4146 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

How old is this guy?

 

I don't know.

 

Isn't it important to the story?

 

Did nobody ask?  Or did they ask and were not answered?

 

 

It sounds like at full pension, a person can bring in a little over 70% of their best (5-year-average) salary.

 

So without any other perks (there might be some), he's coming to work for 30% of his salary.  Seems to me he should just work another job.

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 January 2026 - 04:30 AM.

[pontcanna]

IIO releases full report into Duncan arrest

The IIO released its report into a 2024 arrest in Duncan that resulted in a woman suffering injuries that required surgery.

The arrest occurred Nov. 29, 2024, when the RCMP received 911 calls about a woman “waving a handgun in the air” and pointing it at passing vehicles.

RCMP found the suspect sitting against a tree facing towards the Cowichan River, away from officers, with her hands in her pockets. “Because a weapon had been reported, officers drew firearms and stood back from the [woman], directing her verbally to show her hands,”. The woman did not show her hands & appeared to throw something onto the grass beside her.

The woman stood up & faced police & as some officers prepared to fire a Taser at her, another officer ran up behind and tackled her to the ground. During arrest, she told police the item she was waving was not a handgun but a lighter that resembled a pistol. Officers found the item on the ground near her and confirmed it was a lighter.

 

 

More: https://cheknews.ca/...urgery-1298478/

[pontcanna]

VicPD (Facebook)

 

 

Please join us in welcoming Sgt. Kristin Greffard as our new Media Relations Officer! With 18 years of police service, Kris brings a deep commitment to public safety and a creative approach to connecting with the communities we serve. We are thrilled to have her on board as the uniformed officer representing VicPD communications.

[Victoria Watcher]

Sounds normal.



BADASS WITH CLASS

Who am I? I’m still finding that out but I am a lot closer now than I was 20 years ago.

I am a thick 5’10 athletic tattooed strong, confident, and independent female with androgynous platinum blonde hair. I value integrity, accountability, family, and have a strong work ethic.

The tattoos, the short hair, the motorcycles, the job… I have been labelled a “Badass”. What people don’t know- I am a total softy. Yes, my sailor mouth has gotten me in to trouble more times than I’d like to admit but… what I’ve learned over the years is taking the high road, the “classy” approach, is far more rewarding.

When I get asked what I do for a living I answer, “I am a mother of two amazing small humans”. They are my legacy. There’s nothing better than looking into the eyes of your children and seeing a small piece of you looking back.

I am an entrepreneur. I love the challenge, excitement, fear, and adrenalin rush of taking chances, putting myself out there, and the reward of being successful, a reflection of the work and effort it took to get there.

I am a Law Enforcement Professional. I love my job as a police officer. It has provided me with opportunities and experiences I would have never had elsewhere. I take great pride in being there to help, to listen, to support, and to protect.

https://badasswithclass.com/kris/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 January 2026 - 02:44 PM.

[pontcanna]

IIO outlines why charges not recommended for officers in Ucluelet shooting

 

Jan. 9, 2026

 

The BB gun found at the scene that officers believed to be a real gun. The IIO describes the BB gun as a "replica of a Walther PPK/S compact pistol." (CHEK)

The IIO says the actions of 2 officers were “justified in their deployment of lethal force” on a woman in Ucluelet who was shot multiple times and seriously injured in May 2021, and therefore will not be recommending charges to the Crown against the officers.

On Fri, the IIO published its report outlining the reasons why no charges were recommended to the Crown.

 

More: https://cheknews.ca/...ooting-1298744/

Report Link: https://iiobc.ca/app...rm-2021-119.pdf

 

[pontcanna]

 

[Tony]

On Saturday there was a protest parade downtown with Victoria police escort support. I spoke to an officer who said that he was being paid as overtime but the Province and not the city of Victoria was paying for the police costs.

 

If that is correct I wounder if the VPD overtime budget announced includes costs paid by other organizations.. If that is the case it would inflate the actual amount that VPD is using as a reason for an increased budget.

[Mike K.]

If a protest ends at the legislature the province picks up most of the overtime cost, but not all, is my understanding.

Still, the BC taxpayer pays, so Victoria residents pay twice.

There is plenty of banter about VicPD being so hospitable to those types of protests because officers like the overtime. The weekly Gaza protests have cost taxpayers well over a million dollars, not including protests in 2025. It’s likely already over $2 million in overtime, possibly closer to $2.5 million.

[Victoria Watcher]

The first retired officer to be hired to bolster the ranks of Victoria police has now been sworn in.

