Over a period of many months, and with the contributions and insight of VPD, several revisions to the methodology and the data collection instruments were undertaken. In addition, data collection took place during four different calendar periods. To avoid putting disproportionate responsibilities on only a few officers selected through sampling, all officers working during the eight-day data collection period were asked to participate in data collection. Each officer was provided 15 data collection cards in each of four envelopes to be collected during each of their four shifts. Substance related information consisted of: whether the person of interest was suspected or confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs; and, specifically what substances were present. In addition, reasons for the police contact were recorded using the most common responses recorded on the PRIME system as a guideline.
As well as the type of substance and the reason for contact, the VPD was interested in the presence and degree of violence officers experienced during their contacts with the public. The degree of violence was measured as low, moderate, or high corresponding to the categories of simple or level one assault, assault causing bodily harm or level two assault, and level three; aggravated assault, a coding system familiar to the police.
Given the essential need to avoid a bulky card that would interfere with officer’s ability to both access and complete the card quickly, the card was restricted to four information sections: substance contact demographics (district, time, and date); person of interest demographics (gender, age, residential community); contact information (reason for contact, presence of violence); and substance related information (alcohol or specific type of drug). The back of the card was left blank to allow the recording of additional commentary (see research instrument).
Prior to data collection, this project received approval from the VPD and research ethics approval from the University of the Fraser Valley’s Research Ethics Board. The data was collected during a pre-test period followed by three periods of data collection (identified as Times 1 through 3). While the eight-day data collection period in the first two actual phases of the project deliberately avoided Welfare Wednesday to avoid potentially skewing the data, Time 3 specifically occurred over this period. The latter period facilitated an empirical assessment of the above hypothesized relationship between Welfare Wednesday and both the distinctive types and general quantities of substance-related police contacts.
VPD Districts
District One includes the West End, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, and the Central Business District, including such locations as GM Place, Canada Place, BC Place, and the Trade and Convention Centre. This area is populated by approximately 300,000 people during the day. However, during celebrations, such as the 'Celebration of Light' (fireworks), the night-time population substantially increases.
District Two consists of the areas of Grandview-Woodlands, Hastings Sunrise, and Strathcona. Each of these areas has a Community Policing Centre as the district emphasizes the principles of problem-oriented policing. District Two also operates a Waterfront Team, and foot- and bicycle-beat officers.
District Three is located in the southeast of Vancouver covering the areas of Mount Pleasant, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Renfrew-Collingwood, Sunset, Victoria-Fraserview, and Killarney. Within District Three are Neighbourhood Integrated Service Teams who are tasked with responding to identified community problems such as maintenance of buildings, public safety, and problem tenants. District Three also operates two Community Policing Centres.
District Four is located in the southwest of Vancouver, encompassing a large area of West Point Grey, Kitsilano, Fairview, Dunbar Southlands, Arbutus Ridge, Shaughnessy, South Cambie, Riley Park, Musqueam, Kerrisdale, Oakridge, and Marpole. District Four represents almost half (48%) of the geographical area of Vancouver, with approximately 36% of the residents. There are 125 officers working rotating shifts in this district. Their tasks commonly include property-related incidents such as theft, house alarms, or break and enters. There is one Community Policing Centre in this region, staffed by approximately 90 volunteers.