The mediator tasked with reviewing the tense relationship between Victoria police and Esquimalt has submitted her report to the province, which means the decision is once again in the hands of the Solicitor General. Jean Greatbatch, a human resources professional, collected information both sides and handed the report over to the province's police services division on Jan. 30.

Solicitor General Shirley Bond will review the report and eventually make a decision on whether Esquimalt is best served by Victoria police or the Mounties. A ministry spokeswoman said the report will be made public, but could not say when.

The decision of who will police Esquimalt has dragged on since June 2010, when the Esquimalt advisory panel submitted its report endorsing the RCMP's proposal for a standalone detachment for the community of 17,000. Bond found significant gaps in that report in relation to human resources, labour relations, financing and contractual issues. She asked Esquimalt to do more research.

Esquimalt has been unhappy with policing in the community since its forced marriage with Victoria police in 2003.