In a move to bolster its ranks, the Victoria Police Department has welcomed back a recently retired officer. Constable Sean Millard has rejoined the force after a brief retirement, a decision driven by an ongoing staffing shortage within the department.
Addressing the Personnel Gap
The return of Constable Millard was confirmed on December 31, 2025. VicPD Chief Fiona Wilson was photographed with the returning officer, highlighting the department's proactive approach to managing its human resources. While the specific details of the staffing challenges were not fully disclosed, the decision to call upon a retired member underscores the pressures facing police services in recruiting and retaining qualified personnel.
Experience Back on the Beat
Constable Sean Millard brings his considerable experience back to the streets of Victoria. His return provides immediate relief and operational support without the lengthy training period required for a new recruit. This strategy of re-engaging former officers is one that several Canadian police services have considered or implemented to maintain service levels amid workforce pressures.
The reunion signifies more than just filling a vacancy; it represents the reinstatement of institutional knowledge and proven community policing skills. For Chief Wilson, having seasoned officers like Millard choose to return is a positive reflection on the department's culture and a practical solution to a complex problem.
A Sign of Broader Challenges
This development in Victoria points to wider issues within law enforcement staffing across the country. Police departments are competing in a tight labor market and facing retirements from an aging cohort of officers. The return of a retired member is a direct, though likely temporary, response to these systemic challenges.
The Victoria Police Department has not indicated whether this is part of a broader program to rehire retirees or a singular case. However, it demonstrates a flexible approach to ensuring public safety resources are maintained for the community of Victoria, British Columbia.
