Policing in Esquimalt

Policing project update

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.

At the February 27, 2024 Special Committee of the Whole, council voted unanimously for staff to continue to explore an Esquimalt Police Department with contracted out specific services similar to other regional municipal community policing models.

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Esquimalt Division of Victoria Police Department (VicPD)

On January 1, 2003 Esquimalt and Victoria amalgamated police services into a single police department. The Esquimalt Division of VicPD, along with VicPD's K9 Unit, is located in the Township of Esquimalt's Public Safety Building. The division consists of an inspector in charge and 24 sworn officers which includes two community resource officers supervised by a sergeant. 

Policing Framework Agreement

Effective January 1, 2003 an  Order in Council amalgamated the police forces of Victoria and Esquimalt. This existing Order in Council also includes provisions for the negotiation of a cost sharing formula for the amalgamated department.

In April 2014 the Township signed a Policing Framework Agreement with the City of Victoria and the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board. Under the Agreement, all parties are to work collaboratively to ensure adequate and effective policing for each municipality, fair and equitable allocation of police resources, and input into the development of the annual policing budget. Currently, Esquimalt’s share of the total police budget is 13.67%.

Community Policing Updates

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