VicPD Withdrawing From Vancouver Island Major Crime Investigations Unit
VicPD said a review found it can handle its own homicide cases, and five sworn members and one civilian will return from the regional unit.
- The Victoria Police Department announced on July 23 it will withdraw from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit to resume responsibility for homicide investigations in Victoria and Esquimalt.
- VicPD cited a dropping homicide rate, averaging one to two cases annually over the last decade, and identified opportunities for resource efficiencies and internal development through its review.
- Wilson says five sworn members and one civilian will return to VicPD from the unit, ensuring the department maintains readiness for future homicide investigations within its jurisdiction.
- While VicPD is required to provide 30 days notice to withdraw, Wilson proposed an Oct 1 transition date, stating, "I entirely understand the need to be flexible and reasonable."
- Bal Hansra, acting officer in charge of the RCMP Major Crime Section, expressed support for the decision, confirming the RCMP remains committed to collaborating with VicPD for a successful transition.
6 Articles
6 Articles
VicPD withdraws from regional major crimes unit
In a blow to regional policing, the Victoria Police Department is withdrawing its officers from an integrated policing unit that deals with homicides, saying it will bring those investigations in-house. VicPD said in a statement Thursday that it has withdrawn from the RCMP-l...
Ladysmith Chronicle
Peninsula News ReviewVictoria Police withdraw from Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit
Victoria police will once again handle homicide investigations within Victoria and Esquimalt after deciding to withdraw from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit. The change, announced the morning of July 23, means the Victoria Police Department will resume responsibility for investigating homicides in its jurisdiction. VicPD said the decision follows an ongoing review that considered crime rates, resource efficiencies and opportunit…
VicPD withdrawing from Vancouver Island major crime investigations unit
The Victoria Police Department says it will be withdrawing from the regional major crime investigations unit, which investigates homicides across Vancouver Island. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU) was created in 2007 and conducts investigations for homicides and missing person cases where criminality is suspected. Now, VicPD says it will be withdrawing and taking over investigations for Victoria and Esquimalt. Fiona Wils…
VicPD to resume responsibility for homicide investigations
Thursday July 23, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) has decided to withdraw from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU). Moving forward, VicPD will resume responsibility for homicide investigations within the City of Victoria and Township of Esquimalt. “This decision is the […] The post VicPD to resume responsibility for homicide investigations appeared first on…
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