Victoria police chief reflects on his decade-long career 

The City of Victoria is recognizing the achievements of its police chief, Del Manak, who is hanging up his badge after nearly a decade as the city’s top cop.

“It’s such a journey,” Manak said, “It’s a leadership journey and it takes a lot of time, effort and energy to get there, but I’ve been extremely grateful, and I’m humbled to be the chief of the department and retiring after 35 years of service.”

Del Manak Day has been declared for Aug. 27 to mark his contributions and celebrate his last day in command.  

“This Del Manak Day, really, I share it with all of my people because they all have helped us get where we’re at, and that’s just — it’s amazing.”

Manak first began his journey with the Victoria Police Department almost 26 years ago. He was appointed the city’s police chief in 2017, making headlines for becoming the first person of colour to achieve the rank.

“Since this police department was founded in 1858, I’m the first chief of colour. It’s a milestone and so it’s been a tremendous honour, but not something that I’ve taken lightly,” Manak said.

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Manak’s father immigrated from Singapore and the rest of his family from Punjab, India, in the 1950s. As a proud Sikh, Manak said the values he learned from Sikhi have shaped his calling to serve.

“By being at the Gurdwara and really learning about the tenets of our gurus, what they meant, you save our selfless service, living a life with humility, always giving back and also standing up for people’s rights, really drew me into a career in policing.”

Manak said he has pushed for reforms in courts and the justice system, adding that stronger laws are needed to keep communities safe.

“There has to be severe consequences and a deterrence to stop you from continuing on with your criminality, and until we have that in the criminal justice system, you’re going to have police departments that are going to be less effective because we are one part of the overall criminal justice.”

Manak is urging the province to act on homelessness and drug addiction, which remain urgent challenges in Victoria.

“I’ve been advocating to the province for years now on involuntary care or secured care. There are individuals in our community who have lost the ability to have healthy insight, but they’re struggling,” Manak said.

Fiona Wilson will become the new Victoria Police Chief and take over at the change-of-command ceremony at Government House.

“She’s going to be able to take the Victoria Police Department to the next level from what I’ve done, and I will tell you, from the sidelines, I’ll be her biggest cheerleader and a big cheerleader for the Victoria Police Department,” Manak said.