Const. Sean Millard, who retired about a year ago after more than 30 years with both the RCMP and the Victoria police, was welcomed back recently by Chief Fiona Wilson.


[…]


The temporary officers will be compensated at 115 per cent of a first-class constable’s hourly pay of $67.22, with overall compensation of about $160,000 per year when benefits are factored in.


[…]


Council approved the hiring of nine new officers in July, which was followed by the department making a request for 16 more.





https://www.timescol...rogram-11721803


Yet another article that does not say how old this guy is, or how old returning officers for this program might be.

Seems expensive though.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 12 January 2026 - 11:04 AM.

[Mike K.]

Here are renderings of the RCMP detachment proposed for the West Shore. https://m.facebook.c...100049384311670

Colwood Council heavily criticized the project at last night’s meeting, and it sounds like they’re not happy with the leadership behind the proposal or the process.

They raised several points, like the Colliers report on the project presented to council appearing to be based off a swimming pool project in the interior, the building having lost a floor (four from five) but the cost hasn’t changed, and the expected lifespan being 20 years but the debt is 25 years raises questions, namely if the life span has dropped below 20 years if a floor has been removed.

My bet is Colwood may push for a completely redrawn plan, and one that doesn’t use the same location. The project team noted that there are no comps for as complex of an RCMP detachment project as the current one due to the current project requiring a managing of the existing station while building onto it. So the question is, I assume, that if every other jurisdiction replaces its stations, why is West Shore taking the complex route?

In any event, Colwood council has taken a 180 degree opposite view of Langford’s council, and I think View Royal’s council.

[pontcanna]

Victoria Police Department Reintroduces Dedicated Beat Team to Strengthen Community Safety

January 13, 2026

Victoria, B.C. — The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is re-introducing a dedicated Beat Team, marking a significant step forward in community-based policing.  

The Beat Team is composed of seven VicPD officers assigned to walk designated areas of the city and two dedicated officers assigned to support Bylaw. These officers will engage directly with residents, businesses, workers, and visitors, regularly visiting local businesses to build relationships, listen to concerns, and provide a consistent presence. This proactive approach supports crime prevention, neighbourhood problem-solving, and stronger connections between police and the community.

VicPD extends its sincere appreciation to the City of Victoria for its leadership and $1.9 million dollar investment in this initiative through the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.  

“I appreciate VicPD’s willingness to work quickly to establish a Beat Team in response to the City’s commitment to fund 9 new police officers. I’m pleased to see VicPD take an active role in fulfilling their portion of the City’s Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.

While this initiative represents a return to a proven model, it also reflects the evolving landscape of modern policing. VicPD has not had a dedicated Beat Team since 2022. The previous program was discontinued following a prolonged period of chronic underfunding and the necessary reallocation of resources to support integrated partnerships, including health and social service collaborations, in response to changing community needs and expectations.

“Visible policing matters, and relationship-based policing matters,” said Chief Constable Fiona Wilson. “When officers know the community and the community knows their officers, trust grows and safety improves. The return of the Beat Team strengthens our ability to prevent crime, respond effectively, and support community wellbeing.”

VicPD views this initiative as an important first step. Looking ahead, the Department aspires to expand this team, with the long-term goal of establishing a second Beat Team to provide seven-day coverage across the city.

 

[Mike K.]

The mayor was on council at this time:

While this initiative represents a return to a proven model, it also reflects the evolving landscape of modern policing. VicPD has not had a dedicated Beat Team since 2022. The previous program was discontinued following a prolonged period of chronic underfunding and the necessary reallocation of resources to support integrated partnerships, including health and social service collaborations, in response to changing community needs and expectations.

[LJ]

I don't know why they would choose to build it at the busiest intersection in the city, it should move out of downtown and into a more industrial area.

[aastra]

 

January 2026:

While this initiative represents a return to a proven model, it also reflects the evolving landscape of modern policing. VicPD has not had a dedicated Beat Team since 2022...

“Visible policing matters, and relationship-based policing matters,” 

 

I don't disagree, but I'm filing this one as the umpteenth instance of returning to a proven approach that was implemented in the past, but then cancelled, but then revisited, and then implemented again, but then cancelled again, many times over.

 

Times-Colonist
June 12, 2025

(Jeff Bray, chief executive of the business improvement association, said:) Even a commitment to provide 20 more police officers as beat cops would be enough for some business owners to say they will stay where they are, he said, adding without bold action this year, downtown risks a wave of closures and job losses.


CHEK News
June 11, 2025:

Mayor Marianne Alto says any decision on adding additional officers or resources is ultimately up to VicPD and the Police Board, but does support additional officers.

