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Victoria Police Department

Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 530

Arms of the Victoria Police Department

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Blazon

Arms

Per chevron reversed Gules and Azure, a chevron reversed between in chief a wolf couchant in the Coast Salish style and in base a trident head issuant from the base Argent;

Crest

A demi-cougar Or issuant from a coronet vallary Azure;

Supporters

Two horses saddled and bridled standing on a grassy mount proper;

Motto

HONOUR THROUGH SERVICE;


Symbolism

Arms

The colours and the chevron are from the arms of the City of Victoria. The depiction of the wolf, based on a design by local artist Butch Dick, honours the region’s original inhabitants. The trident, a maritime symbol, is found in the badge of the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island (1849-1866), the government under which the first Commissioner of Police for Victoria was appointed, as well as in the crest of the District of Esquimalt, which is also in the jurisdiction of the Victoria Police Department.

Crest

The cougar, an agile and strong animal, is indigenous to Vancouver Island. The coronet vallary is associated with policing.

Supporters

Horses are animals used by mounted police officers and were the earliest mode of transportation for police in Victoria.

Motto

The motto reflects the ethical standard to be achieved in the police’s service to the community.