The ensemble blurs the line between security and law enforcement, say students
Photo (left) by Sage Blackwell and (right) via VicPD on X.
A subtle yet prominent change to UVic campus security’s uniforms has sparked mixed reactions from members of the university community. Campus Security (CSEC) officers are in new attire, prompting scrutiny from students who say that the officers now more closely resemble Saanich Police — making differentiation more difficult.
Previously, CSEC officers wore navy polo shirts with visible “Campus Security” lettering. The new dark tactical vests, however, feature smaller lettering.
“There have been several incidents of violence against security officers in the Greater Victoria region over the past few years,” said a UVic spokesperson in a statement emailed to the Martlet. “The university added UVic-branded protective vests to CSEC uniforms in August 2024 to help keep our security officers safe.”
The uniform change was instated just after the People’s Park encampment for Palestine in the quad de-camped, which drew heightened attention to campus security and policing on campus over the summer.
“I think it’s probably a decision to appear more intimidating … and it’s probably a response to the encampment,” said Declan, a UVic student. “Maybe indirectly, but I think those are definitely related to each other.”
Jo, another UVic student, said they “had never seen campus security” before the encampment. “I only ever saw the vehicles and the people inside were wearing plain clothes,” Jo said, “but seeing them gathered during convocation … I genuinely thought they were policemen.”
B.C. universities must comply with the Security Services Regulation, which states that security officers “[must not] wear a uniform that resembles a uniform used by police officers.”
At universities like UBC and SFU, security officers are both dressed in bright yellow vests or jackets with large lettering, a stark difference from the dark vests of UVic officers.
The UVic spokesperson explained that “most … security uniforms across the province tend to be consistent in appearance” due to provincial legislation, and that the current “CSEC uniforms comply.”
“I didn’t notice that they changed their uniforms,” said UVic student Thomas Jensen, “but I guess they are like the police officers of the campus. At least they want to be … so I guess they are choosing to look more like it now.”
The difference in roles between CSEC officers and Victoria or Saanich Police Department officers on campus is significant. The Saanich Police Department declined to comment on this issue, but a UVic spokesperson said that the university’s “officers are UVic employees who are tasked with … [keeping] our community and property safe.”
CSEC officers are not police or constables, but rather university employees with basic and advanced security training, as well as ongoing training in different areas, like mental health and de-escalation. They “are empowered to uphold many of [the] university policies and procedures,” said the spokesperson.
According to the UVic spokesperson, the new vest will give CSEC officers “better ergonomics for the equipment [the] officers carry on patrol.” The officers are unarmed and carry things like gloves, flashlights, and Naloxone.
Haley Kubian, a fourth-year UVic student, thinks that the uniform change has impacted the feeling of safety on campus.
“Why do we need people who are dressed this heavy? Are there things happening that we don’t know about?” Kubian said.
“Swapping out the dark-coloured protective vest for a brighter vest would help students quickly and accurately identify CSEC while still helping the personal safety of all officers,” said Kubian.
She explained that in an emergency, she would typically go to the police first, but now, she feels uncertain about her ability to identify them accurately and quickly. “In a real, serious emergency, I would want to go to the Saanich Police first. I think it’s just very easy to confuse the two in a scenario like that,” Kubian said.
“There’s not a distinction between the two, and that’s a little bit suspicious,” said UVic student Jo. “I’m of a privileged demographic where I don’t really have issues with the police, but I have friends who are from demographics that do. So it is uncomfortable.”
As students navigate these changes, discussions around safety, visibility, and trust will continue to shape how CSEC officers are perceived on campus.
