The President and new Vice-President of the Victoria City Police Union joined us in studio to talk about 2022 in review.  Len Hollingsworth has now completed his 2nd of a 3 year term as President and Dave Jorgensen was recently acclaimed as the new Vice President of the Union replacing S/Sgt. Mike Johnston.  We thank Mike for his service to the members of the Union and send him good wishes for his retirement.

Municipal Elections, Contract Bargaining, a Police Board resignation, recruiting & retention, the June 28th bank robbery, as well as updates from the BC Police Association and the Canadian Police Association are all covered in this episode.

We also wrap up with our choices of best episodes in 2022.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Former Police Officer Elenore Sturko joins us in studio to talk about her recent election to the Provincial Legislature and becoming the new representative for the residents of Surrey South.  Elenore has a very diverse background and appears to be ready for her new position as MLA.  Her experiences in policing make her a valuable asset to the official opposition which continues to hold the government accountable on important issues such as public safety. 
https://twitter.com/elenoresturko 

Interview Details:

2:30       Family influence to join the RCMP

4:20       Worked in TV and Radio

4:40       Served in the Royal Canadian Air Force

4:55       Joined the RCMP – working in Langley first

7:50       Would love to become the Sol. Gen.

9:00       Describes involvement in police media relations and then to the Diversity Unit

13:25    LGTQB rights in the RCMP – story about Sgt. Dave Van Norman

19:11    Coming out as Lesbian in her early 20’s and the stigma attached to that

23:00    Published her uncle’s diary about his police experiences and donates the proceeds to residential school survivors and young students in Nunavut schools

31:15    Discussion about being elected and the skills a former police officer brings to the role

35:30    Gang violence and the out of control illicit drug trade

37:00    Overdose deaths and lack of access to treatment

41:54    Mental Health Outreach Teams – need police to be involved

47:00    Recent announcement by NDP Government to reduce chronic repeat offenders?

52:40    Updated Crown directive regarding bail conditions and charge approval

59:00    David Eby tries to tell people “he hit the ground running” – Elenore has her doubts

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

We get to know Sgt. Joan Elliott a bit better on this episode.  Her current assignment is to manage the difficult job of recruiting new officers, jail guards, special constables and reserves.  Joan has served her Country as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces; she played rugby in university and after watching the TV show “Cops” she decided to apply at VicPD in October 2000.

Her career includes time in Patrol, the Mountain Bike Squad, Detectives, Regional Crime Unit, and the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit.  Joan enjoyed the change of scenery when she worked in integrated units around Greater Victoria.  Joan was also a long time member of the Public Safety Unit (PSU) and specialized in the tactical less lethal squad and the search team.

Joan shares some personal insight into being a mom and police officer working shift work while being married to another police officer.  The VicPD recruiting process can be lengthy and challenging but Joan takes time to highlight the positive work environment she’s enjoyed and great support from the community.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Sgt. Musicco currently serves as the Tactical Team Leader of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT).  We’re happy that he recently joined us in studio to chat about how he and his team are doing after a very busy and traumatic past few months.  Six tactical team members were wounded by gunfire on 28 June 2022 in Saanich.  The GVERT serves Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay and Central Saanich.
JJ has spent 13 of his 18 years of policing in uniform on the front lines, and his service on the tactical unit of GVERT has been 12 years.  He believes that police officers who choose to join GVERT are making an extraordinary commitment to their community.  GVERT deals with many high stress and potentially very traumatic events anytime of the day and every day of the year.  
JJ talks about some of his feelings surrounding the resolution of the high-end critical incident on 28 June 2022.  Every day the GVERT is an important line of defense in keeping the citizens of Greater Victoria sheltered from violence, and unfortunately even with great training and preparation some members of GVERT suffered life altering injuries on that day.  GVERT and many other police officers who responded that day need to be recognized as heroes – they kept us safe!

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

While attending the 2022 BC Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Weekend in Victoria, we got a chance to speak with Sgt. Mark McKinnell, President of the Delta Police Association.  Mark has worked in Victoria and Esquimalt during his 21 years of policing but has served the remainder of his time with the Delta Police Department.  Mark grew up in Campbell River, BC but seems to like mainland life more!

