Victoria police's governing body has extended Chief Del Manak's contract until this time next year as it starts the search for his replacement.
The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board announced a nationwide search for its new chief after Manak's term was extended until Aug. 31, 2025.
“This is a critical time in the evolution of police services, and the Victoria Police Department faces both unique and general challenges. I am proud to continue leading our department and serving our communities as the board takes the time they need to conduct a thorough selection process,” Manak said in a news release.
Manak assumed the official position of chief in 2017, following a short stint as interim leader.
Recent amendments to the provincial Police Act have allowed the board to appoint its first chairperson who is not a mayor of Victoria or Esquimalt. Previously, regulations mandated that one of these mayors lead the governing body, a requirement that presented certain difficulties.
Barb Desjardins, the outgoing board co-chair and mayor of Esquimalt, noted that simultaneously wearing both hats was often problematic, especially when dealing with budgetary matters.
"That can be a real problem when you sit at two different tables and have very different discussions going on," she told reporters on Wednesday (Aug. 21).
Desjardins said moving to a citizen chair is a 'great change' as she highlighted how the board has long pushed for not having the mayors serve as chair.
Micayla Hayes was elected as the new chair at the board's Aug. 20 meeting. Hayes has been on the board since 2021 as a provincial appointee and served as vice-chair for the last 10 months.
"This is a great opportunity for our board and a great time to look at a new version of governance," the new chair told reporters.
Hayes, a business owner with a background in criminology, said in the news release that choosing a new chief will be one of the most important decisions the police board will ever make.
With one year left, Manak said he'll be putting VicPD members at the forefront as they face complex challenges. He also noted adjustments at the department as Victoria's Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan is implemented. That plan, spurred by Mayor Marianne Alto, is set to go before council soon.
"It's important for the police department to be along on that journey, to be able to work with the city and to address some of the chronic issues we are seeing in our streets," Manak said.
Another focus during the remainder of his tenure will be working with Esquimalt as the township explores a different policing model, the chief said.
