Questions raised over Vancouver Police investigating one of its officers

Questions are being raised about Vancouver Police investigating one of its own officers after veteran officer and KidsPlay founder Const. Kal Dosanjh was charged following a covert investigation that lasted more than two years.

Vancouver Police said the investigation concerned housing developments. Dosanjh was arrested last week during a controlled traffic stop in Surrey. Police said several alleged victims contacted investigators and 19 people reported losses of more than $3 million between 2017 and 2025.

Dosanjh's lawyer, Joven Narwal, said an internal investigation raises legitimate concerns about independence, objectivity and safeguards when a police department investigates one of its own members. Narwal said Dosanjh unequivocally denies wrongdoing and is presumed innocent.

Ravi Hira, KC, of Hira Rowan LLP, said police investigating themselves can create challenges because of a public perception of bias, whether justified or not.

Chief Steve Rai said Vancouver Police received information in December 2023 from multiple victims alleging criminal activity involving Dosanjh, then opened an investigation and formed a dedicated team. Rai said a victim and witness management team was embedded in the investigation and the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner was notified at the outset. Former Vancouver police officer and solicitor general Kash Heed said keeping the investigation in-house made sense because of its sensitivity and the department's investigative resources, technology and skills.