Mark and his Delta Police Association executive finalized their collective agreement (CA) in 2022 and he believes Delta members now have the best CA in Canada.  Delta Police officers enjoy a very supportive relationship with their Mayor, Council and Police Board. 

Sgt. McKinnell is currently seconded to CFSEU and specifically the Covert Asset Support Team which provides support to police agencies throughout the province needing help or resources for complex investigations.  

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Sergeant Joan Elliott outlines the Victoria Police Department’s recruiting process for new recruits and for experienced officers looking to work in Victoria and Esquimalt.  She mentions that VicPD is hiring for Civilian positions and often needs to replace Jail Guards, SMC’s and Reserve volunteers, so go to https://vicpd.ca/joinvicpd/ to learn more about all the opportunities.

VicPD offers very competitive wages and benefits, good long-term opportunities for promotion and a good variety of work within the different sections of the department.  There is a positive and fun work environment in the building and around Victoria and Esquimalt you’ll meet lots of fantastic citizens who support the police.

https://vicpd.ca/joinvicpd/sworn/

https://vicpd.ca/joinvicpd/civilians/

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

We hear from Detective Sergeant Dean Jantzen of the Saanich Police Association and current Councillor for The City of Colwood.  Dean has over 26 years service in policing and 4 years of experience in his current Council position.  We talk about some highlights of his police career and even more about his community involvement and vision for Colwood as he stands for re-election.
Dean’s experience as the media relations officer for the Saanich Police and 10 years of service on the Executive of the Saanich Police Association provide him solid knowledge that relates to work as a Municipal Councillor.  He’s campaigning on a public safety platform of course which compliments the other great work being done at Colwood Council.
To learn more about Dean go to:

https://deanjantzen.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/councillorjantzen/

https://twitter.com/deanforcolwood

or send him an email at: [email protected]

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Two frontline police officers talk about knowing you're pregnant and when might be the best time to notify the employer to ensure a safe work environment for yourself and your child.  Both Chloe Staiger and Jaclyn Flaten share their experiences relating to the Collective Agreement benefits and some of the challenges others might face when becoming a mom on Patrol.

The Victoria City Police Union is committed to enhancing the Maternity/Paternity benefit package in the Collective Agreement and working with the employer to ensure VicPD is a preferred employer for those wanting to be parents.

Jaclyn reveals the name of her unborn daughter on this podcast, and we wish her all the best on her maternity leave.  Chloe is returning to frontline policing as this episode is launched and we wish her safe shifts.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

In Part 2 of this episode, Todd talks about the challenges of dealing with his Work Safe BC claim while managing his anxiety, depression and paranoia. 
Todd also says, “I want to de-stigmatize mental health injuries that we all get at work, we need to change the culture, if you’re struggling, you’re not alone, you need to reach out and talk to someone.”   
Todd's recovery and road back to work included an 8 week residential treatment program at the Homewood Ravensview facility.  He learned a number of skills and methods that will help him deal with his anxiety and paranoid thoughts in the future.  https://ravensview.com/
Lastly Todd goes into detail about the court process he participated in as a victim and the eventual sentence the offender was handed.

“It is impossible for police officers to maintain law and order unless they enjoy the support of the public and unless they are seen to have the solid backing of the courts when they are entitled to it.  It is absolutely essential that all members of the public understand that violence against police officers in the course of their duties will be severely sanctioned.” 

– Justice Eric F. Macklin

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Cst. Todd Mason talks about dealing with a challenging situation in his negotiator role only 2 weeks before being rundown by a stolen car on Pandora Ave on September 27,  2021.  Not only did he suffer physical injuries but the mental and emotional effects of both incidents were just as devastating.   Todd talks about the lack of support from Victoria City Council and other factors that contributed to a long and dark few months after the incident.  
Later in this episode, Todd goes into detail about what he remembers after being hit by the car and how he thought he was going to die.
Part 2 of Todd's interview will be out soon where he talks about the challenges of dealing with life after a severely traumatic incident and his residential treatment program at Homewood Ravensview.

Sound editing done by Todd Mason.

More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU):

- Tweet us at https://twitter.com/VicPD_Union

- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/vicpd_union/

- Find us on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/truebluevictoria/

- Visit our website for information at https://truebluevic.ca/

- Email us at [email protected] for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast