- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
Victoria Police Department
Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 530
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
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;
Badge
The shield of the Arms of the Victoria Police Department encircled by an annulus Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto, all within a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a Pacific dogwood flower and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper;
Flag
Azure the Badge of the Victoria Police Department cantoned by maple leaves, sprigs of Garry oak and camas flowers Or;
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.
Badge
This is the standard pattern of a municipal police badge in Canada. The central device and motto indicate local identity, the maple leaves Canada, and the dogwood flower British Columbia. The Royal Crown is a special symbol authorized by The Queen to indicate the role of the Department’s officers to uphold the Crown’s laws.
Flag
Garry oaks and camas flowers are found in the Victoria area.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 26, 2011, in Volume 145, page 1075 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Constable Jonathan Sheldan and Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Service