New Victoria Police Chief Fiona Wilson Commits to Community Engagement

Fiona Wilson has officially taken the reins as the new Chief of Police for the Victoria Police Department following a change-of-command ceremony held at Government House on October 5, 2023. Wilson, who succeeds Del Manak, emphasized her commitment to understanding the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt by actively engaging with her officers on patrol.

Wilson expressed humility in her new role, acknowledging the challenges of acclimating to her new environment. “I take this position with the humility to understand that as an outside chief, I have a lot of work to do to get to know the communities, to get to know the members, to really deeply understand what’s important to the citizens,” she stated. With over 26 years of policing experience, Wilson previously served as one of three deputy chiefs at the Vancouver Police Department.

A central focus of Wilson’s initial efforts will be addressing local issues, particularly the challenges faced by the street life on Pandora Avenue. She noted the similarities between Victoria and the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver, where she has previously worked on addressing social issues. “I have been physically to Pandora,” Wilson remarked, highlighting her familiarity with the area’s challenges.

Wilson has committed to adopting a compassionate approach to social issues while ensuring that public spaces are safe and accessible for all residents. “Through that lens, I will be tackling these challenges head-on,” she emphasized. Her approach suggests a desire to engage with community members and stakeholders to find viable solutions.

In her tenure in Vancouver, Wilson focused on addressing the root causes of crime and disorder. She plans to refine specific action plans in the coming weeks to effectively tackle these issues in her new role. “What I’m most excited about right now is honoring the legacy that Chief Manak has left behind,” she said, indicating her intention to build upon the foundation laid by her predecessor.

Financial considerations will also play a crucial role in Wilson’s administration. She intends to thoroughly analyze the department’s budget to understand its financial landscape moving forward. “I am going to take some time to dig into the budget and get a really clear understanding of what that will look like,” she stated.

Outgoing Chief Del Manak has expressed confidence in Wilson’s leadership abilities. He remarked, “I can’t wipe the smile from my face knowing that the department’s in good hands.” Manak described his journey as chief as “an amazing journey” and expressed optimism about the seamless transition of leadership. He has been instrumental in introducing Wilson to key community members and department personnel to ensure she has a strong start.

As Chief Wilson embarks on her new role, her commitment to community engagement and addressing pressing social issues suggests a proactive approach to policing in Victoria and Esquimalt. Her leadership will likely shape the future of the Victoria Police Department as it navigates the complexities of community safety and public trust.