True Blue Podcast

In celebration of Black History Month, the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) is proud to speak with Tim Kituri who is currently serving as a Provincial appointee on the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board.Tim came to Canada a little over 20 years ago and now resides in Esquimalt.  He is originally from Kenya and tells a very unique story while living in the capital Nairobi about a specific incident where he was in fear of the police.  He also shares a positive story about his first police interaction in Halifax when he was a student at University. Tim discusses some of his new experiences as a police board member over the first 9 months of his service.  Learning more about who is behind the badge has given him a new appreciation for police officer dedication and commitment to the community.Here is a link to Tim's impressive educational accomplishments:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy1kituri/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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Erin Toplak, President of the Vancouver Island Chapter of "Beyond The Blue" joins VCPU Director and host Tom Stamatakis on this episode.  Tom and Erin are life partners and share some of their own struggles of being a partner to a police officer.VI Beyond The Blue (BTB) is a non-profit organization that provides peer support to the families and spouses of police officers.  BTB wants to create a safe and comfortable place for family members to reach out to and find support.  Erin reminds everyone that a specific incident doesn't need to happen before you reach out to BTB and she encourages families to be pro-active in finding a strong support network.Find important links below:https://www.vancouverislandbeyondtheblue.com/info@vancouverislandbeyondtheblue.comInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/vancouverisland_btb/Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Vancouver-Island-Beyond-The-Blue/100087399397694/Call direct to Canada Beyond The Blue: 1-647-249-7121Sound 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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Meet the most important “Prevention and Intervention” team in Greater Victoria that focuses on Youth Exploitation.  The incomparable Mia Golden has been in the business of Youth and Family Counselling for about 30 years and is the backbone of MYST.  Her current partner is Cst. Gord Magee, he brings 26 years policing experience to the team and has been attached to MYST the previous 3 years.Hear from Mia and Gord directly on what exactly their team does on a daily basis and how involved they are with youth and families being targeted by predators looking to take advantage of vulnerable youth.The Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) wants to advocate for new and increased funding streams to support this team and their mandate of protecting our children.  The workload is heavy and critically important.26:45- 28:36 Hear direct from Mia on the issue of losing Police Liaison Officers in our Schools, she speaks from many different perspectives – as a youth worker in the community, as a parent, and as a black person.  She recognizes the importance of building relationships with police officers ahead of a serious incident, is in her words, “so important through a trauma-informed lens.”https://www.vicnews.com/news/new-funding-aims-to-stop-predators-from-exploiting-greater-victoria-youth-653739https://pacificcentrefamilyservices.org/counselling/crime-reduction-and-exploitation-diversion/ 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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Cst. Angelina "Ange" Atkinson is one of the 6 new recruits in Class #172.  Ange comes to VicPD as an experienced BC Deputy Sheriff, looking to expand her law enforcement career into the policing world.  She is a rare "home grown" Victorian, a graduate of Lambrick Park Secondary, the Camosun College Criminal Justice Program and also a graduate of the Greater Victoria Police Camp Program.Ange is no stranger to training at the Justice Institute of BC, she completed her Sheriff training in 2019 and returned as an use of force instructor for the Sheriff Academy in 2023.  She is now halfway through her Police Academy training and really looking forward to her Block II field training in the streets of Esquimalt and Victoria.Anyone considering entering the "recruiting process" at VicPD should listen to this episode - Ange's story of perseverance and commitment to  get hired is inspiring.  We wish her good luck in her new career!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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

In the final episode of Season 3, we get an update from Cst. Chris Allen who has now been working for VicPD for 2 years.  Chris is working in the Patrol Division; he has been passing on his experiences and knowledge as a Field Training Officer (FTO) to new recruits.  Chris is a former high school teacher, and we believe well suited to be training new recruits in their Block II. Chris gives us insight into some of an operational police officer’s daily functions; he shares what he does to maintain his personal wellness; and he comments on de-criminalization of drugs from a patrol officer perspective.  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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

"The White Hatter" is a team of on-line professionals helping teens and their families with everything from sextortions to extensive digital literacy training.  Darren Laur is a retired Staff Sergeant with 30 years service at the Victoria Police Department.The White Hatter has assisted 294 children and their families, 18 of those identify as females and the remainder teen boys – the youngest being 12 years old. The team continues to teach digital literacy and internet safety to students, parents and caregivers, businesses and organizations. Visit their website for more information: https://thewhitehatter.ca/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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

On this episode we chat with Cst. Matt King about VicPD's new OSI Dog.  "Daisy" was sworn in October 2023 to be the first Operational Stress Intervention Dog at VicPD.  She is a 3 yr old Golden Lab and comes from a long line of purpose bred dogs that are trained to help officers dealing with trauma and stress.  Daisy came to VicPD through a partnership with Wounded Warriors Canada.Police work includes officers attending high stress incidents repeatedly over a long career and the result can often be deterioration of one's mental health.  Daisy will be there to provide comfort and joy to every employee.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