“I’m actually pleased to see that we’re sort’ve harmonious that we do want to have additional policing,” said Alto.

 

--

 

 

Victoria News
September 19, 2023

Victoria councillors make pleas for more police foot patrols

Summer pilot that saw officers walking downtown enticed councillors

As budget talks get underway and after Victoria got a taste of police running more foot patrols downtown over the summer, there’s lots of interest from city hall to see officers out of their vehicles more often.

Speaking with a representative from the police board on Sept. 14, councillors went around the table saying what they’d like Victoria police to focus on in its upcoming budget. The councillor requests were dominated by pleas for making foot patrols a more regular part of local policing.

“We hear loud and clear, from our communities and from this council, the importance of having police visibility downtown,” VicPD Chief Del Manak said during a quarterly update to council this month.

 

--

 

 

National Post
September 1, 2007

'Human Misery' In Downtown Streets Scaring Tourists Away

A senior provincial bureaucrat -- B.C.'s Auditor-General, no less -- is startled when addicts start injecting drugs outside his downtown office. In February, he fires off a letter to city council, demanding action, more police patrols.

"What are the options?" shrugs Mayor Lowe. Yes, he would like to see more police officers on Victoria's streets. A summer pilot program that diverted more officers to downtown foot patrol was a success. But there's no money for more hires. And the Mayor thinks it important to "strike a balance" between law and order and respect for individual rights and freedoms.

There is virtually no place free from street crime and public disorder in downtown Victoria. No one knows this any better than Inspector John Ducker, a 28-year veteran of the Victoria Police Department. He leads the Focused Enforcement Team, a group of 25 officers that patrols the downtown area. Half of the officers walk the beat at any given time.

His men and women are overworked;

"Twenty years ago, we were dealing with drunks hanging around the bus depot," Insp. Ducker says. "Now it's hundreds of drug users."

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
July 9, 2001

Downtown: Foot patrols welcomed

...a barista at Blenz coffee shop at the corner of Douglas and Johnson has seen a lot since he started working downtown 18 months ago.

Last year, two police officers walked the beat and dropped into the store.

"They would always ask us how things were going and if there were any problems..."

(the Blenz barista) likes the more personable approach of having a police officer out of a car, checking on things on foot.

"When they're driving their car, they're just going to drive by. They're not going to notice or see what's going on. When we called them last summer, when they were on foot, they showed up a lot faster. If they were in a car, they'd take 45 minutes. On foot, they'd take 15."

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
August 5, 1997

Pounding the Downtown Beat
Just a quiet Friday night tending junkies, boozers and brawlers

The foot patrol is an experiment for the Victoria Police. McGregor and three other officers from the Street Crime Unit are teamed up with four other officers to walk the downtown for the summer.

McGregor and Tolmie take a zig-zag path. "When you walk the beat you find all the nooks and crannies and hiding places around downtown," McGregor says.

In his eight years as a member of the Victoria Police, McGregor says he's arrested some of the same people over and over again...

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
July 26, 1994

Not Only Athletes Come To Victoria for Gold
(The Business Voice - The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce)

...Victoria Police Inspector Douglas Potentier says that deployment plans are in place to serve both Victoria citizens and handle Commonwealth Games needs.

Plans include these measures:

- All police officers will be in Victoria -- no holidays, no training programs.

- Community police officers will offer extra foot patrol downtown

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
October 22, 1991

Police meet challenge of violence in the community

... in the last ten years, our police officers have been faced with increasing violence in almost every aspect of their job, says Inspector Brian Hayes, a 27-year veteran with the Victoria Police Department.

"We see it especially in young offenders, aged 15 and 16. These young people are committing muggings, especially in areas such as Beacon Hill Park and Dallas Road, and robberies which include pistol whipping store owners,"

"The increase in drug use and drug related crimes, also brings with it an increasing amount of violence in the drug world -- a lot of it unreported," he says. "A lot of the violence in the residential areas is drug related -- there are stabbings and beatings of people connected with the drug industry.

"With robberies in general there is a greater incidence of weapons displayed or actually fired, not only at banks, but at corner stores -- though no one has recently been injured,"

And part of that on-going pattern or trend toward violence includes homes being broken into for the purpose of sexual assault, often with the threat of a weapon or just physical violence,"

Then, of course, there are an increasing number of dust-ups after the bars let out and fights at after hours house parties, says Hayes.

Today's police officers clearly have their hands full.

To meet the challenge of this increasing violence, the Victoria Police now send two-man cars or a back-up to a situation where they would have sent a one-man car 10 years ago...

