I have long argued that police and politics are a dangerous mix. The body overseeing the domestic armed force in society should not consist of members of that force, including former ones who are still collecting police pensions.

Policing is premised on maintaining the worst aspects of society—colonialism, class and racial inequality, poverty, violence, repression, punishment. It is the very institution created to do so with force. In everyday terms, police, police forces, and police associations promote and push policies that expand and intensify social inequalities—from opposition to safe supply and closure of safe consumption spaces, to street sweeps and criminalization of homelessness, to “involuntary treatment” carceralism, to the expansion of police budgets and police forces, and the extension of policing into additional spheres such as health care, mental health, and housing and other so-called “community partnerships.” And police do so through some of the most despicable means, from poor bashing and demonization, to moral panics and fear politics—targeting the poorest, most marginalized and vulnerable, most exploited and oppressed in our communities.

There are also deep concerns about so-called police culture that must be taken seriously. Police forces are closed institutions, intransigent in their views, that are resistant, even oppositional, to outside oversight, accountability, or even simple criticism. We see this in histories of protecting abusers within police forces and in self-serving justifications for police misconduct. These are toxic cultures.

As part of recruitment, training, and institutional practice, police officers are institutionalized in police thinking and internalize values of policing as a privileged “us” against the “them” of everyone else in the community. This is reflected in things like Thin Blue Line symbolism that has, notably, been taken up by fascist, racist, and white supremacist groups.

Police culture is the antithesis of democratic openness. All of this should make us wary of officers inculcated in police culture serving within government institutions.

Yet, despite the dangers of police politicians, the main political parties contending the 2024 BC election have put forward several cop candidates. I have compiled a list of all of the police candidates in this election from each of the three major parties. It should not be a lot to ask, but never vote for cops and never elect cops to anything.

 

 

Conservative Party Cop Candidates

The Conservative Party is running four cop candidates, the same number as the New Democratic Party (NDP). They are also running three police-involved candidates, i.e. candidates who have some history in law enforcement even if not as police officers in Canada.

 

 

Macklin McCall—West Kelowna-Peachland

Macklin is a former RCMP officer with 19 years of service, according to his bio. Disturbingly, given the lethal force disproportionately inflicted by police against people in mental health crisis, he trumpets his “experience in addressing mental health challenges firsthand, particularly in a Police and Crisis Team role.” He says this “highlights the urgent need for effective solutions in British Columbia,” but we know that policing is not part of the solution. Additionally troubling, his “commitment to community safety” also includes advocacy for “upholding parental rights” and “preserving children’s innocence.” These are far right dog whistles for transphobia and opposition to trans rights which actively harm trans people. These have been sloganized by far-right groups mobilizing in BC against SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) inclusive education in schools.

 

Elenore Sturko—Surrey-Cloverdale

Sturko is a longtime cop who has been in front of media cameras as such for a long time as communications officer for the RCMP, in Yellowknife and Surrey. And, I would argue, she has used that platform and profile, both as a cop and as a politician, harm.

Sturko joined the RCMP in 2009 after a career in the military with the 440 Transport Squadron and the 1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group. Beginning in Langley, she moved to Yellowknife in 2012 and then Ottawa in 2016. She arrived in Surrey in 2018. While in Yellowknife she served in the Arctic Sovereignty Patrol. In Ottawa she joined the RCMP Musical Ride and took part in Canada 150 celebrations.

I have called Elenore Sturko one of the most dangerous politicians in BC because of her use of her MLA office and position as BC United’s mental health and addictions shadow minister to promote some of the most regressive and repressive anti-social policies, and to do so through a language and style that can best be described as poor bashing. Extremely active on social media, Sturko has used her platforms to push fear politics and moral panics in the service of pushing a range of tough-on-crime policies. Indeed, Sturko’s Twitter (X) account is a veritable cesspool of right-wing demonization of marginalized people, especially unhoused people and people who use drugs.

Sturko has been at the forefront of ideological attacks on people who use drugs, ranting about drug dens, opposing safe supply, and pushing involuntary “treatment.” Sturko has led a charge calling for the criminalization of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF). She infamously donned rubber gloves to open a gift of a magic mushroom and coca leaf that had been mailed to all MLAs, in a publicized act, by advocate Dana Larsen. This echoed widespread police panic claims about officers being harmed by merely touching fentanyl. Sturko, of course, immediately notified the VPD and RCMP.

