Victoria Police Department
Home / Blog / VicPD Notifying Impacted Persons Of Privacy Breach After Officer’s Notebook Lost

VicPD Notifying Impacted Persons Of Privacy Breach After Officer’s Notebook Lost

Traffic Advisory
Date Published: 16 Feb 2023, Last Updated: 15 May 2025

Date: Thursday, February 16, 2023Victoria, BC – Officers are notifying impacted persons of a privacy breach after learning that an officer’s notebook was lost in December 2022. The lost notebook has since been recovered.In February 2023, VicPD learned that a police officer’s notebook had been lost and that contents of the notebook had been copied and were being circulated among the criminal element of Greater Victoria. VicPD leadership were notified and an investigation launched. VicPD is also aware that the information contained in the notebook has allegedly been used to conduct a criminal offence in Saanich.The initial investigation into the notebook’s loss and recovery has revealed that the notebook was lost for a five-day period in December 2022. It was not reported lost at that time. After reviewing the notebook, we identified that it contained approximately 60 names and 50 addresses within Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, and the West Shore. Each of the names in the notebook were related to a police action or investigation, and there were no names or addresses of witnesses or victims contained in the notebook.Today, officers will begin notifying persons who were identified, and those living at addresses listed in the notebook, of the information that has been shared.The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner (OPCC) and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) have also been notified.“The significant breach of privacy that has occurred is unacceptable and on behalf of VicPD, I apologize to everyone impacted,” said Chief Del Manak. “We will be asking the OPCC for an ordered external investigation and I can assure you that VicPD will fully support that investigation as we work to answer the many questions we have about these events. However, my primary concern at this time is ensuring that the people identified in the notebook are aware their information has been shared, and that they are supported in feeling safe.”In addition to being notified, residents at each address will be provided information to create a safety plan and to help ensure the safety of their residence. However, there is no indication that persons whose information was in the notebook should be concerned about additional criminal activity at this time.If you have information about this incident please call the VicPD non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654 extension 1.

-30-

Tags
public notification
Home All Posts