And the department no longer sends out a lone officer on foot patrol on the night shift.

"People should also be aware that they may put themselves in a position they can't deal with if they walk in an area where people are being attacked, such as the Dallas Road footpath at night. They should use some common sense in avoiding situations where a crime can be committed against them..."
 

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
January 24, 1989

Snowdon asks aldermen to boost police manpower

Victoria police needs 15 extra employees this year, Police Chief Bill Snowdon told city aldermen Monday.

Snowdon said the department needs to double the downtown foot patrol strength with four new officers...

 

--

 

 

Times-Colonist
July 26, 1986

Downtown firms willing to pay to fight riff-raff

Downtown businessmen are willing to pay extra taxes for a guarantee foot-patrolmen will be hired to clean the riff-raff off city streets, says a Victoria businessman.

"It is time we took our downtown back from this small segment of society," said Michael Williams.

Williams has warned city council that the situation is out of hand with unruly drunks screaming obscenities or vomiting in the street and holding the downtown core to ransom.

"I, as a businessman would be willing to have taxes increase on the condition that the taxes go to pay for 10 more officers on foot patrol day and night in the city," he said. "It's the crude lout-type element who have been allowed to get away with this nonsense. The police are driving around in cruisers and they are stretched to the limit."

Mayor Gretchen Brewin said she will consider the suggestion, but having 10 officers purely for downtown work runs contrary to how policing is organized, she said... "It would be difficult to have just a downtown force at the beck and call of downtown businesses," she said.

(aastra asks: where do these downtown types get off, acting all high and mighty as if the downtown area were some kind of "special" environment with unique issues, attributes, and considerations as compared to other areas of the city?)

"I think foot patrols would be a step in the right direction because they would concentrate on the trouble spots," said Eaton's Vancouver Island general manager Reg Hind, whose store is regularly hit by vandalism. "I think we would be interested in looking at an additional charge for increased police coverage."

Marks & Spencer manager Jack Newton said he would welcome a task force to look into the problem and the cost of extra foot patrols.

The stigma of foot patrols being the lowliest police job must be corrected, Newton said. "Even if they park their cruiser and walk around the block for five minutes it would be good."

(aastra says: Four minutes might be preferable. You don't want to overdo it.)

Michael Williams, a proponent of downtown revitalization, said council should forget revitalization and tourism until the street scene is cleaned up.

"We must ask ourselves as police and citizens if we have lost control of certain parts of the downtown area," he said. "The blame is on us. It's time to take it back in hand."

Edited by aastra, 14 January 2026 - 11:34 AM.

[aastra]

More stuff from the memory hole re: the beat cops debate:
 

Times-Colonist
May 17, 1985

Foot patrols keep crime edgy

The warning shout from a lookout sent three youths scurrying, their drug-dealing interrupted by policeman Ralph Ovinge on foot patrol in Bastion Square.

It was noon and Ovinge, an acting sergeant, was on his first day of foot patrol.

Crime downtown is no longer solely a night-time activity. It has oozed from dark alleys onto public streets at midday.

Police foot patrols are a response to complaints by innkeepers, merchants and bankers who have demanded the city clean up the area.

"As soon as I walked into the square, one man called "six" and the other three took off," Ovinge said.

"Where you hear "six" you know something is going on. (Convicts shout "six" to warn of approaching prison guards...)

"Now that we are on patrol, they will be on their toes," said Ovinge.

"The foot patrols will keep these people moving, but manpower (to keep up the patrols) is a problem."

Two policemen are assigned to patrol downtown streets on foot during the day and evening.
But Ovinge calls it a Band-aid solution.

"It's more preventive, in that we are keeping these people moving."

 

--
 

 

Daily Colonist
May 8, 1980

Promised foot patrols won't solve problem

Victoria Police Chief William Snowdon said Thursday he would increase police presence in certain areas to counteract harassment of the public by undesirable elements.

But he also warned that the problem couldn't be solved by the police.

Until governments, social agencies, and the whole community worked together for some long-range programs, the problem would remain.

He agreed to more frequent police foot patrols of the waterfront area from Bastion Square to the Empress Hotel.

Police officers would leave their cars to walk through some of the problem areas, he said.

But he warned that this would lengthen the response time in case of emergency calls.

--
 

 

Daily Colonist
March 20, 1980

More lighting, policing urged

More police foot patrols in the evening and a program of illuminating buildings to highlight architectural features, are proposed in a brief submitted to Victoria city council's Central Business District advisory committee by the Downtown Victoria Association.

Under a lighting program designed to "offer the evening pedestrian the security that a well lit city affords," several buildings would be illuminated at a cost of $6,500...

