VicPD hires Vancouver deputy as new police chief, becoming first woman in role

The Victoria Police Department has announced Vancouver Police Department Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson as its new chief.

A deputy police chief in Vancouver is leaving the B.C. mainland to take on the top job at the Victoria Police Department.

The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board has appointed Fiona Wilson as its next police chief, making her the first woman in history to helm the department.

“I am deeply committed to serving the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt with transparency, integrity, and compassion,” Wilson said in a press release.

Wilson will assume the role on Aug. 15, taking over from Chief Del Manak, who retires on Aug. 31.

Wilson has worked for the Vancouver Police Department since 1999. She was promoted to deputy chief in 2021.

“Deputy Chief Wilson stood out among a rich field of candidates and impressed us with her vision for supporting both VicPD sworn members and civilian professionals while strengthening trust and safety in the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt,” said police board chair Micayla Hayes.

“Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and the ability to guide complex, community-focused policing initiatives.”

During her 26 years in uniform, Wilson walked the beat in the Downtown Eastside, worked as a sex crimes investigator and took on leadership roles in the investigative section and court and detention services.

“I believe in the power of collaborative policing, grounded in service to both the public and our dedicated sworn members and civilian professionals,” Wilson said.

“Together, we will continue building a safer, more inclusive, and respectful environment for all.”

Wilson was considered a front-runner to replace VPD Chief Adam Palmer, who is stepping down by the end of April. His successor has yet to be announced.

At a news conference in February, Palmer said the department won’t have to go far to find its new top cop.

“I am confident, personally, that the next chief of the Vancouver Police Department is standing before you here today and will be one of these three individuals,” Palmer said, pointing to his three deputies.

In December, Wilson drew the ire of officers when announcing sexual assault charges against two Central Saanich Police officers.

The Vancouver Police Union took issue with Wilson’s description of the allegations as “deeply corrosive to public trust.”

Shortly after VPU’s criticism became public, a sexual assault support organization threw its support behind Wilson.

“Our position is that nothing radical was said,” Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre executive director Dalya Israel told CTV News at the time.

“How do we hold systems accountable when we can’t speak the truth about them?”

Wilson is expected to take questions from reporters at a press conference on Friday.