The True Blue Podcast has paused releasing further episodes related to the BMO Shooting incident from 28 June 2022 that involved officers potentially facing discipline.  Future episodes related to the shooting will be released when the OPCC investigation is concluded.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

You won't want to miss this episode!  Mike Jarosz was 1 of 7 GVERT members inside the van that took multiple rounds from two gunmen.  Mike is a TEMS Medic on the team and he shares amazing details from that horrible day.  He also provides some remarkable insight into the stresses police officers have to deal with during and after a critical incident.  The candidness of his psychological struggles are refreshing and speaks to why mental health supports are so important for all police officers. GVERT - Greater Victoria Emergency Response TeamTEMS - Tactical Emergency Medical SupportNTOA - National Tactical Officers Association**Trigger Warning**This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.enter more hereSound 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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Ben King is a tactical member of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT) and took a rifle round in the leg on 28 June 2022 in an effort to keep our community safe.  Hear Ben tell his story of being shot, the chaos at the scene, the heroes at the scene, the medical staff that put him and his friends back together, his long recovery to walk unassisted again.  Ben shares his perspective on life and what's important and thanks his family, friends, colleagues and the community for their support.**Trigger Warning**This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Hear the amazing story of Retired Sergeant Laurie White (RCMP) and her struggles to survive and persevere after being shot on duty in November 1998 while serving a search warrant at a residence in Kitimat, BC.  She was air lifted to Vancouver and due to severe damage to her right leg Laurie awoke to finding out that her leg had been amputated just below her right knee.  After ten painful months and numerous failures she was able to return to full uniform duty with the RCMP in Kitimat.Now 25 years later, Laurie is a proud mother of 2 children and retired from policing.  She also talks about her connections and willingness to share her story with Victoria and Saanich Police Officers who suffered gunshot wounds on 28 June 2022.  Her book “10-33 An Officer Down Steps Back Up” is an emotional memoir and highly recommended for supporters of law enforcement everywhere.https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-white-14643874/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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning** This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate. On this episode we hear from Dr. Mark Vu, Medical Director for Police in Greater Victoria.  Today you’ll hear Dr. Vu talk about the hard work he and others have committed to the past few years and how the medical training provided to police officers saved lives on 28 June 2022. Mark gives an amazing account of how much training police medics have taken on, how well they performed under stress and consequently, many lives were saved that day!  He shares some great anecdotal stories from that day and the many days following this incident.  So many different people that work at our hospitals are heroes and Mark does a great job of describing the amazing efforts that took place.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning** This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate. On this episode we hear from Matt Spaans, EComm 9-1-1 Dispatcher that was on duty at the very moment this terrible event unfolded.  Matt, at that time, was 21 years old and responsible for the radio dispatch for Saanich Police; amazing!  Matt talks about what it was like being in the background of the incident, having said that, you’ll realize how important the EComm 9-1-1 staff are to police officers when high risk events take place.  Gunshots rang out over the radio and the 9-1-1 system went wild!All police officers are thankful for the dedication and professionalism of Matt and all his colleagues at EComm 9-1-1.  Another group of people who helped keep our community safe on that day.https://www.ecomm911.ca/join-our-team/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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.On this episode we hear from Tom Stamatakis, Executive member of the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU).  Tom describes his day from 1 year ago and goes into some of the work done by the Union after all critical incidents.  On this day, Tom was also deployed with a surveillance team when his day was interrupted by news of the shooting.Upon returning to police headquarters Tom describes a state of shock he observed on police officers’ faces as he walked down the hallways.  Many police members needed the support of the Union in the IIO Investigation; the transition from wondering how your colleagues were doing to becoming a helpful witness is critical to a successful investigation.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

**Trigger Warning**This episode discusses the topic of a bank robbery and shooting where 2 people died and multiple others were seriously injured, some of the content may be distressing to the listener.  This series of episodes was created with the objective that talking about the subject could in part provide the listener with more information about the event from many different perspectives.  It could also provide the police officers, their families and others that were involved with an avenue to come forward and talk about their experiences and to encourage others suffering from mental or emotional distress to seek trauma support by reaching out to a professional or an advocate.On this episode we’re joined by John Musicco, the former GVERT Tactical Team Leader, who tells his story about what took place on 28 June 2022.  He was one of the six police officers shot that day and was fortunate to not be seriously physically injured.  You never know what a police officer will deal with on any given shift.John’s description of the events that day provide a real perspective of the obstacles police faced that horrible day.  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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

