Vancouver deputy police chief leaves VPD

VANCOUVER – After 35 years with the Vancouver Police Department, a prominent officer is leaving the force to run another.

Deputy Chief Doug LePard will be in charge of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, although an exact date for the start of his new job has not been announced.

LePard has been with the VPD since 1981 and currently heads up the investigation division, but in 2010 he led a review of the investigation and eventual capture of serial killer Robert Pickton.

WATCH: Vancouver’s deputy police chief, Doug LePard, will become the new chief of Metro Vancouver Transit Police. But as Rumina Daya reports, the decision is raising questions about whether a transit police force is truly needed.

2:11 VPD deputy chief joins Transit Police, triggering questions about cost

He is replacing former Transit Police boss Neil Dubord who’s now the Delta Police Chief.

In a statement, LePard says he’s leaving many valued friends and colleagues behind, but he’s excited about working with TransLink to improve the safety of the region’s transit system.

Vancouver Police Chief Adam Palmer says LePard has left an indelible mark, and he’s looking forward to working with him in his new role.