Association president Gordon Proctor suggests the police department be given money to provide increased foot patrols to "create a secure environment for those who wish to enjoy the city in the evening hours."

The association is also requesting $35,000 for beefed-up night police patrols of city parkades.

--
 

 

Daily Colonist
July 23, 1977

Foot patrol ball back to Barber

Victoria's police chief returned the "foot patrol" ball back to a Victoria MLA's court Friday...

Pointing to more than 30 robberies and assaults in Greater Victoria so far this year, Barber suggested that foot patrols were "an old-fashioned idea whose time has come again" and said such patrols "would offer a visible and friendly presence."

(aastra says: their time has come again many times over, right up to the year 2026)

--
 

 

Victoria Times
September 12, 1977

Foot Patrol Proposal Going to Police Board

Victoria NDP MLA Charles Barber said the problem of street violence is more visible in James Bay than in other residential neighborhoods because the area with its many apartments has a higher population density, and a considerable number of elderly residents "who are pretty afraid."

Chief Jack Gregory recently told the police board that assigning officers to foot patrol duties would reduce the department's mobility, but Barber said today no one wants to see an end to the police cruiser.

"We want to complement and supplement our regular policing by having additional men whose jobs will be preventively getting to know the neighborhood in a personal, human way," he said.

"One idea that has been suggested to me is that they be equipped with a small car such as Honda or Volkswagen Rabbit that is very manoeuvrable, easily parked and does not have the image of overwhelming power," Police Board member Phil Fawcett stated.

(aastra says: even way back in 1977 we were worried about image and stigma. Political considerations should be the highest considerations.)

 

 

[Victoria Watcher]

Relations between Langford and Colwood have become strained as crunch time looms for the West Shore RCMP building expansion project. Proposed is a new five-storey building to replace one of the two existing structures at 698 Atkins Ave. in Langford, at a cost of $87.5 million.

The new detachment will be more than twice the size of the current building, which the RCMP has outgrown. Years in the making, the project has now reached a critical crossroads before it can move into detailed design, procurement and construction.

Read more at: https://vicnews.com/...ansion-project/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 14 January 2026 - 11:43 AM.

[Mike K.]

Proposed is a four-storey building, not a five-storey building. At the crux of the impasse between Colwood and Langford is the question of where the fifth floor went, and why the price of the project hasn’t changed despite one floor being lopped off.

It does seem like a reasonable question.

[Victoria Watcher]

The West Shore RCMP detachment expansion project has hit a roadblock, with Colwood councillors raising concerns, while Langford and View Royal are confident enough with the work to move ahead.

The detachment needs expanding as it is bursting at the seams, with the current building not able to fit West Shore’s needs.

The building is co-owned by the City of Langford, City of Colwood and Town of View Royal, which are on the hook to pay for the upgrades. The project has a budget of $87.5 million.

https://cheknews.ca/...-ahead-1299476/

[pontcanna]

IIO Investigation Clears VicPD Officers in Incident Following Arrest of Assault Suspect

January 15, 2026

Files: VI 2025-50582 & IIO 2025-291

Victoria, B.C. – The Independent Investigations Office (IIO) has concluded its investigation into an incident that occurred last month involving officers of the Victoria Police Department (VicPD) and an arrest of a suspect. The IIO investigation determined that there was no connection between police action or inaction and the man’s injuries.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on December 21, 2025, VicPD received reports of an individual causing a disturbance at the Johnson Street and Wharf Street intersection, yelling, throwing items into traffic, and assaulting a member of the public. Subsequent calls reported the same person acting aggressively and making threats in Bastion Square.

Police located and arrested one man. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), also known as a taser, was drawn but not deployed. During transport to cells, officers reported the man intentionally striking his head against the interior of the police vehicle. The man’s behaviour continued to escalate, and officers called paramedics.

The man was transported to hospital, where he required medical intervention.  

The IIO initiated an investigation to determine whether any actions of the VicPD officers contributed to the patient’s medical condition.

The IIO investigation concluded that the evidence confirms the man’s physical injuries were a direct result of his self-inflicted actions while in police custody and the medical intervention required was related to the effects of substances consumed prior to police contact. The IIO found no connection between the suspect’s injuries and the actions of any VicPD officers.

VicPD continues to support the officers involved and will cooperate with any future inquiries.

[Victoria Watcher]

Vancouver police deployed to 11 planned protests in 1 weekend

Experts say global conflict is fuelling local demonstrations

https://www.cbc.ca/n...flict-9.7050770

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 19 January 2026 - 12:30 AM.