MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE

2021 was a year layered with challenges. Navigating policing during a Global pandemic while maintaining public safety and the safety of our officers remained a priority as we continued to face daily obstacles that comes with working the front lines.

As the COVID-19 virus affected our employees, resources within the Detachment were temporarily and strategically re-organized to ensure core-policing needs were met. That included redirecting resources from specialized units to backfill frontline policing as our officers recovered from the virus. The strain of the pandemic and public health restrictions have effected the general population as we continue to deal with a high volume of mental health and domestic violence related calls for service. In both cases, these incidents are typically fuelled by high emotions and can be very volatile.

The prolonged stress of policing in a Global pandemic has taken an emotional toll, on both our municipal staff as well as our officers. I cannot stress enough how proud I am to have dedicated officers and civilian staff that continue to support our operations day in and day out to ensure quality service to the citizens of the West Shore. I continue to promote our members’ well-being and ensure that resources are in place to support mental and physical wellness.

West Shore is still the fastest growing demographic in all of B.C. West Shore Detachment is also expanding to keep up with the policing demands. The Uniform Gang Enforcement Team has officially commenced with one Constable. We are expecting another Constable in March 2022 and are still working on sourcing a Corporal to oversee the newly created unit. In 2022, we anticipate the creation of a Special Victim’s Unit. This unit would consist of experienced officers who would specialize in working with vulnerable adults and children who are victims of sexually based offences. We continue to increase the overall number of frontline officers, which remains consistent with the growth of the community in the past few years.

To accommodate our growing detachment we obtained the designation of Superintendent. I am both honoured and delighted to fulfill this new role and continue to serve the West Shore as Superintendent. To help support the Detachment’s operations, I am also pleased to announce the arrival of Inspector Stephen Rose, our new Operations Officer. Inspector Rose brings with him 20 plus years of service with the RCMP and with his breadth of knowledge and experience he will no doubt benefit our communities.

I continue to be dedicated in my commitment to serving the communities around us with the exceptional, hard working team that is West Shore RCMP.

Sincerely,

Superintendent Todd PRESTON Officer In Charge West Shore RCMP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICER IN CHARGE ................................................................................................. 1
• TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................... 2
• WEST SHORE RCMP ............................................................................................................................................. 3
• STATISTICS ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
• STRATEGIC POLICING PRIORITIES – ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN ............................................. 12
• GREATER VICTORIA POLICE VICTIM SERVICES (GVPVS) .................................................................... 16
• SOCIAL MEDIA ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
• STATS & FACTS ................................................................................................................................................... 19

WEST SHORE RCMP

RCMP & WEST SHORE COMMUNITIES

West Shore RCMP proudly serves approximately 87,316¹ citizens and continues to be the fastest growing region on the South Island. West Shore RCMP report to five municipalities including the Cities of Langford and Colwood, the Town of View Royal and the Districts of Metchosin and Highlands. West Shore RCMP also serves the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and portions of the Malahat. West Shore RCMP police rural and suburban residential neighborhoods, commercial & industrial zones, recreational waterfront areas, provincial and regional parks and the Trans-Canada Highway.

¹ Police Services Division provides population data. The 2021 population figure is projected. Population figures utilize Census data; however, an algorithm is applied to align the data with policing boundaries.

Ninety-seven sworn officers, one reserve constable, ten commissionaires and over fifty civilian personnel staffed West Shore RCMP in 2021. Together they handled 24,043 service calls², an average of 66 calls per day.

West Shore RCMP also supports and works in conjunction with the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU), Forensic Identification Services (FIS), the Regional Domestic Violence Unit (RDVU), the Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (IMCRT) and the Mobile Youth Services Team (MYST). West Shore detachment supports the aforementioned integrated units through the secondment of Detachment personnel on a full time or rotational basis and through financial contributions towards their budgets. In 2021, West Shore Detachment provided 2 officers to VIIMCU, 1 officer to RDVU and 1 officer to FIS.

