First responders can't go to Victoria neighbourhood without police, chief says
CTV
A recent attack on a Victoria paramedic and the subsequent threats against cops who were called in to help mark the latest incidents of violence against local first responders, the city's police chief said in announcing emergency personnel would no longer respond to calls from a specific neighbourhood without police backup.
A recent attack on a Victoria paramedic and the subsequent threats against cops who were called in to help mark the latest incidents of violence against local first responders, the city's police chief said in announcing emergency personnel would no longer respond to calls from a specific neighbourhood without police backup.
Chief Del Manak announced the change in a statement issued on Friday, saying the attack in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue the day before was only "one piece of the trend" of increasing aggression toward first responders.
Victoria police said members of BC Emergency Health Services had been "flagged down" in the area on Thursday evening about a man needing medical attention, and he allegedly hit and kicked a paramedic who was caring for him.
The department said about 60 people then surrounded emergency responders when police arrived, noting the group "became increasingly hostile" and officers had to call for backup.
Manak's statement said firefighters and paramedics will no longer attend calls in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue without a police escort.
"Officers and other first responders have every right to feel safe during the course of their duties, and to return home safely at the end of their shift," Manak's statement reads. "It is time we send a clear message that those who put their lives on the line to protect and to serve this community deserve our respect and support. ... It is my priority that we do all that we can to prevent this trend of aggressive behaviour from continuing.
Manak warned the move will increase officers' workloads and slow down response times, but said it's necessary to curb rising tensions.
