Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Victoria, B.C. – VicPD staff, relatives and friends gathered this morning to welcome six new police officers to the VicPD family.
“The six recruits sworn in today bring unique skills and perspectives that will contribute to the future of the Victoria Police Department,” says Deputy Chief Constable Jamie McRae. “They will make a significant contribution to our community and, with half of them female, it marks an important step towards achieving gender balance and inclusivity. All the new officers represent a commitment to responsibility and a legacy that honours our tradition as one Canada’s most well-respected organizations. We are excited to see the fresh ideas and energy you will bring, and we welcome you to the VicPD family.”
Every recruit brings extensive volunteer and community service experience, along with diverse perspectives and skills that will help them serve the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.
Deputy Chief Jamie McRae Welcomes Six New Recruits to VicPD
Matthew studied Police and Justice Studies at Thompson Rivers University. He comes from a family dedicated to community service; his father is the Chief of the Victoria Fire Department.
Aya worked as a teacher in the Sooke and Langford school district, served as a protection services officer for Island Health and volunteered as a VicPD Reserve Constable.
Zachary played lacrosse internationally and then worked with the correctional services in B.C. where he managed the operations of the jail.
Valerie served in the Royal Canadian Navy for 20 years. She also trained with the Canadian Coast Guard, performing search and rescue operations and responding to various emergencies such as fires and medical crises.
Cameron was an assistant coach for local hockey clubs. and most recently worked at VicPD as a jail guard.
Sydnee has volunteered as a Reserve Constable with VicPD and served as a support worker at the Sooke Shelter. She has also worked as a crime prevention worker with Saanich Police and, most recently, as a protection services officer for Island Health.
The dedication of these new recruits shows a strong commitment to community engagement, trust and understanding. Their practical skills and an appreciation for cultural and social dynamics enables them to connect with diverse groups and reflects VicPD’s commitment to attracting high-quality candidates looking for a challenging career in policing.
In 2024, VicPD hired 24 officers, with 30 per cent of those being female. If you are ready for a career in policing, there’s never been a better time to Join VicPD. For more information, visit vicpd.ca/joinvicpd.
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