Victoria Police Department – Victoria, BC

Victoria Police Department (VicPD)

The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) is the oldest municipal police department in Canada west of the Great Lakes, established in 1858. It serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Victoria and the Township of Esquimalt. Headquartered on Caledonia Avenue, VicPD is dedicated to ensuring public safety through community engagement, crime prevention, and responsive policing. The department is notable for its historical significance and its modern approach to urban policing challenges in the provincial capital.

Front Counter Services

The main headquarters provides a variety of non-emergency services to the public at its front counter:

• Police Information Checks: Processing of criminal record checks for employment and volunteer purposes (PICs). Applicants must reside in Victoria or Esquimalt.
• Fingerprinting Services: Civil fingerprinting is available for immigration, citizenship, and name change applications.
• Bike Registry: Administration of the bicycle registration program to help recover lost or stolen bikes.
• Freedom of Information (FOI): Handling requests for police reports and other official records.

Reporting and Access

For emergencies, the public should always dial 9-1-1. For non-emergency reports where there is no immediate danger (such as theft from a vehicle or vandalism), VicPD offers an online reporting tool and a non-emergency line. The front desk is closed on weekends and statutory holidays, but police officers are on duty 24/7.