West Shore RCMP update on transitioning out of regional units

West Shore

2024-11-08 12:17 PST

You may have heard recently, that we are planning to exit 3 regional policing units namely, the Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (IMCRT), Mobile Youth Service Team (MYST), and Regional Domestic Violence Unit (RDVU). The decision to exit these Regional Unit’s did not come lightly. West Shore RCMP strives to provide the best possible service to our communities and we are constantly looking at ways to innovate and improve our current service delivery models.

Though exiting a regional unit may seem like service delivery will be impacted negatively, our goal is to enhance service delivery by utilizing existing and new West Shore RCMP units.

It is important to understand that West Shore RCMP’s rationale to exit these regional units is largely based upon the fact that we have created our own specialized units that enhance service delivery in these areas. Essentially, remaining a part of these regional units is creating a duplication of service and is not cost effective.

After careful analysis and consideration, we made the decision to respectfully exit the 3 regional policing units and opt for enhanced service delivery through existing West Shore RCMP units.

Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (IMCRT) > Projected exit date: December 31, 2025

• West Shore RCMP launched its own Mental Health Unit (MHU) in February 2024, creating a duplication of service. Our MHU consists of Frontline Officers who are paired with Registered Nurses from Island Health who are experienced in mental health and substance use care. As of July 30, 2024, the team has already responded to 513 out of 944 mental health related calls for service in the West Shore. Comparatively, IMCRT responded to 35 calls for service in the West Shore from January, 2023 to July, 2024.

Mobile Youth Service Team (MYST) > Projected exit date: December 31, 2025

• West Shore RCMP recognizes that specialized services with a focus on at-risk youth is a priority, therefore we created the position of Youth Outreach Officer in 2021. The Youth Outreach Officer’s mandate is to focus on at-risk youth via a partnership with a counselor from Pacific Centre Family Services Association (PCFSA). Together, they work as a team addressing at-risk youth by being both proactive and referral based. They focus on mentoring and prevention strategies. This team offers more concentrated efforts on the West Shore.
• West Shore RCMP will remain in contact with MYST to ensure that at-risk youth who may travel in-between jurisdictions are provided with consistent support. It is important to note, that the MYST youth counselor is also attached to PCFSA, allowing this transition and information sharing to remain seamless.

Regional Domestic Violence Unit (RDVU) > Projected exit date: Dec 31, 2026

• West Shore RCMP created its own Intimate Partner Violence investigator position in Spring, 2024 and will expand that to 2 full time police officers in Spring, 2026. These officers will work closely with community and criminal justice partners to fulfill the same mandate RDVU does, but will of course be focused on clients exclusively on the West Shore.
• The West Shore IPV Unit will also be supported by the existing Special Victim’s Unit (SVU) which is comprised of 4 police officers along with the Investigative Support Team (IST will be comprised of 5 police officers, expected to be operational in November 2024).

Though we are exiting the above-mentioned regional units, we remain committed and a part of Crime Stoppers and the Greater Victoria Diversity Advisory Committee. A rapidly growing population in West Shore has created the need for enhanced policing services for the residents of the West Shore communities. Staying on top of current policing trends and community needs is a top priority for our detachment. Read more information on our transition away from the regional units.

Released by:

Email: westshore_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: westshore.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

Follow Us: