Two local police departments will be joining forces and sharing resources through a new Integrated Canine Service (ICS).
The Victoria Police Department and the Saanich Police Department have announced that the newly formed service will be made up of current canine handlers and police service dogs from both forces, working collectively to serve the communities of Saanich, Victoria, and Esquimalt.
The service team, which will operate out of VicPD’s Esquimalt Division, becomes effective as of Feb. 1.
“This partnership will provide police canine service to our community with greater efficiency and better value,” reads a joint statement from VicPD and Saanich PD. “We are committed to building a safer community together, and this collaboration between valued regional partners is a key component to delivering excellence in public safety.”
According to the two police services, the ICS will provide the community with canine coverage on all seven days of the week.
Saanich Police Department Chief, Scott Green, says it will provide cost savings to both departments as well.
“The Saanich Police Department and VicPD have a long history of successful collaboration and integration with regional partners to provide the highest quality of police service to our communities,” reads a joint statement. “We are looking forward to the ICS building on these successes and reflecting our commitment to efficiency and effectiveness.”
The new canine service will have its own social media channels as well and can be followed on both Instagram and Twitter by using the handle @ics_k9.
Graham Cox
