January 9, 2026
Victoria, B.C. – VicPD welcomed eight new officers today, joined by their colleagues, families, and friends. This swearing‑in ceremony marks an important step for the future of the Victoria Police Department and will have a lasting impact on the safety and well‑being of people in the City of Victoria and the Township of Esquimalt.
The new officers come from a wide range of backgrounds, including work as an adjudicator with the Ministry of Children and Family Development, an electronics engineering graduate, a legal assistant, a former Naval Warfare Officer, a former Maritime Commando in the UK, a Conservation Officer, a sports and youth programmer, and a mental health worker.
Speaking directly to the recruits, Chief Wilson invited each of them to sign their oath and receive their badge. She told them: “Never forget who you serve. Listen more than you speak. Treat everyone with dignity even when it's difficult. Uphold the law but do so with compassion. The strength of our department lies not in the power we hold, but in the trust we maintain.”
The ceremony also showcased the diversity of our community and our department. Recruits affirmed their commitment to service holding sacred texts from their faiths, including the Holy Bible and the Gutka Sahib. VicPD remains committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the people we serve. This commitment also supports the City of Victoria’s Community Safety and Wellbeing (CSWB) Plan, which focuses on creating a safer, more connected, and more resilient community.
These new recruits are committed to building trust and strong connections within our diverse community. Their skills and understanding of cultural and social dynamics reflect VicPD’s focus on attracting qualified, community‑minded candidates. All eight have already shown this dedication through the Beyond the Badge program, which strengthens relationships between officers and the communities they serve. The recruits will now attend the Justice Institute of B.C. and are expected to be on patrol within 10 months.
In 2025, VicPD hired 19 new recruits. If you’re considering a career in policing, there has never been a better time to join VicPD. Learn more at vicpd.ca/joinvicpd.