Sturko has done all of this while also pandering to far-right forces. She recently came out against sexual orientation and gender identity learning (SOGI) in BC schools—a key dog whistle campaign for far-right movements in the province—saying “we need to finally end this divisiveness and make sure that we allow people to put this to bed and get kids back to feeling safe in their classrooms." Indeed, she has even appeared in far-right media productions and events, though, in perfect cop fashion, she claims she didn’t know. Sturko recently spoke at Freedom House, described as a space in Vancouver for far-right organizing. That event featured the typical poor bashing Sturko has aligned with. Titled “Into the Abyss: A Solution Orientated Discussion on the Drug Crisis,” it included a showing of right-wing provocateur Aaron Gunn’s notorious “Vancouver Is Dying.”

Sturko started out in media, working for the CBC, before turning to the Air Force and then a long career in the RCMP. She was communications officer at the Yellowknife detachment of the RCMP before taking on the same role in Surrey. She knows what she is doing when it comes to playing the media.

While not shying away from online belligerence, Sturko’s history as a cop shows someone who does not like criticism, or even simple questioning, of police, and has acted to silence it. And this is a major concern we have with police politicians.

We can see this from Sturko’s history as RCMP communications officer. As reported in 2015, “When police reporter John McFadden showed up to an RCMP press conference, he was told he was barred from the event because of unspecified 'unprofessional and disrespectful conduct.' That conduct? Reporting on the RCMP.” McFadden says that Sturko told him he was being excluded because of his “unprofessional and disrespectful conduct.”

Sturko told Yellowknifer editor Bruce Valpy that the decision was due to McFadden’s “disrespectful tone” and thus “we do not see any benefit in speaking to him, or answering his inquiries.” Those who read the correspondence between the reporter and Sturko found it “reveals little that might be considered disrespectful or rude on McFadden’s part, unless presenting a list of direct questions counts as bad manners.” Here is the thing: in police culture simply asking questions of police is considered “unprofessional and disrespectful” bad manners.  Is that a view you want politicians to hold? 

True to form, Sturko did not respond to media requests to explain her claims against the journalist or to explain why he was barred from the RCMP press conference.

 

Bryan Tepper—Surrey-Panorama

Tepper says he “spent his career serving as an RCMP officer,” a career that lasted 20 years, including time as a Sergeant. He says that his last 10 years were spent “exclusively in South Surrey.” Of note, Tepper served as the treasurer of the Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC) (precursor to the National Police Association). He proclaims that he “played a crucial role in successfully taking the federal government to court, securing the right to associate for RCMP members.” Laying the groundwork for police “unionization,” Tepper describes this as “a significant achievement for the policing community.” Police associations— which are not unions and not part of the labour movement—are, in my view, a disaster for actual communities, leading to additional budget increases that burden communities and further protect police from accountability.

There is more to this former officer, though, and it relates to far-right movements. Tepper was one of seven BC Conservative candidates named in an NDP letter to John Rustad in late-September who “publicly endorsed anti-democratic conspiracy theories” and “made statements involving bigoted and sexist views.” The NDP called on the Conservatives to drop the seven candidates.

Tepper has signed up as a member of Police on Guard for Thee, a far-Right aligned organization of active and retired cops. Tepper is thanked on their website in a post of August 21, 2021. The organization claims as its mission:  

“To repair and regain public trust being damaged or lost due to the enforcement of emergency measures. We believe these measures not only conflict with our Charter Oath but place active duty police officers in an untenable position when directed to enforce these measures.”

Motivated, at least initially, by opposition to Covid-related health measures, they call on police and other law enforcement, military, Canada Border Services Agency, Correctional Services, and fire fighters: “If you have also been questioning current Public Health orders and feel even slightly apprehensive to enforce them, do not be fearful, you are not alone.  We urge you to reach out to us via social media or e-mail. You will be supported by a group of like-minded individuals who are standing firmly in support of truth and justice.”

The Police on Guard for Thee website contains blog posts in support of Freedom Convoy participant Ben Spicer and George Katerberg, who put up a billboard opposing government Covid responses that apparently included symbolism “used in the 90’s by an American band promoting white supremacy.”

Their website also contains a blog post supportive of far-right, anti-trans, media hero Jordan Peterson, who they refer to as “a highly regarded expert that speaks on many important subjects; each point a well-informed opinion or a verifiable fact.” About Peterson’s losing battle against the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) over his social media posts they write, “In this case, they have determined that those of us licensed under a governing body (teachers, doctors, engineers…) forgo those freedoms by the very act of becoming educated in our fields, and that those governing bodies are entitled to restrict our rights as they see fit.”

