ODD SQUAD
PRODUCTIONS SOCIETY

OSP
POLICE JUDO

POLICE JUDO

ODD SQUAD
PRODUCTIONS SOCIETY

Odd Squad
Productions Society

WHO WE ARE

A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION THAT FOCUSES ON
DRUG & GANG PREVENTION FOR YOUTH.
“IT IS BETTER TO PREVENT THAN HEAL”

We believe that providing youth with the right tools, guidance, and opportunities early
on helps prevent challenges before they arise.

HOW WE DO IT

We empower youth to build positive lives through education, sport
and volunteerism.

OUR CORE VALUES

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY
Every youth deserves the chance to develop to their fullest potential in a supportive and encouraging environment.

RESPECT AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Every youth deserves to be respected, inspired, guided and coached.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
We support the development of social and personal responsibility skills for youth through sport and volunteering.

COMMUNITY AND INCLUSIVITY
We educate youth to be positive members of our community by instilling in them the value of teamwork and the principle that no one gets left behind.

EMPOWERING YOUTH PREVENTION

WE BUILD SKILLS, CONFIDENCE, RESILIENCE, AND A SENSE OF BELONGING THROUGH:

  • Drug and Gang Education
  • Judo Instruction and Fitness Training
  • Community Service
  • Duke of Edinburgh Program
  • Crafts and Woodworking
  • Outdoor Activities and Wilderness Trips
  • Coaching Training
  • Teaching Film Production
  • Educational Trips

REACHING THE COMMUNITY

WE EXTEND OUR REACH AND IMPACT THROUGH:

  • Documentaries
  • Online Educational Videos and YouTube Videos
  • Public Service Announcements
  • Presentations
  • Social Media Awareness Campaigns
  • Podcasts

OUR HISTORY

1997: THE BIRTH OF ODD SQUAD

Odd Squad Productions Society was founded in 1997 as a nonprofit organization by seven Vancouver police officers working in the Downtown Eastside. Their goal was to educate young people about the harsh realities and dangers of drugs and gang involvement. With unique access, they began producing raw, fact-based documentaries and educational materials to reveal the truth behind these issues.

While filming in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Constable Toby Hinton documented the life of Sereena Abotsway, a sex trade worker. Years later, her DNA was the first to be recovered from the farm of serial killer Robert Pickton. Recognizing the vulnerability of drug-addicted sex workers, Odd Squad committed to prevention efforts. In March, the organization was officially incorporated as a non-profit. The first media coverage followed in June, and in October, Odd Squad made its television debut on VTV.

Odd Squad gained national and international recognition with the release of its groundbreaking documentary, Through a Blue Lens. The film became one of the National Film Board’s most successful productions, selling over 9,500 copies worldwide and earning numerous awards, including The Japan Prize and the Chris Award at the Columbus International Film & Video Festival. Premiering to 1,300 attendees at the Vogue Theatre, the documentary reached over a million viewers on CBC.

Odd Squad found a home at the newly constructed Tinseltown Mall, thanks to a generous donation from Henderson Development. The year saw continued success, with Through a Blue Lens winning ‘Most Inspirational Film of the Year’ and being aired by ABC News. Odd Squad also launched key projects like Flipping the World and The Randy Miller Story. In November, it hosted its first open house, receiving a $10,000 grant from Sears Canada. Tragically, April Reoch, whose struggles had been documented by Odd Squad, was found murdered in December.

FAREWELL TO A FALLEN COMRADE

The sudden passing of Constable Ken Lemckert marked a pivotal moment for Odd Squad, solidifying its connection with the wider VPD. In May, Flipping the World won two Leo Awards, and in November, Odd Squad members were honored with the Lieutenant Governor Awards. The organization also began producing memorial videos, starting with a tribute to NYPD officers lost in 9/11.

Odd Squad’s Junior Hockey Peer-to-Peer Program grew to include 15 teams across four provinces, inspiring over 600 players, including 50 future NHL athletes. The organization hosted its first International Drug Education and Awareness Symposium (IDEAS) in 2002 and collaborated on The Life, a CTV movie inspired by their work in the Downtown Eastside. By 2003, Odd Squad had firmly established itself as a leader in drug education through media and outreach.

PERSONAL STORIES AND FILM INNOVATION

Recovering addicts Randy Miller and Nicola Keate joined Odd Squad’s outreach efforts, sharing their stories to prevent youth from making similar mistakes. In 2005, Odd Squad strengthened its filmmaking capabilities, producing compelling educational documentaries. Fundraisers, including Through a Blue Wall, helped sustain their initiatives.

Odd Squad’s anti-drug messages reached millions through extensive media coverage. Retired VPD officer Al Arsenault dedicated himself to film production, leading projects such as Tears for April. The organization received prestigious awards for Stolen Lives, highlighting the critical support of corporate and individual sponsors in making these films possible.

Odd Squad expanded its scope, addressing gang violence with the Gangs and Guns documentary. Constables Elvis Bellia and Doug Spencer joined to provide expert insights. The On Track peer-to-peer program was launched, engaging youth in drug and gang prevention through presentations, Downtown Eastside tours, and Police Judo workouts.

Odd Squad Productions expanded its educational outreach worldwide, delivering presentations in Dubai, Tanzania, Beijing, Buenos Aires, London, Brussels, and New Zealand. These global initiatives incorporated Police Judo demonstrations, emphasizing physical exertion and self-discipline as essential tools for managing stress and resisting peer pressure. By October 2010, the Odd Squad website had reached over 33,000 visitors from 132 countries.

