Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Police Department has launched its new strategic plan, setting a bold direction for community safety in Victoria and Esquimalt. The plan places community relationships, the needs of people seeking help, and the wellbeing of VicPD members at the heart of the department’s work.
Since arriving at VicPD, Chief Constable Fiona Wilson has prioritized a plan grounded in listening to community and understanding the needs of both municipalities. That direction includes a renewed focus on community policing, Indigenous engagement, foot patrol teams, reducing street disorder and modernizing the department.
“I made a commitment to focus on the people who work here, the people who make up our communities and those who are most in need of our help,” said Chief Wilson. “I wanted a bold vision and a mission and values that reflect the people who make VicPD exceptional. Our ambition is to build an organization unlike any other agency in Canada, shaped by the communities we serve and the standard of service we expect of ourselves.”
The plan establishes a new vision: “VicPD. The standard for excellence in policing.” Its mission is “To champion public safety with heart and resolve.” Five values guide how members put that mission into practice: Be accountable. Practice humility. Show up. Think big. Serve exceptionally.
Four goals guide the plan and its twelve strategic priorities:
- Safe, secure communities. Modernize service delivery through innovation and data, advance proactive policing to prevent crime and respond effectively to calls, and lead the exploration of a regional policing model.
- A modern, progressive, thoughtful police department. Nurture relationships with the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt First Nations, invest in relationships with diverse communities, and strengthen transparency and trust through authentic engagement.
- A resilient, healthy, supported VicPD. Equip members with health and wellness resources, build a culture of empowerment and resilience, and embrace modern, collaborative governance.
- A fully staffed, resourced, inclusive organization. Attract, train, deploy and retain exceptional members; provide the facilities, tools and technology they need; and pursue a collaborative budget process that supports predictable, sustainable and appropriate funding.
For residents and businesses, this direction means greater emphasis on visible, approachable policing and relationships that help VicPD understand local concerns. For members, it means clear direction, and a commitment to securing the resources and equipment required to serve effectively.
Alongside the plan, VicPD unveiled its new fleet design.
The new fleet design features Sta’qeya, or Coast Salish wolf, which was used in VicPD’s Indigenous heritage crest designed by Songhees elder and master carver Yux’wey’lupton – known by his English name Clarence “Butch” Dick. The work also appears in VicPD’s crest.
“The wolf represents our people and our origin story, but it also connects all of us and our communities. I see this as a storybook, and this is the first page of a story we are writing together. I take pride in being part of the work to repair the relationship between police and our people. There is more work ahead, and my hope is that this opens conversations, builds understanding and helps us move forward together,” said Yux’wey’lupton.
The wolf holds deep significance in lək̓ʷəŋən origin teachings and represents the department’s connection to the people whose traditional territories it serves. With the Elder’s blessing, incorporating his artwork into the fleet reflects VicPD’s commitment to strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and making that connection visible in our everyday work.
“A police vehicle is often one of the most visible ways people encounter their department. We wanted this design to reflect both our members’ pride in their service and the communities that make Victoria and Esquimalt special. Incorporating Yux’wey’lupton artwork, with his blessing, is a meaningful way to honour the lək̓ʷəŋən people and our commitment to strengthening those relationships,” said Chief Wilson.
The new design will be applied to VicPD’s fleet as the department brings new vehicles online, replacing vehicles that have reached the end of their useful service life.
