City of Victoria: 2023 – Q2
As part of our ongoing Open VicPD transparency initiative, we introduced Community Safety Report Cards as a way to keep everyone up to date with how the Victoria Police Department is serving the public. These report cards, which are published quarterly in two community-specific versions (one for Victoria and one for Esquimalt), offer both quantitative and qualitative information about crime trends, operational incidents, and community engagement initiatives. It is hoped that, through this proactive sharing of information, our citizens have a better understanding of how VicPD is working toward its strategic vision of “A Safer Community Together.”
Description
Charts (Victoria)
Calls for Service (Victoria)
Call for Service (CFS) are requests for services from, or reports to the police department that generate any action on the part of the police department or partner agency performing work on behalf of the police department (such as E-Comm 9-1-1).
CFS include recording a crime/incident for reporting purposes. CFS are not generated for proactive activities unless the officer generates a specific CFS report.
The types of calls are broken into six main categories: social order, violence, property, traffic, assist, and other. For a list of calls within each of these call categories, please click here.
Annual trends show a decrease in total CFS in 2019 and 2020. Since January 2019, abandoned calls, which are included in the total number of calls and can often generate a police response, are no longer captured by the E-Comm 911/Police Dispatch Centre in the same way. This has significantly reduced the total number of CFS. Also, policy changes with regard to abandoned 911 calls from cell phones occurred in July 2019, further reducing these CFS totals. Additional factors that have reduced the number of 911 calls include increased education and changes to cell phone design so that emergency calls could no longer be activated by a one-button push.
These important changes are reflected in the following abandoned 911 call figures, which are included in the displayed CFS totals and are largely responsible for the recent decrease in total CFS:
2016 = 8,409
2017 = 7,576
2018 = 8,554
2019 = 4,411
2020 = 1,296
Victoria Total Calls for Service – By Category, Quarterly
Source: VicPD
Victoria Total Calls for Service – By Category, Annually
Source: VicPD
VicPD Jurisdiction Calls for Service – Quarterly
Source: VicPD
VicPD Jurisdiction Calls for Service – Annually
Source: VicPD
Crime Incidents – VicPD Jurisdiction
Number of Crime Incidents (VicPD Jurisdiction) excluding traffic.
- Violent Crime Incidents
- Property Crime Incidents
- Other Crime Incidents
These charts reflect the most available data from Statistics Canada. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Crime Incidents – VicPD Jurisdiction
Source: Statistics Canada
Response Time (Victoria)
Response time is defined as the time that elapses between the time a call is received to the time the first officer arrives on scene.
Charts reflect median response times for the following Priority One and Priority Two calls in Victoria.
Response Time – Victoria
Source: VicPD
NOTE: Times are displayed in minutes and second. For example, “8.48” indicates 8 minutes and 48 seconds.
Crime Rate (Victoria)
The crime rate, as published by Statistics Canada, is the number of Criminal Code violations (excluding traffic offences) per 100,000 population.
- Total Crime (excluding traffic)
- Violent Crime
- Property Crime
- Other Crime
Data Updated | For all data up to and including 2019, Statistics Canada reported VicPD’s data for its combined jurisdiction of Victoria and Esquimalt. Beginning in 2020, StatsCan is separating that data for both communities. Therefore, the charts for 2020 do not display data for past years as direct comparisons are not possible with this change of methodology. As data is added over successive years, however, year-to-year trends will be displayed.
These charts reflect the most available data from Statistics Canada. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Crime Rate – Victoria
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Victoria & Esquimalt)
The crime severity index (CSI), as published by Statistics Canada, measures both the volume and severity of police-reported crime in Canada. In the index, all crimes are assigned a weight by Statistics Canada based on their seriousness. The level of seriousness is based on actual sentences handed down by the courts in all provinces and territories.
This chart shows the CSI for all municipal police services in BC as well as the provincial average for all police services. For VicPD’s jurisdiction, the CSI for the City of Victoria and the Township of Esquimalt are shown separately, which is a feature that was first introduced with the release of 2020 data. For historic CSI figures that show combined CSI data for VicPD’s jurisdiction of both Victoria and Esquimalt, click here VicPD 2019 Crime Severity Index (CSI).
These charts reflect the most available data from Statistics Canada. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Crime Severity Index – Victoria & Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Non-Violent) – Victoria & Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Violent) – Victoria & Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Weighted Clearance Rate (Victoria)
Clearance rates represent the proportion of criminal incidents solved by the police.
Data Updated | For all data up to and including 2019, Statistics Canada reported VicPD’s data for its combined jurisdiction of Victoria and Esquimalt. Beginning in 2020 data, StatsCan is separating that data for both communities. Therefore, the charts for 2020 do not display data for past years as direct comparisons are not possible with this change of methodology. As data is added over successive years, however, year-to-year trends will be displayed.
These charts reflect the most available data from Statistics Canada. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Weighted Clearance Rate – Victoria
Source: Statistics Canada
Perception of Crime (Victoria)
Community and business survey data from 2021 as well as past community surveys: “Do you think that crime in Victoria has increased, decreased or remained the same during the last 5 years?”