Table 1 - Secondments

On an on-call basis, West Shore Detachment provided 7 officers to the Vancouver Island RCMP Tactical Team (VITT), 1 officer as Crisis Negotiator, 2 officers to the Vancouver Island RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and 3 officers to the Provincial Quick Response Team (QRT). We also have 2 officers dedicated to Police Dog Service (PDS) and access to 2 Criminal Drug Interdiction dogs (a dog used to intercept drug trafficking in vehicles, funded by the Province) based at West Shore.

West Shore RCMP works with & receives support from other Provincial Units and RCMP sections including the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP), RCMP Air Services, RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU), Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT), Vancouver Island Underwater Recovery Team (URT), RCMP Special I and Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) teams and E Division Communications.

STATISTICS

REPORTED INCIDENTS

Table 2 depicts the total incidents for West Shore in 2020 & 2021, along with the file count (+/-) and percent change. There was a 4.3% increase (+996 reports) in reports in 2021 compared to 2020.

Table 2 - 2020/2021 Reported Incidents

REPORTED INCIDENTS & POPULATION

Table 3 shows the reported incidents per 1000 persons and the percentage of reported incidents per population for the municipalities, provincial areas³ and all West Shore.

² Includes online reports ³ West Shore Provincial includes highway areas, Highlands & Metchosin Districts & First Nations Reserves.

Table 3 – Reported Incidents Per 1000 Population & Percentage of Population

View Royal had the highest number of incidents per 1000 persons (300 reports per 1000 persons) and as a percentage of the population followed by Langford, Colwood and West Shore Provincial.

TOP 5 SERVICE CALLS

Some service calls are more prevalent than other types and some calls tend to require more time and resources from initial response to conclusion.

Figure 1 illustrates the Top 5 calls for service in 2021. Traffic incidents were the most prevalent calls followed by Breaches, Check Well Being, Property related offences and Assist Police/Fire/Ambulance calls. Traffic incidents include, but are not limited to, driving complaints, insurance violations, seatbelts, speeding, erratic/dangerous driving and road rage reports.

Figure 2 depicts the Top 5 most time consuming calls in 2021. Check Well Being calls were the most time consuming call type with 1,590.62 hours spent on these calls, followed by Domestic In Progress, Suicidal Person, Assist Police/Fire/Ambulance and Traffic incidents.

CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES

West Shore RCMP officers respond to a vast array of service calls, including Criminal Code & non-Criminal Code incidents.

TOP 5 CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES – CRIMES AGAINST PERSONS

There were 1,008 Crimes Against Persons in 2021. Of the 1,008 offences, Assaults accounted for the highest incidence of offences followed by Uttering Threats, Harassing Communications, Assault With Weapon and Sexual Assault (Figure 3).

TOP 5 CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES – OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY

Property related offences account for the highest incidence of criminal code offences in West Shore. In 2021, there were 2,419 Offences Against Property. Of the 2,419 offences, Mischief (property) accounted for the highest incidence of offences, followed by Theft From Auto, Theft – Other, Shoplifting and Fraud (Figure 4).

TOP 5 CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES – OTHER CRIMINAL CODE VIOLATIONS

Other Criminal Code Violations (Other CC) consists of a variety of violations that do not fall under Crimes Against Persons or Offences Against Property. Other CC violations include, but are not limited to, Cause Disturbance, Breach of Probation, Fail to Appear and Obstruction.

Of the 1,115 Other CC violations in 2021, Fail to Appear was the most prevalent violation, representing 29.24% of files (Figure 5). Cause Disturbance was the second highest violation followed by Breach/Bail Violations, Breach of Probation (Adult) and Weapons Possession.

