Victoria Police Department Reintroduces Dedicated Beat Team to Strengthen Community Safety

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

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.