Township of Esquimalt: 2024 – Q1
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 Esquimalt and one for Victoria), 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 (Esquimalt)
Calls for Service (Esquimalt)
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
Esquimalt Total Calls for Service – By Category, Quarterly
Source: VicPD
Esquimalt 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)
- 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 (Esquimalt)
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 Esquimalt.
Response Time – Esquimalt
Source: VicPD
NOTE: Times are displayed in minutes and second. For example, “8.48” indicates 8 minutes and 48 seconds.
Crime Rate (Esquimalt)
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 – Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (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.
These charts reflect the most available data from Statistics Canada. The charts will be updated when new data is available.
Crime Severity Index – Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Non-Violent) – Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Violent) – Esquimalt
Source: Statistics Canada
Weighted Clearance Rate (Esquimalt)
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 (Esquimalt)
Source: Statistics Canada
Perception of Crime (Esquimalt)
Community and business survey data from 2021 as well as past community surveys: “Do you think that crime in Esquimalt has increased, decreased or remained the same during the last 5 years?”
Perception of Crime (Esquimalt)
Source: VicPD
Block Watch (Esquimalt)
This chart shows the numbers of active blocks in the VicPD Block Watch program.
Block Watch – Esquimalt
Source: VicPD
Public Satisfaction (Esquimalt)
Public satisfaction with VicPD (community and business survey data from 2022 as well as past community surveys): “Overall, how satisfied are you with the work of the Victoria Police?”
Public Satisfaction – Esquimalt
Source: VicPD
Perception of Accountability (Esquimalt)
Perception of accountability of VicPD officers from community and business survey data from 2022 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 – Esquimalt
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
Esquimalt Community Information
New Cybrecrime Section Launched
In the first quarter of 2024, we launched the new Cybercrime section at VicPD. Already, this unit has had an impact, contributing to the recovery of funds in a $1.7 Million fraud and money laundering case, and recovering cryptocurrency for four other victims. Cybercrime staff have been raising awareness of cyber security within VicPD, increasing our capacity to educate and better serve our communities.
Welcoming New Faces
On January 4, we welcomed seven new recruit constables to VicPD, and on March 8, we celebrated four graduates from the Justice Institute of BC. These new constables have now hit the streets on Patrol.
Officer Recognition
On January 30, frontline personnel, and members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) were recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by the Saanich Police Department. The GVERT received a team award from the National Tactical Officers Association.
In January, VicPD’s Strike Force arrested a man with a known association to the B.C. gang conflict, after he was observed selling vape products to students just outside school property.
As part of an ongoing covert operation, dubbed Project Halo, officers observed the suspect selling vape products and interacting with students on and near school property in and around the Greater Victoria area during the day. The suspect was seen selling to youth across from local schools including Esquimalt High School and Reynolds Secondary School, and was also observed interacting with youth on the property of North Saanich Middle School after school hours.
Items seized from the suspect include:
- 859 nicotine vapes
- 495 THC vapes
- 290 THC gummies
- 1.6 kilograms of dried cannabis
- Four imitation firearms
- Three knives
- Two masks
- Composite brass knuckles
Calls for Service
Calls for service to Esquimalt were down over the last quarter, but in line with the same time period last year. Looking more closely at the call categories, we see a continued decrease in Assist calls, bringing it below the same time period last year. Calls for Property, Violence and Traffic are down slightly over last year, but calls for Social Order are up significantly over the same period from last year.
Files of Note
File Number: 24-2007
Responding to a report from BC Corrections that an Esquimalt resident had breached house arrest, two Integrated Canine Units and several support members attended Esquimalt and observed the suspect near a residential property. Despite the suspect stealing and changing his shoes at the property, PSD Bruno was successful in tracking and locating the suspect, who was then arrested.
File Number: 24-6308 and 24-6414
A person wanted on warrants for home invasions fled from police. When they were taken into custody during a later search of their storage lockers, they were found to be in possession of three firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, an assault rifle and a hunting rifle, as well as ammunition, despite a firearms and ammunition prohibition.
An investigation into illegal tobacco trafficking led to discovery of $130,000 CAD cash, contraband cigarettes with a street value of $500,000 and a significant quantity of cannabis in the suspect’s Esquimalt apartment.
File Number: 24-7093
A complainant in Esquimalt was defrauded of more than $900,000 USD after investing in an online bank.
File Number: 24-9251
Esquimalt Division officers responded to a complaint of approximately 20 youth fighting in Memorial Park. Alcohol consumption was a factor, and with additional support and a total of six units responding, officers returned the youth to the care of their parents.
Traffic Safety and Enforcement
Q1 saw continued efforts by our Traffic Section to focus on community safety. They conducted proactive work in the following three areas: impaired driving, school zone education/enforcement, and high visibility at a number of intersections and locations which have been of concern to community members.
Our work to take action against gangs in Greater Victoria continues; VicPD hosted a Gang Symposium in February in Esquimalt, bringing together officers from across Vancouver Island to share information and raise awareness about current gang presence and recruitment tactics.
During the month of March, VicPD Traffic Officers, Volunteers and Reserves conducted a Distracted Driving awareness and enforcement campaign, writing a total of 81 tickets.
Inspector Brown continues to provide lockdown and security procedures for local infrastructure. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments are also provided to the community, with additional officers being certified.
VicPD Volunteers continue to be active in Esquimalt, allocating 30 per cent of their Crime Watch shifts to the Township.
Lunar New Year
On February 11, Inspector Brown attended the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration in Esquimalt Town Square.
Sports for Youth
In January and February, the Victoria City Police Athletic Association hosted Junior and Senior Basketball Tournaments for youth.
Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC
On February 18, Chief Manak, Insp. Brown and a contingent of VicPD officers and reserves participated in the annual Polar Plunge event to help raise money for Special Olympics. The team raised almost $14,000 and Chief Manak was recognized as the top law enforcement fundraiser in the province.
DAC Dance Party
On February 19, VicPD joined the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee’s Dance Party at Saanich Commonwealth Pool.
Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day on February 28 was a colourful occasion with Esquimalt Division staff participating in this important anti-bullying initiative.
Welcome Pole Dedication Ceremony
On March 2, Chief Manak and Insp. Brown attended the Town Square with local Indigenous leaders, members of council, and community members to observe a Welcome Pole Ceremony, hosted by the Township Community Arts Council. The artwork is the creation of Gitskan Nation carver, Rupert Jeffrey.
Coffee With A Cop
On March 7, Cst. Ian Diack organized a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event at the Esquimalt Tim Horton’s. This was a fantastic opportunity for community members to informally interact with members of the Esquimalt Division including Insp. Brown, the Community Resource Officers, and members of the Traffic Section.
Greater Victoria Police Camp
March 16-23, we supported the Greater Victoria Police Foundation’s Police Camp, where 60 youth learned the basics of policing from volunteer active and retired police officers.
New Volunteers
And on March 17, we welcomed 14 new volunteers. With a total of 85 VicPD Volunteers, this is the largest cadre of volunteers we’ve had in a long time.
At the end of the first quarter, the net financial position is approximately 25.8 % of the total budget, which is slightly over budget but reasonable, taking into consideration that benefit expenditures are higher for the first two quarters of the year due to CPP and EI Employer Deductions. Also, we have incurred about $600,000 in retirement expenditures due to many retirements occurring early in the year. These expenditures have no operating budget, and if there is insufficient surplus to cover these expenditures at year-end, they will be charged against the employee benefit liability.