The Victoria Police Department is looking for a $3.2-million increase, or 6.1% in its 2019 provincional budget.
Outlinging their increasing need to Victoria's Committee of the Whole, department spokespersons noted the Employer's Health Tax accounts for 1.28% of the increase -- or $690-thousand.
And Chief Del Manak says the department needs to add 12 new officers: a Cyber Crimes Coordinator, 4 Community Response Team members, 1 Dedicated Esquimalt Traffic Officer and 6 Patrol Officers which are currently under Provincial Review.
VicPd points to 2017 Statistics Canada figures showing while violent crime is down 11.4% provincewide, it's up 11.8% in Victoria and Esquimalt. The Violent Crime Severity Index also puts Victoria-Esquimalt at 114 -- above Vancouver at 108.
When some councillors asked that 2013 statistics showing decreases in crime be included in the report -- Chief Del Manak said this:
" I think it's important to recognize the world has changed a lot since 2013 and what we're seeing in 2018. I can tell you that there was, I think, less than 10 illicit drug overdose deaths in the Greater Victoria in that year, and we are projecting up to 100 for this year."
VicPd's report says homelessness, poverty, and social disorder, have become entrenched in certain parts of the downtown core, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity and despair.
A community survey found more people feel unsafe in downtown Victoria at night, than feel safe. 39% as opposed to 29%. 31% were neutral.
Manak says the department is working to try to find efficiencies, like whether Bylaw officers can be better used in doing morning wakeups for the homeless.