Media Contacts

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Media Relations
778-405-3306

Backgrounders

What to know about how SITE, CSTEP are supporting police agencies throughout the province

Cranbrook RCMP – Enhanced community outreach funded through CSTEP

  • One hundred and ninety seven police patrols of hotspots, and joint collaboration with city bylaw staff and a health outreach nurse through spring 2025 reduced violent and property crimes in the community by engaging with the vulnerable population and seizing weapons and drugs off the streets.
  • The city reported a significant decrease in overdose response calls, marking the first such improvement in several years, with the initiative resulting in 75 investigations and 29 charges recommended to Crown prosecutors.
  • The collaborative model of bringing together health care, social services, probation and a consistent police presence has made an impact in improving safety for community members and first responders, in addition to building trust with those who are at risk.

Victoria Police Department – Project STEP funded through CSTEP

  • Through targeted deployment of foot and bike patrols in summer 2025, Victoria Police’s Downtown Beat Teams reinforced safety, strengthened partnerships with the Downtown Victoria Business Association, Harbour Authority, bylaws and local businesses, and connected vulnerable individuals with community services.
  • By maintaining a consistent presence in key areas of the downtown core, beat officers deterred crime, reduced disorder and responded quickly to emerging concerns.
  • The initiative resulted in 176 investigations and 27 charges, seizures of hundreds of illicit tobacco products and cash, and numerous outreach referrals made as part of a strategic response to street disorder.

West Kelowna RCMP – Project Deadbolt funded through SITE

  • During a co-ordinated crackdown on violence and drug-related crime in the city, Project Deadbolt resulted in 50 arrests, including one Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative offender and three individuals with outstanding warrants, the seizure of dozens of weapons, including a loaded handgun, more than 500 grams of illegal drugs, more than $30,000 in stolen property, $10,000 cash in proceeds of crime and the recovery of four stolen vehicles.
What police partners are saying about the SITE, CSTEP programs

Colin Watson, chief constable, Abbotsford Police Department –

“The SITE program funding has significantly enhanced the Abbotsford Police Department’s capacity to address repeat violent offenders through evidence-based strategies. Initiatives such as Project Salus exemplify how targeted enforcement and intelligence-led approaches reduce harm and strengthen public safety. This support allows us to focus resources where they have the greatest impact – protecting victims, reducing harm and holding chronic offenders accountable.”

Erik Jakobsen, corporal, Nanaimo RCMP –

“Through the use of CSTEP funding, we launched a highly successful shoplifting blitz in Nanaimo’s downtown core. The operation resulted in more than 20 criminal charges, including shoplifting, assault, mischief and stunting. Beyond enforcement outcomes, the initiative generated strong public support and highlighted our proactive efforts to address street disorder and persistent disregard for public order, reinforcing community confidence in local policing and collaborative crime-reduction strategies.”

Fiona Wilson, chief constable, Victoria Police Department –

“VicPD’s Downtown Beat Teams, operating under CSTEP, are committed to enhancing public safety through increased visibility, proactive engagement and focused enforcement. This work is made possible through the ongoing partnership and support of the City of Victoria and the Province, whose investment in community safety helps ensure a sustained and co-ordinated presence in the downtown core. By maintaining a consistent presence in key areas, beat officers help deter crime, reduce disorder and respond quickly to emerging concerns.”

Graham Hartl, sergeant, operational support, Cranbrook RCMP –

“CSTEP funding this past quarter enabled our teams to complete 197 hotspot patrols, support vulnerable community members, investigate priority files and make critical arrests that enhanced public safety. The continued investment strengthened crime prevention through expanded Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments. As well, our local Cranbrook bylaw staff obtained additional training, ensuring we all have the tools to respond effectively to growing community demands.”

Suzanne Muir, chief officer, Metro Vancouver Transit Police –

“Funding from the CSTEP Program allows transit police to address public safety challenges in and around the transit system. This funding will further support our collective efforts to improve safety in the community and across the transit system for transit passengers, transit employees and the public. We will continue to work with our municipal and RCMP policing partners to apply this funding where it is most needed, help officers prevent street disorder, hold offenders accountable and make the transit system safer.”