Victoria Police Department has released its Transformation Report detailing how they hope to address the need for frontline services.
Chief Constable Del Manak says the changes, over and above what's already been implemented, must be made after the department failed to get the required budget increase from both Victoria and Esquimalt councils to fund necessary resources.
Manak has been outspoken about the challenges the department faces as the city deals with increasing severity of crime, mental health and addications issues in the community -- including the opiod crisis, and more.
Among the changes: Not responding to some call types; creating Special Constable roles to free up Police officers for priority response; shifting additional officers to front-line positions; not renewing School Liaison Officers; temporary re-allocation of resources to fund Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) officers. Act is a mental health program focussing on individuals and their recovery.
Manak says the changes being made are necessary to meet duties to protect life, property and enforce the law with the resources they have.
He says VicPd and the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board continue to work with both Victoria and Esquimalt councils to find innovative solutions to balance resource needs with community safety.