TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 27, 2024 Report No. ADM-24-011
TO: Special Committee of the Whole
FROM: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
SUBJECT: Policing Models Options Analysis and Way Ahead
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole consider the report on policing models options analysis and provide a recommendation to Council on a way forward
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
One of Council's priority projects under Engaged and Healthy Community is to determine the way ahead for policing in Esquimalt. This project builds on the work started in the 2018-2022 term of Council, when it was a strategic priority to explore "equitable costing and optimization of policing," including reviewing all alternatives for provision of police services to the community. Council began an options analysis of police services early in their 2022-2026 term, with the bulk of the work being completed in 2023. This report brings forward the results of that analysis and provides Council with the opportunity to shape the way ahead for policing in the community.
BACKGROUND:
In the spring of 2022, the Township of Esquimalt began public engagement to gather thoughts about policing from members of the public who live and work in Esquimalt. The aim of the work was to engage the public about the level of satisfaction about policing and the Framework Agreement that governs the amalgamated Victoria Police Department (VicPD) that services both City of Victoria and the Township. The engagement explored aspects of police governance and services, including shared costs for the amalgamated force, allocation of police resources to each community, budget approval processes, dispute resolution and police operational performance metrics. Council directed that such an engagement with the community would inform a potential exploration of a change in police models.
The Community Policing Engagement Strategy: Final Report (see Attachment 1...
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