TOP 5 CRIMINAL CODE OFFENCES – CONTROLLED DRUGS & SUBSTANCES ACT VIOLATIONS (CDSA)

There were 178 CDSA Violations in 2021. The top 5 CDSA violations in 2021 were Possession Other Schedule 1 Drugs, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession Cocaine, Possession Fentanyl and Trafficking Cocaine. Drug possession violations typically occur in conjunction with other offences (e.g. property crimes).

CRIMINAL CHARGES

In 2021, West Shore investigators recommended 1,323 charges to Crown Counsel. Table 4 shows the number of 2019/2020 investigations grouped by Uniform Crime Report (UCR) category where Crown approved charge(s) or where Police recommended charges, but Crown declined to approve the charge(s). It is important to note that there may be more than one charge per investigation. Criminal charge files may contain multiple counts or additional accused charged with a criminal offence. This file count represents files where at least one criminal charge was recommended to Crown for charge approval.

Table 4 - Charges by UCR Category

TRAFFIC STATISTICS

Traffic related calls represent the highest incidence of all service calls in West Shore jurisdiction, accounting for 8.7% of calls in 2021. Traffic related calls include, but are not limited to, Fail to Stop, Insurance Violations, Collisions, Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle and Driving While Prohibited.

In 2021, West Shore RCMP received 950 collision reports, representing an 18% increase compared to 2020 when there were 808 collisions. Figure 7 depicts the percentage of fatal collisions, injury collisions and non-injury collisions in 2021. Non-injury collisions were the most prevalent of all collisions.

TOP 5 CRIMINAL TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS

Figure 8 highlights the top 5 Criminal Traffic Violations⁴ in West Shore in 2021. Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle by Alcohol was the most prevalent violation followed by Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle by Drug, Driving While Prohibited, Fail / Refuse Alcohol Demand and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle.

OTHER STATISTICS

LICENSED PREMISES CHECKS

The majority of bars and nightclubs are in downtown Victoria, however; West Shore hosts several establishments that are open late and are popular drinking locations. Licensed drinking establishments sometimes generate activity requiring a police response. Figure 9 illustrates the service calls at licensed premises in West Shore in 2020 & 2021. The number of calls differ by establishment, with some establishments having more calls than others. Overall, there was a 7% decrease in service calls at licensed establishments in 2021 compared to 2020. The decrease in calls may be partially attributed to Provincial Health Orders stemming from Covid-19 restrictions on establishments. No bar walks were conducted in 2021 due to the restrictions.

⁴ Not all traffic violations generate a police file (e.g. speeding, seatbelts, etc.) & these figures are not comprehensive.

MENTAL HEALTH ACT

West Shore RCMP often respond to calls where there is a mental health component. Under the Mental Health Act (MHA), police may apprehend individuals for their protection and for public safety. Individuals apprehended under the MHA are taken to Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria (adults only) or to the Victoria General Hospital (VGH) (youth only) for medical assistance. MHA apprehensions are time consuming, as police officers are required to take individuals to a physician for examination and must remain with the individual until the physician has determined if they will be committed under the MHA.

An upward trend continues with service calls with a mental health component (Figure 10). In 2021, there were 1,788 calls representing a 2% increase compared to 1,759 calls in 2020. These calls included suicidal persons and Mental Health Act apprehensions. In 2021, West Shore RCMP responded to 735 calls for service that were related to suicidal persons and officers spent 979 hours attending to these types of calls.

When making an apprehension under the Mental Health Act, the law requires a police officer to take an individual to a designated medical facility immediately for assessment by a medical doctor. Figure 11 depicts the average wait times per apprehension for 2021. The average time per call indicates West Shore RCMP members spent approximately 1.92 hours per apprehension. Times do not factor in investigation time or transit time. There were 371 apprehensions in 2021 of which 264 were admitted to hospital.

⁵ Millstream Brewing company was previously V2V Black Hops Brewing. V2V Black Hops Brewing was previously the Axe & Barrel. Ma Miller’s Pub permanently closed in January 2021.