That same year, Odd Squad partnered with Gala Films in Montreal to develop The Beat, a docudrama series highlighting the challenges of policing Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). In addition, Mark Steinkampf and Toby Hinton conducted drug education presentations in central BC, visiting schools and Carrier Sekani reserves in Saik’uz, Takla, Fort St. James, Burns Lake South Side, and Vanderhoof. They also presented “Policing the Mentally Ill” at the Psychiatrists of BC conference at the Wosk Center for Dialogue in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, founding Odd Squad members Al Arsenault, Mark Steinkampf, and Brian Shipper, along with several other black belt judo practitioners, launched the SFU Police Judo program. This initiative reinforced Odd Squad’s belief that judo helps young people develop self-control, resilience, and discipline—qualities essential in navigating life’s challenges.

Odd Squad welcomed new members, including Constables Elvis Bellia and Doug Spencer, who had already delivered over 200 presentations to 27,000 youth across the Lower Mainland and northern regions. Dawn Richards joined the team to deliver a talk at the Girls and Gangs conference, while former gang member Jonathon Wong shared his experiences in over 100 talks. Joe Calendino also continued his impactful work with the Yo Bro youth initiative.

Expanding its reach, Odd Squad traveled to remote Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, visiting Nahanni Butte, Fort Liard, Wrigley, Fort Simpson, Fort Providence, Fort Resolution, Fort Smith, Hay River, Yellowknife, Inuvik, Bechoko, and Kugluktuk. Additionally, groups from BC and the NWT, including students from Fort Nelson, Smithers, Hazelton, Merritt, Metchosin, Fort Simpson, and Bechoko, traveled to Vancouver to participate in Odd Squad’s walkabout tours.

Despite its efforts, Odd Squad could not save everyone, including April and Carlee, from the devastating effects of addiction. However, this reality only reinforced the organization’s commitment to prevention. Thanks to the support of sponsors and dedicated volunteers, Odd Squad continued to expand its reach and educational initiatives.

EXPANDING OUTREACH IN THE ARCTIC

Odd Squad’s drug education efforts extended further north, with Mark Steinkampf, Doug Spencer, and Toby Hinton visiting Arctic communities such as Deline, Tulita, Norman Wells, Colville Lake, and Fort Good Hope. These visits included drug education presentations and Police Judo clinics, benefiting hundreds of youth in the Northwest Territories.

In Vancouver, Odd Squad members attended the Courage to Come Back Award dinner in support of Joe Calendino, who was recognized for his work with the Yo Bro Youth Initiative. Longtime board member Howard Blank helped promote the Jewels and Jeans Charity Affair at Birks, contributing to the organization’s fundraising efforts. Additionally, Odd Squad released a three-part gang education video series, Chronology of a Gangster, Homeboy Industries, and Wrap, in collaboration with Surrey Safe Schools.

Odd Squad moved to its current location on Lane Street in Burnaby. This new space was designed to better support youth development, featuring a woodworking area, study rooms, a gym, and a customized judo training area with a spring floor. Additionally, our two professional editing suites are equipped with high-end filming gear, a premium sound system, and state-of-the-art editing software, ensuring top-quality production capabilities. This setup allows us to enhance our video production and editing skills and accommodate a wider range of projects.

RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY

At the end of 2019, the Covid-19 pandemic began, and we had to temporarily halt our activities in accordance with government policies. However, once the waiting period ended, we immediately opened our doors for the children. Initially, we maintained social distancing and wore masks, but we quickly introduced judo-based exercises to help the kids regain their physical fitness and release excess energy that had built up during the lockdown. Over time, we gradually resumed regular classes, and our activities became fully operational again.

A ROYAL RECOGNITION

Odd Squad joined The Duke of Edinburgh Award and became an official Award Center. This program provides young people with opportunities for personal growth through various challenges. In 2023, The Duke of Edinburgh himself visited our office, where he toured our woodworking and judo facilities, as well as our physical literacy programs, film production, and presentation activities. His visit was a moment of high recognition for the work we’ve been doing with youth.

The physical literacy program accelerated, and our volunteer activities expanded. We participated in regular community clean-ups and enhanced our judo classes. We offered a wide range of classes, from beginner “Intro Classes” to advanced “Technique Classes” led by renowned judo black belts from Japan and other countries. The Duke of Edinburgh Award program also continued to grow, with activities such as a 2-night, 3-day hiking journey program that offered further opportunities for personal development.

Additionally, our relationship with the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) strengthened, and in 2024, we hosted the first Use of Force Conference. This conference developed the knowledge, skills, and report-writing abilities essential for the professional development of use-of-force instructors, police union agents, police oversight bodies, and legal counsel for expert opinions in internal police processes, civil and criminal trials, coroner’s inquests, and other criminal justice matters. The second conference was a great success, and the third edition is scheduled for April 29 – May 1, 2025.

TODAY

Odd Squad continues to grow and plays an increasingly important role in the community. Through new programs and events, we provide more opportunities for young people to learn and develop, and we are making steady progress toward a bright future.

Odd Squad Productions Society

5487 Lane Street, Burnaby BC, Canada
V5H 2H4

Charitable/business number:
864923354RR0001

BC Society Non-Profit since September 1997: S0038048
PST-1486-1955