Inspector Michael Brown was on duty on 28 June 2022 and served as the Critical Incident Commander (CIC) for this event. Insp. Brown is a 29-year Police veteran, a former GVERT operator and Team Leader, he talks about wanting to be a police officer as a kid and the GVERT Christmas gift he got as a 15-year-old! “Why Waltz, when you can Rock & Roll.” …

"Your husband has been shot" - is anyone ever ready for this news? A career in police work is inherently dangerous and the families are thereby subjected to wondering how safe their spouse or parent is while on duty. The True Blue Podcast is delighted to have Amanda MacIntyre and Angela Reichert share their stories about what the past two years hav…

The "True Blue Podcast" is proud to chat with Cst. Steven Reichert from Saanich Police and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT). He was injured during the BMO Robbery and Shootout, one gunshot wound to each leg and one to his left forearm. Steven shares details of being shot, the amazing tactical response of his teammates and shortl…

Rollie Woods joins Tom Stamatakis in this episode to talk about Police Oversight in British Columbia. Rollie is a former Deputy Commissioner at the BC Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPPC). He has 35 years of policing experience, 10 years experience on the Executive of the Vancouver Police Union (VPU) and as President of the Senior Off…

The Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) is proud to introduce Sgt. Angela Van Eerd (Union President) and Sgt. Joan Elliott (Union Secretary). Hear directly from these two inspirational leaders as they join Matt Waterman to discuss their rise to important positions on the Executive of the VCPU. The VCPU was organized in 1946 and after 77 years the mem…

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 livi…

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 spo…

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 bee…

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 …

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…

"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 female…

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 partnershi…

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)…

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. …

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 wa…

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 b…

**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 abo…

**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 abo…

**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 abo…

**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 abo…

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 wor…

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 ac…

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 L…

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…

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 car…

Learn more about the new Co-Response Team (CRT) - a partnership between VicPD and Island Health. The CRT has been up and operational since early 2023 and is intended to be "a central response resource for calls involving presumed mental health issues." https://vicpd.ca/2023/01/30/island-health-and-vicpd-launch-co-response-team/ Our guests help desc…

The Victoria City Police Union (VCPU) is honoured to share a discussion with other Canadian Police Podcasters on this unique episode of the True Blue Podcast. "10-5" - Ontario Provincial Police Association - Josh Jutras & Scott Mills "10-33" - Nathan Kapler (former RCMP) "Bend Don't Break" - Delta Police - Chief Neil Dubord "The Quiet Professional"…

Daryl Baswick interviews Staff Sergeant Jennifer Ames in this fantastic episode. Jen talks about her time in the Homicide Unit and the day she got a confession from the killer - but don't stop listening - she gets another confession for a previous murder as well! (Traigo Andretti — convicted for the 2013 homicide of Jennifer McPherson, to whom he w…

Angela Van Eerd and Fiona Ford take over hosting duties of the True Blue Podcast and decide to interview regular host Matt Waterman. Matt served VicPD from 1991-2022 and is most proud of his 15 years of service on the Executive of the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU). Sound editing done by Todd Mason. More about the Victoria City Police Union (VCP…

We chat with Chantal Ziegler as her 33 years of policing is coming to an end. Chantal joined the RCMP in 1990 at 21 years old, she attended her basic training at Depot in Regina as part of an all French speaking troop. Upon graduating, the RCMP decided to post her to the small Hamlet of Evansburg, Alberta an all English and Portuguese community! On…

We talk basketball with Cst. Jenna Carver and celebrate 50 years of high school basketball tournaments put on by the Victoria City Police Athletic Association (VCPAA). Jenna played college basketball for the VIU Mariners and grew up in Nanaimo, BC. She headed the organizing committee this year on behalf of the VCPAA and hopes to grow the tournament…

Get to know the 2023 VicPD Spokesperson a bit better in this episode. Cst. Terri Healy has been a police officer for the past 14 years. She is a mother of two and loves working with and for the public. Terri discusses the mindset required to be a new mom and returning to police work after 18 months off the road and everything that could come with t…

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 membe…

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 officia…

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…

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 serve…

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 Campbe…

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 a…

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 …

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…

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 someo…

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 C…

Meet 2 police officers riding in the 25th Anniversary Tour de Rock event. The ride spans the length of Vancouver Island and takes place between 24 September and 7 October 2022. Constable Tristan Williams of VicPD and Retired Saanich Inspector Trent Edwards are two members of this year’s team. Hear from them about what inspired them to participate i…

The True Blue Podcast is proud to introduce Cst. Elle Hamilton, one of our two new recruits in Class #168 that will be training this Spring/Summer at the Police Academy. Elle was born and raised in Victoria and she continues a legacy of Hamilton's in policing as both her parents were members of the Victoria City Police Union (VCPU). She attended Un…

We are joined by Jason Whittaker, President of the Saanich Police Association and Len Hollingsworth, President of the Victoria City Police Union for a discussion on what took place in Saanich on 28 June 2022. Both organizations are working together to support the 6 officers injured in this incident. Emergency medical care and bravery were paramount…

Host Tom Stamatakis is passionate about Mental Health Wellness in Policing, and he was super thankful to interview Dr. Tim Black, Counselling Psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Victoria. Some of Dr. Black’s focus is on First Responder Trauma and he recently provided instruction to several VCPU members in Trauma and Resiliency…

Dr. Mark Vu has been serving as the Medical Director with VicPD since 2016. His expertise has been so important in developing programs and improving equipment at VicPD and ultimately has provided enhanced medical care and improved overall member safety. Dr. Vu has been training all Patrol officers on basic medical care and also concentrates on maki…

We're joined by Sgt. Steve Kowan who was the VicPD 2022 representative for the Wounded Warrior Run that takes place on Vancouver Island in late February. Steve and a number of his family members are police veterans, including his uncle, Sgt. Larry Young, who was killed in the line of duty while serving on the Emergency Response Team with Vancouver …

We're joined by Cst. Janis Carmena who continues to be off work with PTSD. Janis talks about her incident that contributed to her not being able to continue to work on the road as a police officer. Janis participated in the Tour de Rock Cancer ride in 2016 and discusses the emotional effort attached to that annual event that police have supported f…

Cst. Ryan Wilson joins us to talk about the VicPD Reserve Program. Ryan tells us what the process for applying looks like and the training that a candidate will take on. VicPD Reserves are depended on for their dedication and commitment to their community. Anyone wanting to volunteer their time with VicPD and gain valuable experience should visit t…