The following is a written interview conducted between NPNA's board member, Allison Ashcroft, and Victoria Chief of Police, Del Manak. While this written interview was prompted by questions from community members about the roles of the reserve constables newly spotted around North Park, recent events prompted us to ask some more questions. For example, what is VicPD doing to dismantle racism, train and educate officers, as well as recruit, hire, and retain BIPOC officers. We also asked what calls to "defund the police" could look like in Victoria. Allison's interview questions are in bold, followed by Chief Del's responses.
Chief Del Manak and Allison Ashcroft, NPNA board member
The Humans of North Park are abuzz with curiosity about these "reserve constables" we see strolling the streets in pairs over the last few weeks? Can you tell us about them?
"The Victoria Police Reserve Program is recognized throughout the Canadian policing community as a leader in the development and delivery of community-based Reserve Officer program. Through the Victoria Police Reserve Constable Program, volunteers receive first-hand experience in working with the Victoria Police Department (VicPD), delivering Crime Prevention programs to citizens and businesses.
Some of the programs members participate in include: Lock Out Auto Crime, Home/Business Security Audits, Safety Presentations, and Block Watch. Reserve members are also involved in many community events which include community displays, fingerprint clinics and conducting traffic control for community events. Many of our Reserve Constables go on to pursue a policing career, and many more just want to play a part in helping the community stay safe for all to enjoy."
What does a "good shift" and a "job well done" look like for these reservists and how should residents and neighbourhood businesses be interacting with them?
"We have deployed Reserve Officers on foot patrol to connect with citizens and show a presence in the community. A “good shift” is any shift that results in positive interactions with the public and our Reserves being noticed in neighbourhoods."
I want to talk now about the death of George Floyd, and the death and mistreatment of many other racialized people before him, including within Canada. As the City's Chief of Police, but also a person of colour, these inexcusable and horrific acts, and the recent protests against police brutality and their disregard for human lives of black men, is surely weighing on you hard.
Can you talk about how VicPD is working to dismantle racism? How are your officers being trained to strengthen their ability and conviction in acknowledging and mitigating against the implicit bias we all carry?
"I want to unequivocally say that the callousness and disregard shown to Mr. Floyd by Minneapolis Police was criminal and very difficult to watch. In BC, police/community race relations are far more collegial and the level of trust with our diverse ethnic communities is higher but I know police agencies can be better and change is still needed on many levels.
I acknowledge that many Canadians still experience the realities of systemic discrimination and racism in our country. So what is the Victoria Police Department doing about it?
First, we select and train our people well. Our hiring processes are long and intensive. It often takes two years or more to be hired as a police officer with VicPD and we aim to hire only the best.
Second, we invest heavily in training for our officers, including (but not limited to) the following courses:
Crisis Intervention and De-Escalation: this course is designed to ensure that police officers will be able to use crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to effectively de-escalate crisis situations, including incidents involving intervention in a mental health crisis;
Fair and Impartial Policing: The fair and impartial policing perspective reflects a new way of thinking about the issue of biased policing. It is based on the science of bias, which tells us that biased policing is not, as some contend, due to widespread racism in policing. In fact, the science tells that even well-intentioned humans (and thus, officers) manifest biases that can impact on their perceptions and behavior;
Trauma-Informed Practice: This course introduces the concept of trauma, the different range of reactions to trauma, and conducting investigations using a trauma-informed approach. This course examines trauma, its impacts, and the potential challenges our officers may face when interacting with victims of trauma; and
The Spirit Has No Colour: This course focusses on building relationships between police and Indigenous peoples.
Third, we connect with our community at every opportunity, to listen to our citizens and learn from them. We’re active members of the Greater Victoria Diversity Advisory Committee and we work alongside partners like the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness, the Indigenous Street Community and the Inter-Cultural Association to build relationships, mutual understanding and healing. We work hard to represent our community within our ranks and within our volunteers so that those who have been marginalized can see themselves in us.
Finally, when people have concerns, we respond. We have a robust, legally-mandated and overseen internal Professional Standards Section, and we welcome the oversight provided by B.C.’s Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and the Independent Investigations Office."
What is VICPD doing to recruit, hire, support and retain BIPOC officers in a substantially white majority police force?
"I believe that VicPD reflects the society that we serve. To ensure this remains the case, we are developing a long-term recruiting strategy that will chart the course for our recruiting efforts over the next several years."
How are you recommending that your station and officers denounce these acts and honour those in protest?
"My officers are horrified what happened to Mr. Floyd and by recent events in the US. We honour those in protest by making sure their right to protest is protected and that they are kept safe. That’s the role VicPD officers do year-round for all protestors and demonstrators."
What do you think calls for ‘defunding police’ mean in the context of Victoria, and what would you say VICPD is, or could be, doing to better resource and support the critical non-profit partners that work with, and are trusted by, Victoria’s frontline communities?
"I welcome this discussion. I have long supported the need for effective and well-funded social support services in the community. For decades, the committed and compassionate professionals who serve in these roles have been key partners to the women and men of VicPD as we collaboratively work together to keep people safe and provide care for the people who need it most.
Over recent years, however, police agencies have been required to fill the void created by gaps in social programs, which often places police officers in an untenable position. Often, the police are the only ones left to call in situations where a social worker or mental health professional could have been more appropriate. Having said that, there will still always be a need for police officers to respond to mental health calls in certain situations that involve violence, or a threat of violence, so the police can’t just walk away from attending all mental health calls. There are many times when the police are called for a person in mental health crisis who is acting violently and police officers are the only ones able to intervene safely, being properly trained and equipped to do so.
I agree that there is a need to provide additional resources to social services and mental health services. However, this should not come at the expense of police funding as the VicPD are already under-funded. Serving the provincial capital of BC and the business and entertainment hub of the greater Victoria region, VicPD already struggles to provide the level of community-based policing and 911 call response that our citizens expect. “Defunding” the police department is not a viable solution to the issues our community faces."
Anything else you want to mention?
"I want to recognize the professionalism and dedication continually demonstrated by VicPD officers in carrying out their duties. It is through their valiant efforts and service excellence that the VicPD enjoys a high level of public trust and public confidence and for that they should be recognized and appreciated."
Thank you to Chief Manak for taking the time to answer the community's questions. This isn't the end of the conversation though. We would like to hear from you. What do you need to feel safe in your community? What community-led initiatives and supports would you like to see started or offered in North Park? Is there a service or non-profit that you aren't able to access in North Park? Let us know by email, or on twitter @wearenorthpark. Use the hashtag #WeAreNorthPark to start a conversation.