VicPD exits the RCMP-led major crimes unit and will now handle Victoria and Esquimalt homicide cases with its own investigators.
Victoria police make major shift in homicide investigations
Victoria Police Department has stepped away from a regional major crimes team and will now lead homicide investigations in Victoria and Esquimalt.
The department confirmed Thursday that it has left the RCMP-led Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. As a result, VicPD will manage future homicide cases within its own ranks.
Meanwhile, the integrated unit will continue investigating homicides across other parts of the capital region.
Decision follows years of lower homicide numbers
Police Chief Fiona Wilson said the move came after months of review and discussion. According to Wilson, homicide numbers in Victoria and Esquimalt have remained low for many years.
In fact, the two communities have recorded about one or two homicides each year over the past decade.
Therefore, VicPD believes its current team has the skills and experience needed to handle these complex investigations independently.
“When the next homicide comes in, hopefully far in the future, we will be ready to investigate it properly,” Wilson said.
The chief added that her previous experience, including work in major crime investigations with Vancouver police, helped shape the department’s decision.
Regional unit loses six VicPD members
With VicPD’s exit, the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit will lose five police officers and one civilian employee.
The 35-member team was created in 2007 and currently includes RCMP officers along with members from Central Saanich, Oak Bay and Saanich police departments.
However, VicPD said its members were never transferred to the RCMP. Instead, the department continued paying the costs for those employees.
Current cases need careful review
Wilson said some existing homicide files may require a detailed review before any transfer happens.
For example, investigators will consider the age of each case, the status of suspects, identified persons of interest and whether a file has already entered the court system.
As a result, no immediate decision has been made on which active investigations could move back to VicPD.
Integrated unit continues major investigations
The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit handles homicide investigations and suspected foul-play missing-person cases across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands and parts of the Sunshine Coast.
Last year, the team worked on nine new homicide and missing-person investigations. In addition, investigators helped secure approval for several murder charges.
The unit’s annual report also noted three murder convictions, including two cases where offenders were later found not criminally responsible during sentencing.
Regional policing model faces more changes
Across the capital region, police agencies often share resources through integrated teams. These groups support major incidents, public safety operations, domestic violence investigations and road safety efforts.
However, departments can choose whether to participate.
For example, West Shore RCMP has already stepped away from some joint teams focused on youth at risk and mental health crisis response. The detachment also plans to leave a regional domestic violence unit later this year.
Previously, VicPD’s withdrawal from another regional crime team contributed to its collapse in 2014. Also, an integrated municipal dive team ended after Victoria, Oak Bay and Central Saanich police departments left the program.
RCMP supports smooth transition
Supt. Bal Hansra, acting officer in charge of the B.C. RCMP major crime section, said the RCMP respects VicPD’s decision.
At the same time, he said police agencies will continue working together to support public safety.
“Our shared commitment to the communities we serve remains unchanged,” Hansra said.
Going forward, VicPD will take responsibility for homicide investigations in Victoria and Esquimalt while continuing to work with regional partners when needed.
