Victoria - 2024 - Quarter 4
Quarterly Community Safety Report Cards include updates in the following areas:
- Operational Update - notable files, trends and special projects
- Crime Prevention - public education and awareness
- Community Engagement - campaigns and other engagement with the community
- Financial Update - overview and extraordinary expenditures
Strategic Plan Highlights - 2024
Support Community Safety
In 2024, VicPD led a concentrated effort to reduce crime and entrenchment on Pandora and Ellice Streets. This enhanced enforcement resulted in significant arrests, weapons and drug seizures, and improved safety for those living, working and sheltering in these areas. Read more about this project here Pandora Avenue And Ellice Street Safety Plan Update - VicPD.ca
Investigative Services conducted targeted investigations involving gang activity in our region. To share learning points with colleagues, VicPD hosted an Organized Crime Symposium. The symposium allowed police agencies from across the province to collaborate and learn from case studies involving gang-related investigations.
Together with partner agencies, including Saanich, Central Saanich and Oak Bay, VicPD entered Phase One of a three-year operation which integrates Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigators. The Integrated ICE Unit will tackle child exploitation and luring as well as production and possession of child pornography.
VicPD also became the first agency in the region to have implement new Provincial standards pertaining to sexual assault investigations. These standards provide guidance to police for how to conduct standardized police investigations for adults.
VicPD continued to be responsive to specific community needs with proactive, targeted projects, Special targeted projects (e.g. Project Lifter, REVOII)
We continued leveraging the power of our social media platforms to collaborate with partners across the globe, creating content that captured the attention and engagement of younger audiences with important safety and crime prevention messages.
This pilot proved successful and has been carried through the Fall and Winter, with intent to remain active throughout 2025.
Crime Prevention was a primary focus for the Community Services and Community Engagement Divisions
Enhance Public Trust
Participation in local events had a strong cultural focus in 2024, with attendance at the Mabuhay Philippine Culture Festival for the first time.
VicPD re-launched Coffee With A Cop, offering opportunities for several neighbourhoods to engage directly with police officers in a relaxed setting.
The VicPD Community Survey was conducted for the fifth straight year, providing the largest single opportunity for public engagement into Departmental priorities and performance. The survey helps to inform a operational and budget priorities and provides insight on public satisfaction. See the survey results here: Community Survey - VicPD.ca
VicPD participated in the Pulling Together Journey, part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to better understanding and positive relationships with our Indigenous partners.
Participation in local events had a strong cultural focus in 2024, with attendance at the Mabuhay Philippine Culture Festival for the first time.
VicPD re-launched Coffee With A Cop, offering opportunities for several neighbourhoods to engage directly with police officers in a relaxed setting.
The VicPD Community Survey was conducted for the fifth straight year, providing the largest single opportunity for public engagement into Departmental priorities and performance. The survey helps to inform a operational and budget priorities and provides insight on public satisfaction. See the survey results here: Community Survey - VicPD.ca
VicPD participated in the Pulling Together Journey, part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to better understanding and positive relationships with our Indigenous partners.
Achieve Organizational Excellence
Recruiting
2024 saw Phase 3 of the Employee Attraction Plan put into action, with targeted recruiting campaigns for experience officers and women.
In November 2024, VicPD hosted women for a hands-on experience to learn about a career in policing. The goal was to reduce perceived barriers to application, and to increase understanding and awareness about what a career in policing can be like for women. This initiative was complimented by a social media campaign to highlight the Women of VicPD. This initiative continues into 2025 with participation in the Goddess Run and outreach at the Victoria Women’s Expo.
In 2024, VicPD hired 24 sworn officers (20 recruits, 4 experienced officers), with women comprising 30% of the new recruits. We also hired nine Special Municipal Constables (six full-time, three auxiliary) and eight civilians.
Training
In 2024, VicPD officers each attended an average of 163 hours of training. These hours included meeting a new requirement under the BC Provincial Policing Standards (BCPPS) to promote equitable and unbiased policing (BCPPS 3.2.5). This requirement means all officers have to complete the BC Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) course. FIP was first launched in 2016 and was rolled out department-wide in 2017. It has also been taught to recruit constables at the Justice Institute of B.C. Police Academy since October 2020 (class 163). However, members hired between those dates did not receive FIP training, nor did experienced officer hires from out of province. In 2024, VicPD invested in developing FIP instructors, and participated in region-wide training to ensure we are and remain in compliance with BCPPS 3.2.5 for years to come.
“FIP’s goal is to enhance and promote trust in the community and enhance police legitimacy by providing strategies to ensure the delivery of police-service is bias-free.”
