Canada’s first Indian-origin police chief retires after 35 years of service

Del Manak honoured with ‘Del Manak Day’ as he reflects on his journey and challenges in policing.

Written by Jagdeep Singh Deep

Vancouver | August 30, 2025 02:06 PM IST

2 min read

Known as Del Manak in Victoria, he also broke another barrier by becoming the first person of colour in the 168-year history of the Victoria Police. (Express Photo)

Victoria Police Chief Del Manak retired on August 27 after 35 years of service with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), Canada, marking the end of an extraordinary career. Manak, who became Victoria’s police chief in 2017, holds the distinction of being the first Indian-origin officer to rise to the rank of police chief in the country.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Manak joined the VPD in 1990 and steadily worked his way up the ranks. Reflecting on his career, he said, “When I joined the force, it wasn’t easy. I had to struggle a lot, but I kept going and worked hard.”

Known as Del Manak in Victoria, he also broke another barrier by becoming the first person of colour in the 168-year history of the Victoria Police. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia (BC). Recognising his contribution, the City of Victoria declared August 27—his retirement day—as ‘Del Manak Day’.

Sharing his family’s migration story, Manak said his roots trace back to Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (formerly Nawanshahr) district in Punjab. “My father hailed from Banga, a historic town in the district. He migrated to Singapore, and later our family settled in Canada,” he said. Born in 1964, Manak studied in local schools before joining law enforcement.

On his plans, Manak revealed, “I have some job offers, but for now, I’m going to Europe for a month.”

Throughout his career, he advocated for a stronger justice system. “It’s disheartening when police arrest a criminal and within a month, they’re out on bail, committing crimes again,” he remarked.

Recalling unforgettable moments from his early days, Manak said one of his first assignments in 1992 was responding to a nightclub shooting in Vancouver, where he secured the crime scene and coordinated with senior officers. “There were also high-speed chases that tested us,” he added.

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Addressing rising crime and drug addiction, Manak emphasised the need for better rehabilitation programmes to prevent repeat offences.

(Jagdeep Singh Deep hosts a radio show in Surrey)

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