Our crest is a key part of our organization. Seen on our badge, our shoulder flash, our vehicles, our flag, and our walls, the VicPD crest is a core part of our image and our identity. It reflects our organization’s history and the history of the area we police.

Symbolism

Arms

The colours and the chevron are from the arms of the City of Victoria. The depiction of the wolf, based on a design by local artist Butch Dick, honours the region’s original inhabitants. The trident, a maritime symbol, is found in the badge of the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island (1849-1866), the government under which the first Commissioner of Police for Victoria was appointed, as well as in the crest of the District of Esquimalt, which is also in the jurisdiction of the Victoria Police Department.

Crest

The cougar, an agile and strong animal, is indigenous to Vancouver Island. The coronet vallary is associated with policing.

Supporters

Horses are animals used by mounted police officers and were the earliest mode of transportation for police in Victoria.

Motto

Our motto reflects our commitment to viewing our policing role as a service to the community, and our belief that there is true honour through service to others.

Blazon

Arms

Per chevron reversed Gules and Azure, a chevron reversed between in chief a wolf couchant in the Coast Salish style and in base a trident head issuant from the base Argent;

Crest

A demi-cougar Or issuant from a coronet vallary Azure;

Supporters

Two horses saddled and bridled standing on a grassy mount proper;

Motto

HONOUR THROUGH SERVICE

Badge

The shield of the Arms of the Victoria Police Department encircled by an annulus Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto, all within a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a Pacific dogwood flower and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper;

Flag

Azure the Badge of the Victoria Police Department cantoned by maple leaves, sprigs of Garry oak and camas flowers Or;

Badge

This is the standard pattern of a municipal police badge in Canada. The central device and motto indicate local identity, the maple leaves Canada, and the dogwood flower British Columbia. The Royal Crown is a special symbol authorized by The Queen to indicate the role of the Department’s officers to uphold the Crown’s laws.

Flag

Garry oaks and camas flowers are found in the Victoria area.

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1075 of the Canada Gazette.

Artist Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Constable Jonathan Sheldan, Hervey Simard and Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Coast Salish wolf or “Sta’qeya” by acclaimed artist Butch Dick.

Painter

Linda Nicholson

Calligrapher

Shirley Mangione

Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Service