has grown and changed throughout the last century. The book is available to purchase for $20. To order a copy of the book, please email [email protected].