VicPD continues to deliver Indigenous awareness related training. It establishes that all police officers must complete provincially approved training on the history and current status of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacies of police relations with Indigenous peoples in BC.
Leadership Development Plans
To support succession planning efforts, leadership development plans are provided to those officers interested in promotion and provide a comprehensive list of recommended actions the officers take to become competitive. These actions include completing the VicPD Leadership Development Modules to ensure they are well prepared candidates for promotion. The modules focus on front-line operational leadership response and supervision, as well as leadership indicators and competencies relating to: respectful workplace and culture; equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; conflict resolution; ethical decision making; and legislated duties and responsibilities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Additional initiatives were undertaken in 2024 which continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff. These include the addition of two in-house psychologists, annual wellness checks, and the enhancement of the Peer Support Team and their services.
As part of VicPD’s mental health strategy, the Department’s in-house psychologists launched a multi-part educational initiative to help officers identify symptoms to watch for and ways they can help themselves and their co-workers cope with the demands of police work.
Recruiting
2024 saw Phase 3 of the Employee Attraction Plan put into action, with targeted recruiting campaigns for experience officers and women.
In November 2024, VicPD hosted women for a hands-on experience to learn about a career in policing. The goal was to reduce perceived barriers to application, and to increase understanding and awareness about what a career in policing can be like for women. This initiative was complimented by a social media campaign to highlight the Women of VicPD. This initiative continues into 2025 with participation in the Goddess Run and outreach at the Victoria Women’s Expo.
In 2024, VicPD hired 24 sworn officers (20 recruits, 4 experienced officers), with women comprising 30% of the new recruits. We also hired nine Special Municipal Constables (six full-time, three auxiliary) and eight civilians.
Training
In 2024, VicPD officers each attended an average of 163 hours of training. These hours included meeting a new requirement under the BC Provincial Policing Standards (BCPPS) to promote equitable and unbiased policing (BCPPS 3.2.5). This requirement means all officers have to complete the BC Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) course. FIP was first launched in 2016 and was rolled out department-wide in 2017. It has also been taught to recruit constables at the Justice Institute of B.C. Police Academy since October 2020 (class 163). However, members hired between those dates did not receive FIP training, nor did experienced officer hires from out of province. In 2024, VicPD invested in developing FIP instructors, and participated in region-wide training to ensure we are and remain in compliance with BCPPS 3.2.5 for years to come.
“FIP’s goal is to enhance and promote trust in the community and enhance police legitimacy by providing strategies to ensure the delivery of police-service is bias-free.”
VicPD continues to deliver Indigenous awareness related training. It establishes that all police officers must complete provincially approved training on the history and current status of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacies of police relations with Indigenous peoples in BC.
Leadership Development Plans
To support succession planning efforts, leadership development plans are provided to those officers interested in promotion and provide a comprehensive list of recommended actions the officers take to become competitive. These actions include completing the VicPD Leadership Development Modules to ensure they are well prepared candidates for promotion. The modules focus on front-line operational leadership response and supervision, as well as leadership indicators and competencies relating to: respectful workplace and culture; equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; conflict resolution; ethical decision making; and legislated duties and responsibilities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Additional initiatives were undertaken in 2024 which continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff. These include the addition of two in-house psychologists, annual wellness checks, and the enhancement of the Peer Support Team and their services.
As part of VicPD’s mental health strategy, the Department’s in-house psychologists launched a multi-part educational initiative to help officers identify symptoms to watch for and ways they can help themselves and their co-workers cope with the demands of police work.
Operational Update
Overview
The Downtown core and businesses were well served in Q4 with continued bike and beat presence, and a focus on retail theft prevention with Project Lifter, which concluded with 42 arrests and $10,000 in recovered merchandise. Officers spent dedicated hours walking the downtown core, engaging with businesses to listen to their concerns and provide valuable information, all while continuing to respond to calls for service.
In the fourth quarter, Patrol officers continued demonstrating exceptional professionalism and courage, responding to numerous high-risk incidents, including violent crimes, traffic collisions, and critical medical emergencies. Through their rapid intervention, officers not only de-escalated potentially dangerous situations but also provided immediate assistance, preserving life and safeguarding property. By tackling these complex and often volatile situations head-on, Patrol officers serve as the frontline defense in protecting our communities, ensuring a safer environment for all.