Police on Guard for Thee note that, “The accusations were based on comments made on the subjects of ‘gender-affirming care’ for children (which he sees as a crime against humanity), a discussion regarding the current climate change ‘scam’ and harsh criticisms of Trudeau and other officials.” They apparently side with Peterson regarding these views, saying, “Nothing Dr. Peterson has stated should be dismissed.”

As a topper, the blog post on Peterson includes a link to far-right, conspiracist media outfit the Epoch Times.

Police on Guard for Thee proclaims, “We will not back down, that we can promise you. We will today, and the days to come, continue to Stand on Guard for Thee.”

 

Michael Wu—Burnaby North

Wu states that he joined the RCMP in 2006 as an Auxiliary Member, “providing translation services in Mandarin and Cantonese for 17 years.” He also highlights his work “with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit and various other sections of the RCMP.” His focus is on public safety through this lens.

 

Dishonourable mention: Police-involved Conservative Candidates

Simon Chandler—Burnaby North

Simon Chandler (Burnaby North) proclaims “a diverse background spanning law enforcement support, military service, business acumen, and a commitment to conservative principles.” He highlights “three years of service as a Community Police Volunteer, gaining firsthand experience in crime prevention.” Perhaps worryingly, he says that during that time he “witnessed the crucial interactions between law enforcement and drug-users, reinforcing his belief in the need to equip officers with the necessary tools to effectively address the drug crisis and tackle crime.” We know that police inflict awful violence against people who use drugs and are key drivers in criminalization. We should also be concerned that, like police do, he reduces the toxic drug poising crisis to a “drug crisis” and tackling crime.

 

Melissa De Genova—Vancouver-Yaletown

Melissa De Genova (known locally as MDG) is a notorious figure in Vancouver city politics. Cringe-worthy right-wing politics, moral panic politics, and ardent support for increased policing marked her ignoble term as city councillor. Not a cop herself, De Genova is married to one, Blair, a Vancouver Police Officer.

She has also volunteered with the execrable Odd Squad Productions, a copaganda and layered policing outfit started and operated by police. Odd Squad Productions specializes in moral panic and fear politics, targeting youth especially around gangs and drugs. In addition to copaganda videos, which they sell, and multi-media presentations, they operate crafts and sports programs directed at children and youth.

De Genova asserts, “During her tenure elected to the city Melissa was often the sole voice standing up for public safety, proper policing and sound drug and housing policy in Yaletown.” Her policy vision is one driven by cops and criminalization. A purveyor of fear and panic, she says she “is committed to restoring a family friendly neighbourhood by eliminating the chaos and disorder.” Given her record this apparently means removal of poor and unhoused people and people who use drugs who are not part of the neighbourhood in this worldview.

 

Stephen Frolek—Coquitlam-Burke Mountain

Frolek headlines his bio with “Pursuing a Dream in Law Enforcement.” He says that upon high school graduation, he “aspired to become a police officer.” He reports that he joined the Canadian Forces Army Reserve which led him to volunteer for a deployment to Afghanistan. As part of that imperialist mission, he claims “he played a vital role in the Police Operational Mentor Liaison Team (POMLT). Working alongside Afghan National Police officers, Stephen and his team taught and mentored these officers to strengthen the country's police force.”

 

Jag S. Sanghera—Vancouver-Fraserview

Sanghera describes an employment history of “management in aviation security” and “his current position in law enforcement within the security industry.”

 

 

NDP Cop Candidates

The NDP is running four cop candidates, including some very high-profile ones. Yes, the social democrats are running as many cop candidates as the Conservatives—much to their great shame. One might well ask why a social democratic party is running any police officers as candidates, but this says as much about the neoliberal state of the NDP as anything.

 

Garry Begg—Surrey-Guildford

Begg was a longtime RCMP officer, with around 40 years with the force. The last eight of those were in Surrey, where he was a District Commander, Watch Commander, and Operations Support Officer. At his retirement in 2014, he held the commissioned rank of RCMP Inspector.

Begg created a bit of controversy in 2015 when he ran for the NDP federally in Fleetwood-Port Kells and produced campaign materials showing him in his police uniform, which some suggested was unprofessional conduct (and misleading, since he was no longer an active officer).  

He has been elected as the MLA for Surrey-Guildford in 2017 and again in 2020. He says his 40 years with the RCMP gives him “a deep understanding of issues facing people living in Surrey,” but we know that a police understanding of issues is often deeply at odds with, even counter to, community needs and priorities.

