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“My mother is the most inspiring factor in my drive to succeed in life”-Kash Heed Kash P. Heed, currently the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General was the first Indo-Canadian police chief and carries on his shoulders the heavy responsibility of a role model in his community. Heed graduated from the B.C. Police Academy in 1979 and began his career as an officer with the VPD. In June 2007 he lost out to Deputy Chief Jim Chu for the position of VPD's chief constable, but days later was appointed to that title in West Vancouver. He led the West Vancouver Police Department for 19 months and resigned on February 23, 2009 to contest elections for the B.C. legislature with Premier Gordon Campbell. He is also a published author who also teaches criminology and criminal justice at two B.C. colleges. He led the Indo-Canadian Task Force and inspired the formation of grassroots organizations dedicated to preventing gang violence. Though this is his first political experience, controversy is not far from him. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with The Asian Outlook:
Its been a few months in your new job, how are you adjusting?
I’m adjusting well, thanks. It’s a broad ministry, so there’s certainly been a lot of material to master in a short period of time.
What difference you find between your previous hectic life in the law enforcement which was more physically demanding?
In fact, the latter part of my policing career was more administrative in nature. My role as solicitor general is quite demanding, and requires more flexibility with scheduling, particularly since I now serve the entire province.
After spending three decades enforcing the law, now you are one of the law makers. Which laws would you like changed/amended?
As solicitor general, I want to ensure we have legislation and policies that allow us to deliver the most effective policing and public safety services across B.C.
What experience/knowledge do you bring to your new job?
Certainly, I believe my 30 years in policing will add value in my new role – particularly my years as a police leader, when I always tried to look for innovative ways to strengthen our approach to law enforcement. From my work as an officer, including on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, I also have a personal perspective on a variety of policing matters – what works, and what can work better. Beyond that, my academic background includes a master’s degree in Criminology and a bachelor’s degree in Leadership in Public Safety, both from Simon Fraser University.
Maybe this is too early, would you rather be a law maker or the enforcer. What was your cherished dream as a career choice….like did you ever think about entering politics? Do you regret your decision?
I’m very happy with what I accomplished in law enforcement and even happier now to contribute at the policy level. As a young boy, I wanted to be a pilot, actually. And in high school, I wanted to be a teacher. In my youth, becoming a police officer wasn’t on my radar. Today, having finished a long and rewarding policing career, I am pursuing what I regard as a capstone to my career in advancing public safety in British Columbia.
As a police officer, you rose quickly among the ranks. What factors contributed to your success?
In truth, my mother is number one – she’s the most key and inspiring factor in my drive to succeed in life. Even back in school, she drove me to work full time while pursuing my education. Certainly, being used to working hard and for long hours has prepared me for the pace of my current role.
As a South Asian, what problems do you think ails the youth of our community? What is the reason behind our youth taking up careers as gangsters? Do we need to change our attitudes or the law?
You know, I firmly believe– that we need more role models from all sectors, and within all communities, including the South Asian community. We also need engaged teachers and parents – they play a vital role in influencing the positive development in a child’s life. Parental acceptance of the aspirations of our children, particularly our sons, is so critical in the South Asian community – it can really affect how young men feel about themselves, and keep them from seeking acceptance that may be less constructive – for example, in gangs. Some of our traditional views on how our children should act do not match up to the realities that our kids are facing in the outside world, and that can put space between us and our kids. As a fairly new father myself, I am determined to be an involved parent. I want to be at my daughter’s sports activities, help her with her homework, be able to discuss what’s happening with her friends, and be someone she trusts enough to come to when she needs a friendly ear.
Do you think our community still lives in the stone age- where women were mistreated and dowry one major concern for getting married?
Domestic violence of any kind is unacceptable. It’s serious, and law enforcement does take it seriously. But police are only one part of the system. Other components that are critical include proactive prevention and timely intervention, resources for families, and a supportive justice system – and I believe we have a strong system in B.C. that incorporates these components.
Your message to the community.
I’m thankful to the community that has supported me through my law enforcement career and continues to support me as solicitor general. I am honoured to represent my constituents and to work for all British Columbians as a minister, and will strive to continue to serve the interests of my community while advancing the public safety interests of our province.
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