Officers conducted a two-day project in November targeting repeat violent offenders in the Victoria area. The project resulted in four arrests for various offences including breach of probation, mischief, and trafficking a controlled substance. This project fits within the Provincial Safe Communities Action Plan, which lays out initiatives to make communities safter through enforcement and intervention.
VicPD also welcomed 16 new volunteers in the fall. These volunteers will help in several areas including Crime Watch, community events, front desk and special projects.
Calls for Service
Calls for service in the fourth quarter decreased from the third quarter, but were higher than the same time period last year. Calls for Social Order continued the steady increase we saw throughout the year, remaining significantly higher than the same time period last year. Calls for Violence decreased from Q3, but were still significantly higher than the same period in 2024. All other call types remained in-line with Q4 2023.
Files of Note
24-38631 | Central Middle School Lockdown
Central Middle School was placed in lockdown on October 21, after an unknown 40-year-old male entered the building and exhibited concerning behaviour. Within minutes, officers arrived as the call originally came in as an abandoned 911 call from a student where dispatch could hear panic on the other end. The suspect appeared to be in a drug-induced state and resisted arrest, so a CEW was deployed. No students or staff were injured, but this incident sparked concerns from the community regarding ongoing safety issues for students.
24-39060 | Series of Stolen Vehicles
In October of 2024, the Victoria Police Department along with other police agencies in the Greater Victoria area received 20 stolen vehicle reports in a 12-day period. It was believed the same suspect was responsible for all these offences. The crime spree occurred throughout the CRD and involved the suspect fleeing from police and driving in a manner that endangered the public and police.
VicPD’s General Investigation Services (GIS) section took the lead, creating a master file to coordinate all separate occurrences. With the assistance of the Analysis and Intelligence section, investigators identified a male suspect. Due to GIS’s coordinated effort, including liaising with multiple stakeholders, the male suspect was arrested and remains in custody on other matters. Since the arrest, the spree of stolen vehicles has stopped. The file is still under investigation.
24-39961 | Sexual Assault/Forcible Confinement
The complainant reported being sexually assaulted and forcibly confined by a male. The suspect was identified and determined to be on conditions for three similar offences. Strike Force was activated to locate the suspect who was later arrested by GVERT. SVU detectives are managing the investigation and charges have been approved.
24-41344 | Vehicle Mischiefs
On October 20, 2024, VicPD received multiple mischief reports in relation to their vehicles being damaged while parked on the street overnight. In total, 51 vehicles were damaged at an estimated cost of over $100, 000. GIS conducted a comprehensive investigation that resulted in Marie Comtois being arrested and charged with seven counts of Mischief.
24-45048 | Assault
Police responded to a report of an adult male assaulting a child on the street in front of a school. Police attended but the suspect had already left. Numerous witnesses provided statements and incident footage that was captured via cell phone. The suspect was later located at his home and arrested before being released on conditions.
24-44325 | Assault
On December 1, VicPD received a call about a male who was reported to be screaming for help in the 600-block of Hillside Avenue someone allegedly using their vehicle to intentionally strike and pin him against a tree. One male turn himself into police and was charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
24-46778 | Replica Firearms
On December 18, VicPD received a report of five males fighting in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue. The males had all dispersed, but security guards in the area reported that they saw one of the males brandishing what appeared to be a handgun during the altercation. Officers determined the suspect had a replica firearm, officers educated him on how dangerous his actions were and the potential outcomes.
24-47569 | Impaired Driver
On December 24, 2024, police responded to reports of an impaired driver in a stolen vehicle, driving erratically in the Fernwood and Rockland areas. Police discovered that seven parked vehicles had been damaged in hit and run incidents. Officers located a female suspect after she crashed into a parked vehicle and then fled the scene. The suspect was arrested and faces seven charges, including; theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a conveyance, fail to stop, operation of a conveyance while impaired by alcohol or a drug, driving while prohibited, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation.
24-47595 | Stolen Vehicle
On December 24, the owner of a stolen vehicle contacted VicPD after seeing his stolen vehicle being driven downtown. The stolen vehicle was located by police stationary at Spruce Street and Nanaimo Street. The driver made contact with a police vehicle at that location which caused one of the wheels to dislodge. The truck then fled the scene on three wheels and was later abandoned and recovered in the 3100-block of Harriet Street in Saanich. No arrest has been made in this case.
Overview
The Downtown core and businesses were well served in Q4 with continued bike and beat presence, and a focus on retail theft prevention with Project Lifter, which concluded with 42 arrests and $10,000 in recovered merchandise. Officers spent dedicated hours walking the downtown core, engaging with businesses to listen to their concerns and provide valuable information, all while continuing to respond to calls for service.
