ESQUIMALT, BC—After going to the public for feedback in 2022, Council heard from residents that they wanted the Township to explore different models of policing for two reasons: first, to seek a cost reduction in order to get Esquimalt’s costs in line with comparable municipalities, and secondly to support a review of policing governance and service delivery in Esquimalt.
Consultants perivale+taylor were engaged to review policing levels of service and potential options for change in service delivery models. The resulting review presents research findings and recommendations, including delivery model considerations, cost predictions and potential timelines. Policing model options that were analyzed include a contract with another municipal police department, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police contract, a stand-alone Esquimalt Police Department, an Esquimalt Police Department supported by a larger police department, and a continuation of the amalgamated VicPD model with an updated governance framework.
At Tuesday’s Special Committee of the Whole meeting, Council will consider the Chief Administrator’s (CAO) staff report, the consultants’ reports and any public input shared at the meeting.
The 2022 Public Engagement Report, CAO staff report and the Policing Model Review are available on the Township’s website.
Any recommendations made by the Committee of the Whole would return to Council for consideration no sooner than early March.
Esquimalt staff have worked with key partners in policing and public safety, including Provincial staff from the Policing and Security Branch, as well as City of Victoria staff, VicPD staff and the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, throughout this process.
The Policing Framework agreement has been extended and there will be no gaps in service as council considers service delivery models.
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- Read the consultant's Policing Service Delivery Model interim report
- Read the February 27 Committee of the Whole staff report and meeting agenda