Jerry Garcia, Former Volunteer Victoria PD Crime Watch

Victoria has an opportunity to strengthen public safety by adapting one of Canada’s most successful volunteer policing partnerships. Vancouver’s Community Crime Watch (Citizens on Patrol) has operated for more than 35 years, demonstrating that trained citizen volunteers can make a meaningful contribution to community safety when working under the direction of police.

For Victoria, adopting a modern Community Safety Patrol would represent a practical, affordable, and community-focused way to improve public safety. By combining proven policing practices with active citizen participation, the city can create safer neighbourhoods, support local businesses, improve the visitor experience, and strengthen public confidence, all while complementing, not replacing, the important work of Victoria PD.

The program in Vancouver is built on a simple principle: volunteers do not replace police officers, they become additional “eyes and ears” in the community. Working in teams of two, volunteers patrol neighbourhoods, observe suspicious activity, and report concerns directly to police through dedicated communication channels. Their role is strictly non- confrontational. They do not pursue suspects, investigate crimes, make arrests, carry weapons, or place themselves in dangerous situations. Instead, they provide timely information that allows police officers to respond quickly and effectively.

Volunteers are carefully recruited, screened, and trained before joining the program. Training includes personal safety, observation skills, radio communications, evidence preservation, report writing, and understanding legal authorities and limitations. This professional approach has helped Vancouver maintain a safe, consistent, and well-respected volunteer program for decades. This type of training could be delivered in addition to the current training given to Victoria PD volunteers.

The results have been impressive. Since 1993, Community Crime Watch volunteers have assisted police in recovering more than 4,750 stolen vehicles. In one documented year alone, volunteers helped recover 212 stolen vehicles, contributed to the arrest of 79 individuals, and identified 39 impaired drivers who were subsequently removed from the road. These achievements were made possible because volunteers observed and reported suspicious activity while police handled enforcement.

Beyond measurable crime reductions, the program provides several broader benefits. A visible volunteer presence increases the perceived risk for offenders, helping deter property crime and vandalism. Residents become active participants in improving neighbourhood safety, strengthening relationships between citizens, police, businesses, and community organizations. Because volunteers donate their time, the program also provides significant public safety coverage at a relatively low cost, with investments focused primarily on training, equipment, coordination, and supervision rather than salaries.

Victoria can successfully adapt this proven model while tailoring it to local priorities. A Victoria Community Safety Patrol could focus on highly visible foot patrols in the downtown core during evenings and weekends, particularly during the busy tourism season and major festivals.

Neighbourhood patrol teams could serve communities such as James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Vic West, Burnside, and Hillside-Quadra, while tourism teams could assist visitors around the Inner Harbour, Government Street, Dallas Road, Beacon Hill Park, and the cruise ship terminal.

Business safety teams could work closely with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, local business improvement associations, and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce to enhance safety and confidence in commercial districts. Community support teams could also provide information and referrals to shelters, outreach services, crisis programs, and mental health resources when appropriate.

The recommended Victoria model would retain the key features that have made Vancouver successful: police supervision, patrols conducted in pairs, an observe-and-report mandate, and direct communication with VicPD. It could also expand the use of foot and seasonal bicycle patrols, establish tourism ambassador teams, strengthen partnerships with businesses, publish public performance dashboards, and recognize volunteers through annual awards.

No volunteer program is a substitute for professional policing. Success depends on strong police leadership, comprehensive training, ongoing recruitment, and strict safety protocols. However, Vancouver’s long experience demonstrates that properly managed volunteers can significantly enhance public safety while building stronger, more engaged communities.