In the fourth quarter, Patrol officers continued demonstrating exceptional professionalism and courage, responding to numerous high-risk incidents, including violent crimes, traffic collisions, and critical medical emergencies. Through their rapid intervention, officers not only de-escalated potentially dangerous situations but also provided immediate assistance, preserving life and safeguarding property. By tackling these complex and often volatile situations head-on, Patrol officers serve as the frontline defense in protecting our communities, ensuring a safer environment for all.
Officers conducted a two-day project in November targeting repeat violent offenders in the Victoria area. The project resulted in four arrests for various offences including breach of probation, mischief, and trafficking a controlled substance. This project fits within the Provincial Safe Communities Action Plan, which lays out initiatives to make communities safter through enforcement and intervention.
VicPD also welcomed 16 new volunteers in the fall. These volunteers will help in several areas including Crime Watch, community events, front desk and special projects.
Calls for Service
Calls for service in the fourth quarter decreased from the third quarter, but were higher than the same time period last year. Calls for Social Order continued the steady increase we saw throughout the year, remaining significantly higher than the same time period last year. Calls for Violence decreased from Q3, but were still significantly higher than the same period in 2024. All other call types remained in-line with Q4 2023.
Files of Note
24-38631 | Central Middle School Lockdown
Central Middle School was placed in lockdown on October 21, after an unknown 40-year-old male entered the building and exhibited concerning behaviour. Within minutes, officers arrived as the call originally came in as an abandoned 911 call from a student where dispatch could hear panic on the other end. The suspect appeared to be in a drug-induced state and resisted arrest, so a CEW was deployed. No students or staff were injured, but this incident sparked concerns from the community regarding ongoing safety issues for students.
24-39060 | Series of Stolen Vehicles
In October of 2024, the Victoria Police Department along with other police agencies in the Greater Victoria area received 20 stolen vehicle reports in a 12-day period. It was believed the same suspect was responsible for all these offences. The crime spree occurred throughout the CRD and involved the suspect fleeing from police and driving in a manner that endangered the public and police.
VicPD’s General Investigation Services (GIS) section took the lead, creating a master file to coordinate all separate occurrences. With the assistance of the Analysis and Intelligence section, investigators identified a male suspect. Due to GIS’s coordinated effort, including liaising with multiple stakeholders, the male suspect was arrested and remains in custody on other matters. Since the arrest, the spree of stolen vehicles has stopped. The file is still under investigation.
24-39961 | Sexual Assault/Forcible Confinement
The complainant reported being sexually assaulted and forcibly confined by a male. The suspect was identified and determined to be on conditions for three similar offences. Strike Force was activated to locate the suspect who was later arrested by GVERT. SVU detectives are managing the investigation and charges have been approved.
24-41344 | Vehicle Mischiefs
On October 20, 2024, VicPD received multiple mischief reports in relation to their vehicles being damaged while parked on the street overnight. In total, 51 vehicles were damaged at an estimated cost of over $100, 000. GIS conducted a comprehensive investigation that resulted in Marie Comtois being arrested and charged with seven counts of Mischief.
24-45048 | Assault
Police responded to a report of an adult male assaulting a child on the street in front of a school. Police attended but the suspect had already left. Numerous witnesses provided statements and incident footage that was captured via cell phone. The suspect was later located at his home and arrested before being released on conditions.
24-44325 | Assault
On December 1, VicPD received a call about a male who was reported to be screaming for help in the 600-block of Hillside Avenue someone allegedly using their vehicle to intentionally strike and pin him against a tree. One male turn himself into police and was charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.
24-46778 | Replica Firearms
On December 18, VicPD received a report of five males fighting in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue. The males had all dispersed, but security guards in the area reported that they saw one of the males brandishing what appeared to be a handgun during the altercation. Officers determined the suspect had a replica firearm, officers educated him on how dangerous his actions were and the potential outcomes.
24-47569 | Impaired Driver
On December 24, 2024, police responded to reports of an impaired driver in a stolen vehicle, driving erratically in the Fernwood and Rockland areas. Police discovered that seven parked vehicles had been damaged in hit and run incidents. Officers located a female suspect after she crashed into a parked vehicle and then fled the scene. The suspect was arrested and faces seven charges, including; theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a conveyance, fail to stop, operation of a conveyance while impaired by alcohol or a drug, driving while prohibited, possession of stolen property, and breach of probation.