NEW ROADS THERAPEUTIC RECOVERY COMMUNITY

New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community (formerly known as Our Place), located at 94 Talcott Rd, View Royal, is a secured long-term treatment facility for men who are experiencing substance abuse issues.⁶ Therapeutic housing is available for 9 – 24 months. As of January 2022, the facility housed 29 residents, 9 of whom are bound by court orders and must remain at the facility. West Shore RCMP have protocols with the Director of the facility when attending calls for service.

In 2021, West Shore RCMP received 21 calls for service at the facility. The majority of these calls were regarding residents who had breached their court conditions and left the property. The West Shore RCMP has liaised with the Colwood Probation Office to submit charges against residents breaching their conditions.

⁶ https://www.ourplacesociety.com/new-roads, https://gowestshore.com/a-healing-pathway-to-hope/

UNIFORM GANG ENFORCEMENT TEAM (UGET)

In September 2021, the detachment implemented the Uniform Gang Task Force (UGET). The unit is comprised of one corporal and two constables.

UGET’s mandate includes working on the Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP), monitoring Organized Crime Groups and Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs and supporting front line officers with Emergency Response duties.

STRATEGIC POLICING PRIORITIES – ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLAN (APP) 2021 - 2022

West Shore RCMP’s management team works closely with our five distinct detachment communities and two First Nations Reserves to identify local policing priorities. Each RCMP Detachment in British Columbia is mandated to prepare an Annual Performance Plan⁷ that addresses local policing priorities. Through consultation with elected officials and senior staff, the West Shore RCMP APP focuses on the issues identified throughout the region. The APP is designed to be flexible to the changing needs of the communities and the priorities are continually revisited and adjusted accordingly.

The six key priorities identified for 2021-2022 fiscal year were Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking, Enhancing Road Safety, Enhancing Relationships with Indigenous Communities, Reducing Property Crimes and Communicating Effectively with our partners.

ORGANIZED CRIME & DRUG TRAFFICKING

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Drugs & Organized Crime Unit (DOCU) is comprised of 4 Constables and 1 Corporal and continues to progress the Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP) in the West Shore area to protect businesses from the negative effects of organized crime. Efforts were delayed due to COVID-19’s effect on the hospitality industry, however, were re-engaged with the Chamber of Commerce to progress the program as businesses reopen.
• In July 2021, the West Shore Drug & Organized Crime Unit were conducting surveillance in the Malahat area when they observed a known drug trafficker with a driving prohibition operating a vehicle. The suspect fled from police and abandoned the vehicle. The vehicle was located with the assistance of a police helicopter and a police dog was used to track the suspect through the woods where he was located and arrested by officers. Cocaine, $2,900 cash and imitation firearms were located inside the vehicle.

⁷ The APP follows the RCMP fiscal year, April 1st to March 31st

• September 2021 The West Shore Drug & Organized Crime Unit conducted an investigation involving a person suspected of trafficking controlled substances in the West Shore area. Officers conducted surveillance and observed the suspect travel to the Lower Mainland and arrested him on his return to the island. A warrant was executed at his residence in Sooke. In total $35,000 cash, cocaine, and marihuana was seized.
• The unit executed 45 search warrants in 2021.

ENHANCING ROAD SAFETY

West Shore Detachment currently operates a four person Traffic Services Unit. The Traffic Services Unit regularly engage with detachment officers by holding educational sessions focusing on training and proper application of the law and provincial statutes. Along with traffic enforcement, the unit investigates vehicle collisions resulting in fatalities.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Traffic Unit members have assisted frontline with traffic related calls and other reports. Support units like the Traffic Unit are available to back-fill frontline policing when frontline members become ill with COVID-19.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Traffic Services Unit is comprised of 3 Constables and 1 Corporal. As COVID-19 distancing rules eased, Traffic Section participated in an ICBC Road Safe Campaign targeting speeding.
• West Shore RCMP issued 2,621 written warnings and 1,773 violation tickets in 2021.
• West Shore RCMP issued thousands of written warnings and 1601 violation tickets in 2020, including 614 for speeding, 101 for distracted driving and 447 for a variety of driving offences.
• In Dec 2021, the unit teamed up with the Integrated Road Safety Unit and BC Highway Patrol for the National Impaired Driving Counter Attack event that took place throughout the Capital Regional District. Hundreds of vehicles were checked and no drivers were impaired.

