Township of Esquimalt: 2024 - Q4
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 & Victoria)
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 - Esquimalt & Victoria
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Non-Violent) - Esquimalt & Victoria
Source: Statistics Canada
Crime Severity Index (Violent) - Esquimalt & Victoria
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
Strategic Plan Highlights
Support Community Safety
In 2024, VicPD led a concentrated effort to reduce crime and entrenchment on Pandora and Ellice Streets. This enhanced enforcement resulted in significant arrests, weapons and drug seizures, and improved safety for those living, working and sheltering in these areas. Read more about this project here Pandora Avenue And Ellice Street Safety Plan Update - VicPD.ca
Investigative Services conducted targeted investigations involving gang activity in our region. To share learning points with colleagues, VicPD hosted an Organized Crime Symposium. The symposium allowed police agencies from across the province to collaborate and learn from case studies involving gang-related investigations.
Together with partner agencies, including Saanich, Central Saanich and Oak Bay, VicPD entered Phase One of a three-year operation which integrates Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) investigators. The Integrated ICE Unit will tackle child exploitation and luring as well as production and possession of child pornography.
VicPD also became the first agency in the region to have implement new Provincial standards pertaining to sexual assault investigations. These standards provide guidance to police for how to conduct standardized police investigations for adults.
VicPD continued to be responsive to specific community needs with proactive, targeted projects, Special targeted projects (e.g. Project Lifter, repeat violent offenders).
We continued leveraging the power of our social media platforms to collaborate with partners across the globe, creating content that captured the attention and engagement of younger audiences with important safety and crime prevention messages.
In response to community requests for increased visibility, Patrol Division piloted integrated foot and bike patrol teams during the summer months. This pilot proved successful and has been carried through the Fall and Winter, with intent to remain active throughout 2025.
Crime Prevention was a primary focus for the Community Services and Community Engagement Divisions, with safety presentations for mall businesses and employees, for senior citizens and other interest groups, as well as pop-up booths in recreation centres. This was enhanced by a retail theft resource card, to help businesses report crime more effectively, and a witness statement guideline brochure.
Enhance Public Trust
Participation in local events had a strong cultural focus in 2024, with attendance at the Mabuhay Philippine Culture Festival for the first time.
VicPD re-launched Coffee With A Cop, offering opportunities for several neighbourhoods to engage directly with police officers in a relaxed setting.
There was a continued focus on building relationships with youth and a love as sport by running basketball and golf tournaments, and NHL Street, as well as school and career visits.
The VicPD Community Survey was conducted for the fifth straight year, providing the largest single opportunity for public engagement into Departmental priorities and performance. The survey helps to inform operational and budget priorities and provides insight on public satisfaction. See the survey results here: Community Survey - VicPD.ca
VicPD also participated in the Pulling Together Journey, part of the Department's ongoing commitment to better understanding and positive relationships with our Indigenous partners.
Achieve Organizational Excellence
Recruiting
2024 saw Phase 3 of the Employee Attraction Plan put into action, with targeted recruiting campaigns for experience officers and women.
In November 2024, VicPD hosted women for a hands-on experience to learn about a career in policing. The goal was to reduce perceived barriers to application, and to increase understanding and awareness about what a career in policing can be like for women. This initiative was complimented by a social media campaign to highlight the Women of VicPD. This initiative continues into 2025 with participation in the Goddess Run and outreach at the Victoria Women's Expo.
In 2024, VicPD hired 24 sworn officers (20 recruits, 4 experienced officers), with women comprising 30% of the new recruits. We also hired nine Special Municipal Constables (six full-time, three auxiliary) and eight civilians.
Training
In 2024, VicPD officers completed meeting a new requirement under the BC Provincial Policing Standards (BCPPS) to promote equitable and unbiased policing (BCPPS 3.2.5). This requirement means all officers have to complete the BC Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP) course. FIP was first launched in 2016 and was rolled out department-wide in 2017. It has also been taught to recruit constables at the Justice Institute of B.C. Police Academy since October 2020 (class 163). However, members hired between those dates did not receive FIP training, nor did experienced officer hires from out of province. In 2024, VicPD invested in developing FIP instructors, and participated in region-wide training to ensure we are and remain in compliance with BCPPS 3.2.5 for years to come.