Perception of Crime – Victoria
Source: VicPD
Block Watch (Victoria)
This chart shows the numbers of active blocks in the VicPD Block Watch program.
Block Watch – Victoria
Source: VicPD
Public Satisfaction (Victoria)
Public satisfaction with VicPD (community and business survey data from 2021 as well as past community surveys): “Overall, how satisfied are you with the work of the Victoria Police?”
Public Satisfaction – Victoria
Source: VicPD
Perception of Accountability (Victoria)
Perception of accountability of VicPD officers from community and business survey data from 2021 as well as past community surveys: “Based on your own personal experience, or what you may have read or heard, please indicate whether you agree or disagree that the Victoria Police is accountable.”
Perception of Accountability – Victoria
Source: VicPD
Documents Released to the Public
These charts show the number of community updates (news releases) and reports published, as well the number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests that are released.
Documents Released to the Public
Source: VicPD
FOI Documents Released
Source: VicPD
Overtime Costs (VicPD)
- Investigation and specialized units (This includes investigations, specialized units, protests and other)
- Staff shortage (Cost associated with replacing absent staff, normally for last minute injury or illness)
- Statutory holiday (Mandatory overtime costs for staff working Statutory Holidays)
- Recovered (This is related to special duties and overtime for seconded specialty units where all costs are recovered from outside funding resulting in no additional cost to VicPD)
Overtime Costs (VicPD) in dollars ($)
Source: VicPD
Public Safety Campaigns (VicPD)
The number of public safety campaigns initiated by VicPD and those local, regional, or national campaigns supported by, but not necessarily initiated by VicPD.
Public Safety Campaigns (VicPD)
Source: VicPD
Police Act Complaints (VicPD)
Total files opened by the Professional Standards office. Open files do not necessarily result in an investigation of any type. (Source: Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner)
- Admissible registered complaints (complaints resulting in a formal Police Act investigation)
- Number of reported substantiated investigations (Police Act investigations that resulted in one or more counts of misconduct being established)
Police Act Complaints (VicPD)
Source: Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner of BC
NOTE: Dates are provincial government fiscal year (April 1 to March 31) i.e. “2020” indicates April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
Case Load per Officer (VicPD)
The average number of criminal files assigned to each officer. The average is calculated by dividing the total number of files by the authorized strength of the police Department (Source: Police Resources in BC, Province of British Columbia).
This chart reflects the latest data available. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Case Load per Officer (VicPD)
Source: Police Resources in BC
Time Loss in Shifts (VicPD)
VicPD’s operational effectiveness can be, and has been, affected by having employees unable to work. The loss of time recorded in this chart includes both physical and mental health injuries which occur in the workplace. This does not include time lost for off-duty injury or illness, parental leave, or leaves of absence. This chart shows this time loss in terms of shifts lost by both officers and civilian employees by calendar year.
Time Loss in Shifts (VicPD)
Source: VicPD
Deployable Officers (% of total strength)
This is the percentage of officers who are fully deployable to policing duties with no restrictions.
Please note: This is a Point-in-Time calculation each year, as the actual number fluctuates widely throughout the year.
Deployable Officers (% of total strength)
Source: VicPD
Volunteer / Reserve Constable Hours (VicPD)
This is the number of volunteer hours annually performed by volunteers and Reserve Constables.
Volunteer / Reserve Constable Hours (VicPD)
Source: VicPD
Training Hours per Officer (VicPD)
Average training hours is calculated by the total number of hours of training divided by the authorized strength. All training is accounted for including training related to specialized positions such as the Emergency Response Team, and off-duty training required under the Collective Agreement.
Training Hours per Officer (VicPD)
Source: VicPD
Source: VicPD
Victoria Community Information
Operational Update
Although the calls for service declined in Q2 over Q1, Patrol officers continued to respond to numerous calls for violence in the downtown core and calls that require significant resources. Of note were a violent daytime robbery of a jewelry store, and an assault on police officers outside a nightclub. In many cases, VicPD has been able to quickly apprehend the suspects and make arrests following a call for service.
Following a lengthy and thorough investigation, Major Crimes investigators arrested a man for an arson to a family home that occurred in April 2022.
Community Services Division, with the support of Patrol members, focused on Project Downtown Connect during Q2. This project was initiated in response to downtown businesses reporting an increase in street disorder and criminal acts such as thefts and mischiefs. The goal of the project was to increase the police presence downtown while connecting with as many businesses as possible. In addition, as members attended businesses, they discussed any ongoing concerns and issues, provided staff with a VicPD information card, and obtained updated contact information for the businesses.
Files of Note
Files: 22-14561, 22-14619 Major Crime Detectives Arrest Man For Arson
Following a lengthy and thorough investigation, Major Crimes investigators arrested a man for an arson to a family home that occurred in April 2022.
File: 23-18462 Downtown Assault and Mischief
Shortly after 8 a.m. on May 24, officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1200-block of Douglas Street. Officers determined that the suspect had assaulted a passerby and smashed the window of a vehicle that was stopped in traffic.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and held for court. The victim was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
File: 23-12279 Recreation Centre Thefts
On April 5, 2023, VicPD received a report of a theft from a recreation centre in the 500-block of Fraser Street. The victim reported that their wallet had been stolen and credit cards used at various retail outlets in the Greater Victoria area. Later that day, another individual reported their wallet and credit card were also stolen from the same location.
Investigators determined that several purchases were made in quick succession using the stolen credit cards. Investigators obtained CCTV footage of the suspects as they used the stolen credit cards.
File: 23-13520 Armed Robbery at Downtown Jewelry Store
Patrol officers were called to a jewelry store just before 3:45 pm on Saturday, April 15. Staff told officers that a man had entered the store brandishing a hammer. He was confronted by staff but pushed his way behind the counters. He was able to open two of the display cases with the hammer, stealing merchandise from one of them, despite staff members’ attempts to intervene. The suspect smashed another display case and stole an expensive watch before being pushed outside by staff. The suspect fled before the responding officers arrived.
File: 23-12462 Officers Assaulted
On April 7 at approximately 1:20 a.m., officers were called to the 800-block of Yates Street for a report of an intoxicated patron refusing to leave the establishment. While escorting the patron outside, two officers were assaulted by the patron and another individual, and one of the officers was disarmed. The second person was known to the patron and had also been asked to leave the nightclub earlier.
File: 23-7127 Investigators Seize Over Half A Million Dollars in Contraband Cigarettes and Cash
In February, officers with the General Investigation Section (GIS) began an investigation into the sale of contraband tobacco in the Greater Victoria area.
The investigation led officers to a storage locker in View Royal and a residence in the 2400-block of Chambers Street in Victoria. On April 12, investigators executed search warrants at both locations and seized over 2,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes and $65,000 in Canadian currency. The value of the seized cigarettes is approximately $450,000.
VicPD Crime Watch volunteers assisted in raising awareness of the new speed limits on many roads as the City of Victoria implemented their new, reduced speed limit plan.
We recognized Prevention of Violence Against Women Week in April, and shared information on fraud prevention on our social media channels.
VicPD also conducted Reserve training during this Quarter, with 12 new Reserve Constables graduating from the program, bringing us up to our full complement of 70 Reserve Constables.
Community engagement is a core function of policing in Victoria. Chief Del Manak participated in at least 27 events and activities, with VicPD staff and volunteers active throughout the city in many ways, from festivals to schools.
The 2023 Community Survey was distributed in March, with results presented in Q2. Overall, there was little change throughout the survey, which speaks to the validity of the method, with some notable highlights, which can be viewed in our Community Survey Deep Dives release series. VicPD continues to enjoy the confidence of the residents of Victoria and Esquimalt with an 82% overall satisfaction rating.
On April 30, VicPD supported Vaisakhi and the Khalsa Day parade with many officers and volunteers both in the parade and throughout the event.
In May, SD61 students participated in the Springboards program, which gave them insight into various aspects of policing.
In May, VicPD participated in and supported the Victoria Day Parade with many officers and volunteers. We also had the VicPD Canoe in the parade for the first time this year.
In June, VicPD partnered with the Victoria Royals and, with the support of the Victoria City Police Athletic Association, launched NHL Street.
This low-fee program allowed youth ages 6-16 to gather once per week for an exciting round of ball hockey, wearing NHL team-branded jerseys. It was a great opportunity for our officers and Reserves to support and engage with youth in our communities.
VicPD continues to enjoy a partnership with the Victoria HarbourCats and supported the home opener by handing out tickets to residents in Victoria and Esquimalt, and attending the June 30 tribute game with GVERT and the Integrated Canine Service demonstrations. VicPD also hosted members of the Indigenous street family with the Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness at a ‘Cats game.
Q2 marks the beginning of community events in the city, and VicPD staff and volunteers were busy throughout the city at festivals, parades and fundraisers, including our first time with a booth at the Highland Games.
We closed the quarter by raising the Pride Flag at our Caledonia headquarters, and with the reveal of our new VicPD Community Rover – a vehicle on loan from Civil Forfeiture that allows us to better engage the public about our programs, values and recruiting efforts.
The Rover has been popular at events since its first appearance at a HarbourCats game on June 30, which featured a tribute to VicPD following the one-year anniversary of the BMO shooting.
At the end of Q2, our net operating financial position was slightly below budget at 48.7% of the budget approved by councils and 47.3% of the budget approved by the Police Board.
There is a net difference of $1.99 million between the budget approved by councils and that of the Board. Although we are still below budget, some caution should be applied as we incur higher expenditures during the summer months. The downtown becomes busier and staff take scheduled leave over the summer months that requires us to backfill front line positions. Additionally, a new parental leave program is expected to have an impact on overtime for the front line over the summer months. Capital expenditures are in line with the budget at this time.