• During the 2021 snow season, Traffic Unit conducted several checks for winter tire compliance.

ENHANCING RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

West Shore RCMP has one dedicated First Nations Policing (FNP) officer. The FNP officer’s role focuses on fostering relationships with Indigenous People in West Shore, specifically the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Our FNP officer routinely meets with Chiefs & representatives from the Songhees & Esquimalt Nations to discuss & implement crime prevention programs & identify community priorities.
• Our FNP member produces a monthly community newsletter that includes a summary of service calls and crime prevention / safety tips that correspond to crime trends. The newsletters are available at the band office and distributed within the community newsletters.

• At the start of 2021, Songhees Nation implemented community security checkpoints to assist with COVID-19 safety protocol compliance within their community. Our FNP officer connected with the Chief and Council as well as community members working at checkpoints to ensure the checks were safely implemented.
• During the summer of 2021, our FNP member attended Chatham Island via boat and participated in the birthday celebration of a Songhees Elder. Our FNP member also organized a Canoe Day event with the community youth, which had to be postponed.
• In October 2021, our FNP member organized “Pro D Day Paddles” in the West Shore Indigenous Policing Services canoe with youth from Esquimalt Nation. This proved to very popular and appreciated by the community.

REDUCING PROPERTY CRIMES

West Shore RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) is comprised of 1 Corporal and 4 Constables and is overseen by the Sergeant in charge of Serious Crimes.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• West Shore RCMP actively monitor individuals placed on court ordered curfew or house arrest. Frontline officers also take part in this by conducting routine curfew checks to ensure offender compliance with court ordered conditions; a number of these checks have resulted in breach charges.
• In July 2021, CRU began investigation a rash of thefts and frauds occurring in West Shore. The initial report indicated that bank cards were stolen from a vehicle in the Metchosin area and subsequently used to make $4,500 in fraudulent transactions. CRU identified a property of interest, conducted surveillance and then identified a suspect. A search warrant was executed resulting in the seizure of vast amounts of stolen property connected to break & enters and thefts. Two individuals were arrested and charged with 35 property & fraud related offences.

• Between August – October 2021, there was a rash of break & enters that occurred within close geographic proximity. The suspect(s) targeted vehicles and storage lockers in both secure and open-air parkades. Multiple victims reported theft of multiple items, damage to personal vehicles and to apartment buildings. Surveillance video captured a suspect who was later determined to be a known prolific offender. Fingerprints associated to the suspect were also located at one of the crime scenes. CRU subsequently executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and linked the suspect to eight break & enters. Twenty criminal charges were recommended.
• The unit executed 35 search warrants in 2021.

BIKE PATROL UNIT

West Shore RCMP’s Bike Patrol Unit (BPU) is comprised of 1 Corporal and 3 Constables. The unit has been in operation since July 2018 and has had a number of successes since its implementation.

Bicycle patrol enforcement limits the carbon footprint of police vehicles and the officers are considered more approachable by the community than officers in a vehicle. The Bike Patrol Unit is a uniformed, visible, enforcement presence that conducts year round bicycle patrol in areas not easily accessible by vehicle. This mode of transportation allows police officers to respond to situations quickly and quietly day or night. Police officers are able to utilize all their senses in detecting illegal activity.

Due to operational needs, resources from the Bike Unit are temporarily re-allocated to other units within the detachment.

