News release
For immediate release
ESQUIMALT, BC—The Township of Esquimalt’s police services survey closes Saturday, May 14 at midnight. Council directed staff to launch the public engagement initiative in response to the approaching renewal date for the Policing Framework Agreement with the Victoria Police Department (VicPD). The survey is being held in addition to a well-attended open house and stakeholder meetings earlier this month.
The intent of this survey is to gather the thoughts and opinions of people who live and/or work in Esquimalt related to community policing services and the associated agreements.
“We want a dialogue with our community before making any large decisions about policing,” said Mayor Barbara Desjardins. “By joining the conversation about policing in Esquimalt, you will help us make crucial decisions that impact community safety, crime prevention and the use of your tax dollars.”
The existing policing agreement covers a number of key aspects on police service delivery and governance that impact Esquimalt police service, including:
- shared costs for the amalgamated police force
- dedicated resources for both Esquimalt and the City of Victoria
- budget approval processes
- dispute resolution
- performance metrics
The 2014 Police Framework Agreement guides the amalgamated police department of Esquimalt and Victoria and is soon up for renewal. By the end of 2022, the Township of Esquimalt needs to decide whether to renew the agreement with VicPD for 10 more years.
The survey is an opportunity to let mayor and council know what community members think about the current policing services and the terms of the current agreement.
This action is outlined in the 2019-2023 Strategic Priorities Plan with the objective of. “Work to achieve equitable costing and optimization of policing in Esquimalt.”
Details at Esquimalt.ca/Policing
-30-
Contact
Tara Zajac, Manager of Communications
[email protected]
250-414-7122