"FIP's goal is to enhance and promote trust in the community and enhance police legitimacy by providing strategies to ensure the delivery of police-service is bias-free."
VicPD continues to deliver Indigenous awareness related training. All police officers must complete provincially approved training on the history and current status of Indigenous peoples, including the history and legacies of police relations with Indigenous peoples in BC.
Leadership Development Plans
To support succession planning efforts, leadership development plans are provided to those officers interested in promotion and provide a comprehensive list of recommended actions the officers take to become competitive. These actions include completing the VicPD Leadership Development Modules to ensure they are well prepared candidates for promotion. The modules focus on front-line operational leadership response and supervision, as well as leadership indicators and competencies relating to: respectful workplace and culture; equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility; conflict resolution; ethical decision making; and legislated duties and responsibilities.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Additional initiatives were undertaken in 2024 which continue to support the mental health and wellbeing of staff. These include the addition of two in-house psychologists, annual wellness checks, and the enhancement of the Peer Support Team and their services.
As part of VicPD's mental health strategy, the Department's in-house psychologists launched a multi-part educational initiative to help officers identify symptoms to watch for and ways they can help themselves and their co-workers cope with the demands of police work.
Overview
Esquimalt continued to see dedicated bike and beat presence from Patrol Division throughout Q4. Patrol officers continued demonstrating exceptional professionalism and courage, responding to numerous high-risk incidents, including violent crimes, traffic collisions, and critical medical emergencies. Through their rapid intervention, officers not only de-escalated potentially dangerous situations but also provided immediate assistance, preserving life and safeguarding property. By tackling these complex and often volatile situations head-on, Patrol officers serve as the frontline defense in protecting our communities, ensuring a safer environment for all.
Officers also conducted a two-day project in November targeting repeat violent offenders in the Victoria area. The project resulted in four arrests for various offences including breach of probation, mischief, and trafficking a controlled substance. This project fits within the Provincial Safe Communities Action Plan, which lays out initiatives to make communities safter through enforcement and intervention.
VicPD also welcomed 16 new volunteers in the fall. These volunteers will help in several areas including Crime Watch, community events, front desk and special projects.
Calls for Service
Calls for Service in Q4 remained relatively steady over Q3 and over the same time period last year.
Exceptions include calls for Property Crime and in the Other category, which both decreased significantly over Q3, and are lower than Q4 the previous year.
Calls for Violence went down slightly but are still higher than the same time period last year.
Files of Note
24-36360: Commercial Break and Enter
Officers responded to a report of a break and enter in progress after a janitor heard someone inside the store. Members responded quickly and located the suspect as he was attempting to flee on a bike. The suspect had stolen 65 packs of cigarettes that were recovered.
24-36629: Domestic Assault/Firearm
Neighbour complaint of a possible domestic dispute – Several Patrol units attended and managed the initial threats / domestic assault component of the file. GIS later obtained a warrant and FIS was called out to assist with an assessment of firearms located in the residence. One firearm was seized, the other firearms were determined to be antiques or inoperable. The SOC was located and arrested.
24-39961 | Sexual Assault/Forcible Confinement
The complainant reported being sexually assaulted and forcibly confined by a male. The suspect was identified and determined to be on conditions for three similar offences. Strike Force was activated to locate the suspect who was later arrested by GVERT. SVU detectives are managing the investigation and charges have been approved.
24-39060 | Series of Stolen Vehicles
In October of 2024, the Victoria Police Department along with other police agencies in the Greater Victoria area received 20 stolen vehicle reports in a 12-day period. It was believed the same suspect was responsible for all these offences. The crime spree occurred throughout the CRD and involved the suspect fleeing from police and driving in a manner that endangered the public and police.
VicPD's General Investigation Services (GIS) section took the lead, creating a master file to coordinate all separate occurrences. With the assistance of the Analysis and Intelligence section, investigators identified a male suspect. Due to GIS's coordinated effort, including liaising with multiple stakeholders, the male suspect was arrested and remains in custody on other matters. Since the arrest, the spree of stolen vehicles has stopped. The file is still under investigation.