 

Paul Choi—Burnaby South-Metrotown

Choi describes himself as a former police officer in a social media post in which he says, “I know how dangerous weakening gun-safety laws on assault rifles would be.”

 

Baltej Dhillon—Surrey-Serpentine River

Dhillon is a figure of international prominence for his well-publicized legal effort to be the first RCMP officer to wear a turban as part of his uniform in 1990. Dhillon was an RCMP officer for 30 years. Since 2019, after his supposed retirement, he has worked with BC’s anti-gang agency, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia.

Dhillon was at the centre of some controversy recently when Indo-Canadian Voice suggested he personally intervened in an investigation into alleged anti-Asian racism by the wife of Delta Police Department chief Neil Dubord on behalf of an old RCMP colleague on the DPD. The victim, Richmond teacher Kiran Sidhu, said Dhillon approached her to discuss the situation while the investigation was underway, “But according to Sidhu, Dhillon disclosed that he was friends with and had served together in the RCMP with a current high ranking officer in the DPD. He also told her that he’d been asked to reach out by someone at the City of Delta.” Indo-Canadian Voice wanted an obstruction of justice inquiry to be launched against him.

Dhillon has shown his allegiance to the RCMP in public debates, as in the case of the Surrey police transition. Indo-Canadian Voice called out Dhillon over his perceived plea “to put off the transition from the Surrey RCMP” to the Surrey Police Service.

 

Terry Yung—Vancouver-Yaletown

Terry Yung is a longtime Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Inspector, with three decades with the force. He details “a wide range of assignments” over his time with the VPD. He got his start patrolling Vancouver’s Chinatown and “worked as an undercover agent and patrolled the Downtown Eastside.” He has also been a “Financial Crime Detective, and Inspector heading up Diversity, Community and Indigenous Relations.” He also participated in national and provincial police advisory committees that coordinated efforts between police forces. In a 2012 interview with the BBC, Yung said the Downtown Eastside ”can be a scary place, where daylight only helps to point out the ravaged faces of addicts.”

Of Yung, BC NDP leader David Eby says, “He knows we need to be tough on crime, and tough on the causes of crime. These values led him to an exceptional career in law enforcement, and have called him to public life as a B.C. NDP candidate.” A social democratic politician, one seeking re-election as Premier, pushing “tough on crime” narratives and policies tells you plenty about the state of Canadian social democracy. Yung has lauded the NDP for hiring new police officers, which he sees as a big part of dealing with “homelessness and addictions.”

Yung is no stranger to controversy over the role of police officers being active in party politics. He was a member of the NPA board when questions were asked about candidate selection and his possible role in vetting candidates. As the Georgia Straight put it at the time, “The NPA is hoping to take control of Vancouver City Hall with a slate that includes candidates who can be described as very 'police-friendly.'”

The Straight suggested that anyone who had questions about whether “police databases were used in the NPA candidate-vetting process” might want “to ask for an independent investigation by Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael McEvoy.”

 

Green Party Cops

The Green Party list no recent Canadian cops as candidates. They do rate one dishonourable mention.

 

Lia Versaevel—Nanaimo-Lantzville

Lia Versaevel claims ”a career spanning mediation, law enforcement, and corrections.” She was employed for 27 years with the BC Ministry of the Attorney General “as a correctional officer, peace officer, probation officer and family justice counsellor.” On her Green Party page, she notes that she was a US Federal Marshal and a Licensed Private Investigator. No further information is provided.

 

Conclusion: Never Votes for Cops

Having current or former officers in government can play a part in ensuring police funding and operational interests are prioritized, while also giving a bully pulpit to diminish the voices of critics. In its worst examples, it can take the form of policy that appears like vengeance or punishment against critics. It also raises real questions about the separation of powers that civilians believe should exist between police and government.

There are also questions about police culture and the intrusion of police culture into democratic institutions. This relates to issues of openness, oversight, accountability, and threats of punishment.

Police retain a monopoly of force in society, so these are pressing questions. They are granted special, unique powers that others in society do not have, most notably the privilege of legitimized killing. It has long been understood that those who are calling the shots, in government, should not be the same as those who are, quite literally, empowered to do the shooting.

Jeff Shantz is a long-time anti-authoritarian organizer, researcher, and writer who lives and works on Kwantlen, Katzie, and Semiahmoo territories (Surrey, British Columbia).