An arrest occurred today as VicPD reintroduced its dedicated “Beat Team” during a media availability in downtown Victoria Tuesday.
VicPD stated the interaction was not related to a large-scale incident and occurred while introducing the team during the media availability.
“It was not a large scale incident – we were simply introducing the entire team when they came upon a suspect who was carrying bear spray,” said Tiffany Parton, a newly appointed media spokesperson for VicPD.
The team consists of seven VicPD officers assigned to foot patrols in designated areas of the city, along with two officers dedicated to supporting bylaw enforcement.
VicPD says the team’s role is to maintain a visible presence, engage with residents and businesses, and address neighbourhood concerns through regular, on-foot interaction.
The program is supported through a $1.9-million investment from the City of Victoria as part of its Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.
The plan outlines a range of actions aimed at improving public safety and community well-being, including policing initiatives, bylaw enforcement support, and coordination with social and health services.
According to the City of Victoria, funding for initiatives under the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is being allocated through existing budgets and previously approved funding decisions.
The city has not stated that the plan includes a new or dedicated tax increase tied specifically to the Beat Team.
“I appreciate VicPD’s willingness to work quickly to establish a Beat Team in response to the City’s commitment to fund nine new police officers,” said Marianne Alto in a statement.
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VicPD has not operated a dedicated Beat Team since 2022. The department says the earlier program was discontinued due to funding pressures and the reallocation of resources to other policing priorities.
“Visible policing matters, and relationship-based policing matters,” said VicPD Chief Constable Fiona Wilson.
VicPD says the reintroduction of the Beat Team is an initial step, with longer-term plans to expand the program and increase coverage across the city.
