Victoria police chief claims letter to cancel liaison program ‘grossly inaccurate’

The Victoria police chief is speaking up after a letter to the Greater Victoria School District looks to put an end to the School Police Liaison Officer programs.

A letter from the Greater Victoria Teachers Association (GVTA) regarding the presence of police in schools says it’s “evident that SLO programs cause harm that negatively affects the safety, rights, and sense of belonging that many marginalized people experience in school.”

“Public conversations over the last several years have highlighted that Canada’s policing and criminal justice systems have been founded on and continue to perpetuate systemic racism. For our schools to take meaningful anti-racist action, we must not ignore this legacy, or the ongoing harm caused by police,” a further excerpt from the letter reads.

Victoria Police Department Chief Del Manak says the letter “inaccurately” painted school liaison officers in a negative light.

“This letter paints a picture of officers surveilling students and patrolling hallways, getting to make arrests. This is simply not true. The role of the school liaison officers is to build positive relationships and trust with students, which organically establishes mentorship and role models,” he said.

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Manak stresses the importance of maintaining safety and helping youths avoid sexual exploitation and gang activity as well, something he says school liaison officers play a significant role in.

“When you have a positive relationship with a trusted adult, they’re (youths) more likely to disclose these types of activities to help us take action to end criminal behavior aimed at youth,” he explained.

The GVTA recommends School District 61 focus on different areas that prevent these types of behaviours. It suggests hiring counsellors, social workers, nurses, and behavioural support teachers instead.

Manak says he hears the concerns expressed throughout the letter, but does not believe removing police liaison officers is what the community in Victoria would like to see.

“I can tell you that removing police presence from schools in such a sweeping manner, as called for by the GVTA, is irresponsible and would negatively impact the safety and well-being of students,” he said.

A decision will be made on SD61’s police liaison officers in future school board meetings.

With files from Kurtis Doering