The future of policing in Esquimalt
The existing framework agreement with VicPD expires on December 31, 2023. The municipality is collecting information about police servicing options before deciding how to move forward. The Township of Esquimalt has selected Perivale + Taylor Consulting to propose one or more police service delivery models as options for the township.
At present, the consultants are in an information-gathering stage of the project. They have conducted numerous interviews with police services in the region including Victoria, Saanich, Central Saanich, Oak Bay and the RCMP. They have also met with various representatives of municipal, provincial and federal governments. They are currently conducting literature reviews and background research which is nearing completion. A workload data analysis is underway as is a cost analysis associated to various policing models.
The project is on track to deliver a report to Council in June of this year.
Background
In spring 2022, we went out to the community to discuss the existing policing model and hear feedback on ideas for moving forward.
- Learn more about the project and how we reached out to the public
- See the public engagement report as presented to council June 20, 2022.
On August 15, 2022 council voted not to renew the Police Framework Agreement. Read the release.
Esquimalt Division of Victoria Police Department (VicPD)
On January 1, 2003 Esquimalt and Victoria amalgamated police services into a single police department. The Esquimalt Division of VicPD, along with VicPD's K9 Unit, is located in the Township of Esquimalt's Public Safety Building. The division consists of an inspector in charge and 24 sworn officers which includes two community resource officers supervised by a sergeant.
- VicPD website
- REPORT: Police Act Section 42 Review Budget Allocation Formula For Policing In The City Of Victoria And The Township Of Esquimalt
- REPORT: Police Act Section 42 Phase II Review: Analysis Of “Framework Agreement” Issues Regarding Policing In The City Of Victoria And The Township Of Esquimalt
- Crime reports
- More about municipal policing
Policing Framework Agreement
Effective January 1, 2003 an Order in Council amalgamated the police forces of Victoria and Esquimalt. This existing Order in Council also includes provisions for the negotiation of a cost sharing formula for the amalgamated department.
In April 2014 the Township signed a Policing Framework Agreement with the City of Victoria and the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board. Under the Agreement, all parties are to work collaboratively to ensure adequate and effective policing for each municipality, fair and equitable allocation of police resources, and input into the development of the annual policing budget. Currently, Esquimalt’s share of the total police budget is 13.67%.