24-47595 | Stolen Vehicle
On December 24, the owner of a stolen vehicle contacted VicPD after seeing his stolen vehicle being driven downtown. The stolen vehicle was located by police stationary at Spruce Street and Nanaimo Street. The driver made contact with a police vehicle at that location which caused one of the wheels to dislodge. The truck then fled the scene on three wheels and was later abandoned and recovered in the 3100-block of Harriet Street in Saanich. No arrest has been made in this case.
Crime Prevention
Over three weeks in October the VicPD Hate Crimes Coordinator, along with Community Resource Officers, presented to the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.
VicPD Community Engagement conducted a safety campaign in October on our social media platforms to raise awareness of some of the contributing factors when it comes to collisions with pedestrians.
In November and December, Community Resource Officers provided presentations to senior groups educating them on targeted frauds, common scams and overall senior safety.
In December, VicPD officers and Reserve Constables conducted Counterattack Road checks. Police apprehended impaired drivers while raising awareness about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Community Engagement
October 2024 – HEROS Hockey Program
Officers engaged with young children in the HEROS hockey program which not only helps them learn the sport but also fosters community spirit. They assisted with gear and tying skates which shows a commitment to supporting youth and encouraging their involvement in physical activities.
Officers engaged with young children in the HEROS hockey program which not only helps them learn the sport but also fosters community spirit. They assisted with gear and tying skates which shows a commitment to supporting youth and encouraging their involvement in physical activities.
October 10 and 30, 2024 – Community Safety Pop-Ups
VicPD volunteers helped raise awareness about bike and pedestrian safety through new community safety engagement sessions at Crystal Pool. Children and adults learned about the importance of following the rules of the road, wearing helmets, using reflective lights and being aware of your surroundings. Attendees also received free safety items such as bike lights and pedestrian reflectors.
VicPD volunteers helped raise awareness about bike and pedestrian safety through new community safety engagement sessions at Crystal Pool. Children and adults learned about the importance of following the rules of the road, wearing helmets, using reflective lights and being aware of your surroundings. Attendees also received free safety items such as bike lights and pedestrian reflectors.
October 2024 – Thanksgiving
Chief Del Manak along with other community leaders volunteered at Our Place Society to serve a hot and delicious Thanksgiving lunch to those in need.
Chief Del Manak along with other community leaders volunteered at Our Place Society to serve a hot and delicious Thanksgiving lunch to those in need.
October 27, 2024 – Wicked Victoria
VicPD officers, volunteers, and staff participated in Wicked Victoria, educating parents and children about the importance of pedestrian safety ahead of Halloween night.
VicPD officers, volunteers, and staff participated in Wicked Victoria, educating parents and children about the importance of pedestrian safety ahead of Halloween night.
November 11, 2024 – Remembrance Day
VicPD officers took part in the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. Chief Del Manak laid a wreath at the Hall of Honour at VicPD headquarters and attended the Esquimalt ceremony, while Deputy Chief Jason Laidman attended the ceremony at the BC Legislature cenotaph.
VicPD officers took part in the annual Remembrance Day Ceremony. Chief Del Manak laid a wreath at the Hall of Honour at VicPD headquarters and attended the Esquimalt ceremony, while Deputy Chief Jason Laidman attended the ceremony at the BC Legislature cenotaph.
November 22, 2024 – Volunteer and Reserves Appreciation Event
Each year we honour our dedicated volunteers and reserves with an appreciation event; this year celebrating more than 130 people who committed more than 11,000 hours to VicPD and the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.
Each year we honour our dedicated volunteers and reserves with an appreciation event; this year celebrating more than 130 people who committed more than 11,000 hours to VicPD and the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.
December 12, 2024 – Senior’s Safety Presentation
VicPD officers held a senior’s safety presentation at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre to empower residents with knowledge and to ensure their safety and well-being.
VicPD officers held a senior’s safety presentation at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre to empower residents with knowledge and to ensure their safety and well-being.
November and December 2024 – Holiday Spirit
VicPD officers, staff and volunteers took part in several community events to spread holiday cheer, officers joined in holiday parades, such as the Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade. And we engaged with the public through several social media platforms to help us choose our annual holiday greeting card.
VicPD officers, staff and volunteers took part in several community events to spread holiday cheer, officers joined in holiday parades, such as the Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade. And we engaged with the public through several social media platforms to help us choose our annual holiday greeting card.
December 2024 – Diwali
The Punjabi Cultural Community Association invited officers to their Diwali event, an evening full of celebration, food, music, and dance.
The Punjabi Cultural Community Association invited officers to their Diwali event, an evening full of celebration, food, music, and dance.
