Victoria Police Liaison Officers Return to Schools This September

The Victoria Police Department has announced the return of school liaison officers to the Greater Victoria School District this September. Constables Gord Magee and Stacey Fuller will be assigned to various schools, with plans to add more officers to the program in the following year.

The role of these officers will encompass a range of responsibilities, including classroom visits, informal conversations with students, and presentations on critical subjects such as bullying, online safety, and drug awareness. This initiative marks a significant shift in policy, as police presence in Victoria schools has been limited since 2023, following a decision by the Victoria School Board. The board restricted police access based on concerns raised by students and staff—particularly those who are Indigenous or from communities of colour—who reported feeling unsafe with officers on campus.

In a related development, Lisa Beare, the Education Minister for British Columbia, dismissed the entire Victoria School Board in January due to ongoing disputes regarding the safety plan for students. Beare emphasized that student safety had become a pressing concern in the district. Following this dismissal, she appointed a single trustee to oversee the school district until the next municipal elections, scheduled for the fall of 2026. In her statement at the time, Beare noted, “Our government has given this board multiple opportunities to act, and they have not delivered.”

The introduction of police liaison officers is part of a broader commitment to foster a secure and inclusive learning environment within the Greater Victoria School District. Deb Whitten, the Superintendent of Schools, stated, “We are committed to providing a culturally responsive, safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students and staff.” Whitten further highlighted that strengthening relationships among schools, police, and community resources is essential to effectively supporting the well-being of both students and staff.

The return of these officers is expected to enhance the school environment by building trust and promoting safety. As the program develops, the district aims to address the concerns previously raised while working towards a more collaborative and supportive educational experience for everyone involved.