June 1, 2023

Statement from Greater Victoria School District Board of Education Chair Nicole Duncan regarding the School Police Liaison Officer (SPLO) Program

VICTORIA, BC – On May 31, 2023, the Greater Victoria School District Board of Education passed a motion to end the SPLO Program in all of the District’s schools.

After much consultation with our learning community, the Board determined that the current SPLO Program does not best meet the needs of our students. Police are being asked to fill in gaps in student support and to take on roles that should be filled by individuals with specialized expertise, such as youth and family counsellors and social workers. Further funding is required for this specialized support, and the Board has committed to advocating for this funding from the provincial government.

There have been many positive interactions through the SPLO program, but undeniably there are some students and staff who do not feel safe with police in schools. The decision to end the program speaks to the Board’s commitment to provide trauma informed support and inclusive spaces for all students.

The Board is committed to maintaining strong relationships with local police and to clearly defining their roles within our schools. They play a key role in keeping our school communities safe during emergencies, lockdowns, and critical incidents, and we recognize their valuable contribution in this area.

This decision was not made lightly. The District solicited feedback from all members of the learning community over a number of years and took into account a wide range of opinions and lived experiences. Ultimately the decision to end the SPLO Program was driven by the Board’s goal of providing the most effective and appropriate supports to benefit all of our students.

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For more information contact:

Communications & Community Engagement
Greater Victoria School District
community@sd61.bc.ca
Office: 250.475.3212