Victoria’s police service is understaffed as the city deals with an out-sized homelessness problem, according to the new chief of police.

In her first address to city council Thursday after three weeks on the job, Fiona Wilson didn’t hold back when asked her impressions of the city.

Wilson, who replaced retiring former chief Del Manak in September, said while she has been impressed with the department’s personnel, there just aren’t enough of them.

“I suspect we are woefully understaffed,” she said. “Unfortunately, I’m late to the game for this budget season, but I will be trying to address it in the next budget.”

Wilson said staffing numbers have not kept pace with population growth, or the change in complexity in policing, noting the city has a disproportionate problem with street dis

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