Victoria Police withdraw from Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit
Published 9:44 am Thursday, July 23, 2026
Victoria police will once again handle homicide investigations within Victoria and Esquimalt after deciding to withdraw from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.
The change, announced the morning of July 23, means the Victoria Police Department will resume responsibility for investigating homicides in its jurisdiction.
VicPD said the decision follows an ongoing review that considered crime rates, resource efficiencies and opportunities for internal development.
The department thanked the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit and the RCMP for their work on complex investigations.
“VicPD is deeply grateful to VIIMCU and the RCMP for their professionalism, expertise, and collaboration,” the department said in a news release. “Their contributions to complex investigations and public safety in our communities have been significant and sincerely valued.”
VicPD said it looks forward to continuing to work with VIIMCU and the RCMP throughout the transition and in the years ahead.
In response to VicPD’s announcement, the RCMP said it supports the department after nearly two decades of working together.
Supt. Bal Hansra, acting officer in charge of the BC RCMP Major Crime Section, recognized the department’s contributions to VIIMCU since its creation in 2007.
“The RCMP remains committed to maintaining a strong and positive partnership with the Victoria Police Department,” he said. “Our shared commitment to public safety and to the communities we serve remains unchanged.”
VicPD did not specify when the transition will take effect or provide further details on how homicide investigations will be managed during the change.