Victoria Police moves officers to frontlines to prepare for staffing issues
Posted January 7, 2022 1:57 pm.
Last Updated January 7, 2022 2:00 pm.
Victoria’s police department says it’s preparing to move all its available officers to front-line policing duties in anticipation of staffing shortages caused by the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
The department says, for the first time, it is enacting a clause in its contract with its police union that allows for the potential assignment of all officers to front-line duties.
In response to anticipated COVID-19 impacts at VicPD, all officers have been notified to prepare for potential redeployment to frontline policing. This temporary measure is in place to maintain our ability to provide public safety in Victoria & Esquimalt.https://t.co/4Bc46ubgDr Victoria Police (@vicpdcanada) January 7, 2022
“Maintaining the continuity of police operations during this global pandemic is critical,” said Victoria Police Chief Del Manak. “I am extremely grateful to our officers who are adjusting their shifts and schedules to serve on the frontlines, ensuring that citizens of Victoria and Esquimalt know that when they call 9-1-1, a uniformed officer will respond to their call for help.”
Victoria City Police Union spokesperson Matt Waterman added the union and department are working together to respond to public health restrictions during the pandemic.
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“The union will continue to monitor and hopes the emergent situation will be resolved shortly so workers can return to their regular duties and schedule,” said Waterman.
That work includes anything related to serving the public, such as traffic or crowd control, criminal investigations, and arrests.
There are already 50 officers off work from the VicPD, primarily due to injury, as well as for training or administrative purposes, according to the department.
Police, fire departments and school boards are among many agencies and businesses across B.C. making plans in case large numbers of workers call in sick as COVID cases surge.
