The Saanich Police Department’s Youth Investigations Section (YIS) is comprised of 3 Constables under the command of one Sergeant. The YIS is attached to the General Investigation Section (GIS) of the Department. Constables assigned to the Youth Investigations Section are trained in all procedural aspects of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) as it applies to youth involved crime.  The primary focus of the YIS is in ensuring that the youth in Saanich are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.  The section places an emphasis on holding youth accountable for their actions.

The members in the YIS spend a considerable amount of time maintaining relations with an assortment of youth service providers in Greater Victoria.  These service providers include the Ministry for Children and Families, Youth Probation, Youth Detention Centre, Saanich School Districts, Saanich Teen Drop-In Centres, Boys and Girls Club, Youth Empowerment Society, Kiwanis Youth Shelter, and MYST (Mobile Youth Services Team).  When appropriate and necessary the members in the YIS will also work collaboratively with other area police departments.

The services provided through Restorative Justice are utilized whenever it’s deemed appropriate and according to the seriousness of the offence.  The YIS view Youth Court as the last alternative given the successes that are found in the Restorative Justice program.

The YIS will assume youth related files from the Patrol Division whenever the files require more follow-up resources than Patrol members are able to provide.  In addition, the Youth Investigations Section supports the General Investigations Section whenever a major investigation is undertaken that requires an abundance of manpower.