POLICE / COMMUNITY RELATIONS: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

West Shore RCMP’s Community Policing & Crime Prevention Unit is comprised of 1 Corporal and 3 Constables. The unit mandate is to actively engage with the West Shore communities through the delivery of a variety of educational & prevention programs and fundraising initiatives.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community Policing Services (CPS) focused on continued communication throughout 2021.
• Due to COVID-19 many of the school programs and education initiatives normally administered by CPS were paused to prevent the possibility of exposure. Provincial Health restrictions limit the ability of officers to be in the community and organize events as well.
• In 2021, CPS teamed up with a youth counsellor to work with troubled high-risk youth. They are referral based and their involvement will prioritize mentoring and prevention strategies.
• CPU worked in partnership with local reporter Alanna Kelly to provide invaluable coverage of the Mental Health Crisis, which resulted in a three-part online story, which was distributed province wide.

GREATER VICTORIA POLICE VICTIM SERVICES (GVPVS)

Victim Services is a volunteer based program that works with police to assist people that have been impacted by crime and trauma. Their vision is to help victims achieve a state of well-being and assist in their recovery. They provide services to victims of crime or trauma who may or may not have reported the crime to police or be involved with the criminal justice system. Their clients can include children as well as adults.

Victim services:

• Provide emotional and practical support;
• Make referrals to government and private services;
• Devise safety plans;
• Assist with Crime Victim Assistance applications;
• Assist with Victim Impact Statements;
• Provide information about the court and criminal justice systems;
• Accompany victims to court;
• Provide education on victim rights and services.

CASES REFERRED BY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR 2021

SOCIAL MEDIA

WEBSITE

West Shore RCMP website is continuously updated to reflect the latest policing news. The website contains information pertaining to some of the most commonly asked questions including Police Information Checks, contact information, volunteer and other programs and the various services West Shore RCMP Detachment offers. The public is able to view emerging West Shore RCMP news releases and there is a direct link to Crime Stoppers.

TWITTER

Since February 2015, West Shore RCMP has been actively engaging the communities on social media via Twitter (@WestshoreRCMP). The West Shore RCMP’s Twitter account has the “blue verified badge”, meaning that Twitter reviewed the account and verified that it is an authentic account of public interest. Many people want information directly from the source, rather than from mainstream media, this is where applications like Twitter come in. Our goals is to provide information in a way that makes it the most accessible to our communities and social media plays a big role in providing that information to the public.

In 2021, we were able to solve numerous investigations by enlisting the help in identifying suspects. In some cases, the suspects identified were responsible for multiple crimes. We are grateful for our followers on social media who reached out to police and assisted with these identifications. The West Shore RCMP’s Twitter account receives over 18,000 visits every month.

West Shore RCMP will continue to provide accurate and timely information to highlight matters of public safety and public interest, as well as building trust and confidence of the West Shore Communities.

Follow us on Twitter @Westshorercmp

DID YOU KNOW? West Shore RCMP’s Twitter followers increased from 8,388 in 2021 to 9,125 in 2022 & continues to grow daily!

STATS & FACTS

The West Shore RCMP Annual Report provides an overview of various statistics & policing in West Shore & is not comprehensive. The statistics presented in this report were retrieved from RCMP E Division Business Intelligence and the British Columbia Police Records Information Management Environment (PRIME) & are accurate on the retrieval date. All data is preliminary and is subject to change based on investigational factors and data quality processes. In cases of discrepancy with previous/subsequent data, the most current data will take precedence. Data collection utilized “most serious offence” scoring consistent with Statistics Canada and the British Columbia Ministry of Justice (Police Services Division (PSD)) data collection practices. Police Services Division provides population data. Collision data is not complete as it only includes files where police attended and not all collisions reported to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Impaired Operation denotes impaired by alcohol &/or drugs.

Founded occurrences gathered as of January 2019 include offences where it has been determined that the reported incident did occur or was attempted, or there was no credible evidence to confirm that the incident did not take place. Prior to 2019, only offences that were proven to have occurred were included in founded occurrences. This change in reporting may result in an increase when comparing post 2019 founded occurrences with reports from previous years.