24-45048 | Assault
Police responded to a report of an adult male assaulting a child on the street in front of a school. Police attended but the suspect had already left. Numerous witnesses provided statements and incident footage that was captured via cell phone. The suspect was later located at his home and arrested before being released on conditions.
Over three weeks in October the VicPD Hate Crimes Coordinator, along with Community Resource Officers, presented to the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria.
VicPD Community Engagement conducted a safety campaign in October on our social media platforms to raise awareness of some of the contributing factors when it comes to collisions with pedestrians.
In November and December, Community Resource Officers provided presentations to senior groups educating them on targeted frauds, common scams and overall senior safety.
In November, officers with the Esquimalt Division and Esquimalt Fire Rescue partnered for an event that focused on personal and home safety tips, topics included crime prevention and the dangers of lithium batteries.
In December, officers with Esquimalt Division and volunteers held a community safety town hall meeting at the Esquimalt Senior’s Community Centre to empower residents with knowledge and to ensure their safety and well-being.
In December, VicPD officers and Reserve Constables conducted CounterAttack roadchecks. Police apprehended impaired drivers while raising awareness about the risks of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
October 2024 – HEROS Hockey Program
Officers engaged with young children in the HEROS hockey program which not only helps them learn the sport but also fosters community spirit. They assisted with gear and tying skates which shows a commitment to supporting youth and encouraging their involvement in physical activities.
October 10 and 30, 2024 – Community Safety Pop-Ups
VicPD volunteers helped raise awareness about bike and pedestrian safety through new community safety engagement sessions at Esquimalt Rec Centre. Children and adults learned about the importance of following the rules of the road, wearing helmets, using reflective lights and being aware of your surroundings. Attendees also received free safety items such as bike lights and pedestrian reflectors.
October 2024 – Thanksgiving
Rainbow Kitchen held its annual Thanksgiving lunch where volunteers and members from the Esquimalt Division cooked more than 200 hot meals.
November 2, 2024 – Poppy Campaign
Insp. Brown and several officers from the Esquimalt Division assisted with canvassing for the annual Poppy Campaign.
November 11, 2024 – Remembrance Day
Chief Manak and Inspector Brown attended the Remembrance Day Ceremony in Memorial Park, where Chief Manak laid a wreath at the Esquimalt Cenotaph.
November 22, 2024 – Volunteer and Reserves Appreciation Event
Each year we honour our dedicated volunteers and reserves with an appreciation event; this year celebrating more than 130 people who committed more than 11,000 hours to VicPD and the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.
November 27, 2024 – Coffee with a Cop
Officers with the Esquimalt Division teamed up with Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services at McDonald’s and invited the public to talk about ways to build a safer community together.
December 1, 2024 – Esquimalt Celebration of Lights
Chief Manak, Insp. Brown, members of the Esquimalt Division, Reserves and volunteers participated in the annual Celebration of Lights parade.
December 2024 – Holiday Spirit
Officers with the Esquimalt Division participated in several community events to spread holiday cheer, including cooking with volunteers at Rainbow Kitchen to raising donations and gathering toys for the Salvation Army. Insp. Brown, Sgt. Van Eerd and Cst. Diack attended the Esquimalt Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon, hosted by the Township at the Esquimalt Recreation Center. Staff worked with the Esquimalt Lions Club to prepare and deliver Christmas food hampers to those in need. And we engaged with the public through several social media platforms to help us choose our annual holiday greeting card.
December 2024 – Diwali
The Punjabi Cultural Community Association invited officers to their Diwali event, an evening full of celebration, food, music, and dance.
The financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 was an operating deficit of $869,000. This was primarily due to Criminal Code changes resulting in additional legal costs for compliance and other legal liabilities ($179,000); contractual cost increases ($469,000) that included software licenses, pay and benefits required under the collective agreements and provincial fees; and contractual costs incurred that were not budgeted as a result of 2023 budget items not approved by Councils and under appeal with the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General ($221,000), including investigative and building maintenance costs. The operating deficit was funded from the Financial Stability Reserve Fund.