VCPU Director Tom Stamatakis hosts this episode with repeat guest Cst. Mark Jenkins who serves as a "Community Resource Officer" in downtown Victoria.  Mark's perspective comes from his expansive frontline experience and excellent insight into the issues the public sees and hears about. The host, Tom Stamatakis also relates his experiences after working an overtime shift in the Pandora Avenue area and how much worse things have become since he last worked on the road.  Tom and Mark go into depth about Mark's recent trip to New York City which hosted a "homeless study" for police and other service providers working with homeless populations.  Much of the conversation focuses on what Victoria is doing wrong and may be shocking for people to hear.Question - “Mark what are the biggest issues we face on the streets of Victoria?” Answer: “Drugs, Drugs, Drugs!”Reportedly it takes 6-9 months to get into a drug treatment bed in the Victoria area.  The routine includes putting addicts asking for help back into the "wet shelter" community where drugs are widespread.  New York City has a much different perspective on how to manage these issues and Mark shares some of his thoughts.What is the overall impact on the community of the large homeless encampments becoming entrenched in our parks?  Mark shares a couple of stories that should enlighten the listener.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

In the 3rd and final part of this 3 part series with Retired Staff Sergeant Chris Horsley we go over a few topics that are currently in the news.The complex policing issue in Surrey BC.Amalgamation in the Greater Victoria area.Safe Supply – not a true description of what’s happening on the streets.Breaching Court Orders and continued lack of accountability; resulting in police having to use firearms to bring a situation to a conclusion.Bank Robbery and shootout with Police in Saanich last year on 28 June 2022.Police Officers dealing with trauma.Police informing and educating the public through the media.Chris talks about the support for the police in Oak Bay, BC.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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

In Part 2 of the series, with Retired Staff Sergeant Chris Horsley, we chat about some of the more interesting police investigations he touched during his career.  Many of these have unique circumstances that highlight the difficulties police officers face regularly when investigating.  Chris reflects on some the details he remembers.Topics:Peter Lee Homicide – King George TerraceRocket Scientist – Attempt Murder in SaanichDNA Submissions through GEDmatch1990 Murder of 18 yr old Cheri Lynn SmithMissing Person December 8, 1973 – Carmen RobinsonNot guilty of infanticide in 2011 – Narumi Bito2008 murder of real estate agent Lindsay BuziakRCMP Shooting investigation in Surrey, BCCatch and Release – Criminal Justice SystemBill C-48 Proposed Changes – predicts less effectiveness than being purportedCrown Counsel lack of accountabilityJudicial lack of accountabilityTreatment programs and facilities to help manage unaddressed mental health and addiction issuesSound 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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

We chat with Retired Staff Sergeant Chris Horsley about his career path and some of the finer details of what he got involved in while serving the community of Saanich for the 29 years.Chris was born and raised in Victoria, he credits the Police Reserve Program for creating an interest in a policing career.  His experience includes spending time in School Liaison, Crime Prevention, Youth Detectives all while serving as the media relations officer in a part-time capacity for most of those years.  The murder of Reena Virk was easily the most high profile and challenging case he dealt with while serving in the media role.The majority of Chris' career was spent in the Major Crime Unit and he finished his policing career as the Detective Staff Sergeant.  After his retirement in February 2022, Chris was enticed to take on a "Special Municipal Constable" position with the Oak Bay Police.  In his spare time you'll find him in his shop working on some of the vintage cars he treasures!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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast

Meet Cst. Sarah Kaufman one of the 5 new recruits in Class #170.  Sarah is a former 5X World Bantamweight MMA Champion, she had an impressive 17 year career in the MMA fight world.  Sarah originally went to University to become a cardiovascular surgeon but later decided that working in a laboratory wasn’t going to be for her.  During Sarah’s fight career she spent a lot of time teaching young kids martial arts skills to help them prepare for life!Moving to a policing career became the new challenge for her and with her self-confidence and need for structure and upholding rules she committed to getting hired.  Sarah has a great attitude and arrives to VicPD as a mature recruit with lot of life experience.  Police use of force training has evolved over the years and due to the increase of MMA training amongst the general population, police officers need to be properly prepared.Sarah is looking forward to a diverse policing career but admits she’ll never be a K-9 handler!  In her spare time Sarah is an avid jig-saw puzzler and enjoys the challenge of difficult puzzles.  Sarah will continue to participate in the BC Law Enforcement Memorial “Run to Remember” and encourages others to join her on Saturday 23 September for the last 11 kilometers in support of Fallen Police Officers.https://bclem.ca/5th Annual BC Law Enforcement Memorial Run to Remember – West CoastSound 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 media@vcpu.ca for any media inquiries or requests to be on the True Blue Podcast