First visible minority police chief in Ontario
Watch the story from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
Updated: Fri Jul. 11 2008 10:13:28
A longtime police officer who helped introduce diversity to the ranks of the Ottawa police
is now set to become the first visible minority police chief in Ontario.
Insp. Kai Liu says he will hand in his uniform and turn over the badge he's worn for two
decades so he can become the police chief in Gananoque next month.
"I don't see myself leaving a family here, I see myself expanding it and bringing on a
whole new community and new group of officers," Liu told CTV Ottawa on Wednesday.
Liu has won numerous policing awards during his 22 years on the Ottawa police force.
He's also lectured at the United Nations on violence against women.
Throughout his career, he's broken racial barriers. In 1986, he became the first Asian
police officer to be sworn in to the Ottawa police.
"I remember and I can recount on many incidents where I would be simply driving down
the street and people would stop dead in their tracks or vehicles would stop and people
would stare because I look so different and in uniform than what they were traditionally
used to seeing," said Liu.
The departing officer is also credited with being instrumental in making the Ottawa police
force more diverse - it now has the highest percentage of female officers nationwide.
"He's changed the perception when it comes to recruiting," said Ottawa Police Chief Vern
White.
While White says he's happy for Liu, he also says he's surprised by his departure, adding
he saw the officer as a future leader in Ottawa and hopes he will one day return to the
Capital.
"I understand the desire when you want to be in charge - you can make a difference more
quickly, you can turn the ship faster and you can get an organization in your direction,"
said White. "I wish him well."
Do you have more information for us on this story? Email us at ottawanews@ctv.ca
Watch the story from CTV Ottawa's Kate Eggins
Updated: Fri Jul. 11 2008 10:13:28
A longtime police officer who helped introduce diversity to the ranks of the Ottawa police
is now set to become the first visible minority police chief in Ontario.
Insp. Kai Liu says he will hand in his uniform and turn over the badge he's worn for two
decades so he can become the police chief in Gananoque next month.
"I don't see myself leaving a family here, I see myself expanding it and bringing on a
whole new community and new group of officers," Liu told CTV Ottawa on Wednesday.
Liu has won numerous policing awards during his 22 years on the Ottawa police force.
He's also lectured at the United Nations on violence against women.
Throughout his career, he's broken racial barriers. In 1986, he became the first Asian
police officer to be sworn in to the Ottawa police.
"I remember and I can recount on many incidents where I would be simply driving down
the street and people would stop dead in their tracks or vehicles would stop and people
would stare because I look so different and in uniform than what they were traditionally
used to seeing," said Liu.
The departing officer is also credited with being instrumental in making the Ottawa police
force more diverse - it now has the highest percentage of female officers nationwide.
"He's changed the perception when it comes to recruiting," said Ottawa Police Chief Vern
White.
While White says he's happy for Liu, he also says he's surprised by his departure, adding
he saw the officer as a future leader in Ottawa and hopes he will one day return to the
Capital.
"I understand the desire when you want to be in charge - you can make a difference more
quickly, you can turn the ship faster and you can get an organization in your direction,"
said White. "I wish him well."
Do you have more information for us on this story? Email us at ottawanews@ctv.ca
Courtesy CTV Ottawa
Gananoque Police in the News
Insp. Kai Liu is leaving the
Ottawa Police after 22 years of
service.
Ottawa Police after 22 years of
service.
Insp. Kai Liu will become
Ontario's first visible minority
police chief when he takes
command of the Gananoque
Police Force in August 2008.
Ontario's first visible minority
police chief when he takes
command of the Gananoque
Police Force in August 2008.
Photos: M. Reid - Gananoque Police
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