Saanich Police Unveil New Official Crest

In late 2020, the Saanich Police Department’s (SPD) Committee for Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education initiated a project to design a new police-specific crest. Historically, SPD has used the District of Saanich’s Coat of Arms as our crest. The Committee felt it was important to have Indigenous representation in a crest worn by Saanich Police officers that reflects that the District of Saanich lies within the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən peoples.

In August 2021 the Committee sought and obtained permission from the Canadian Heraldic Authority to proceed with the design and began consulting with the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council to commission an artist and establish protocols.

The design process began in 2022 with W̱SÁNEĆ artist Tom LaFortune proposing that a raven be the central element of the new crest. The committee commissioned W̱SÁNEĆ artist Douglas “Bear” Horne to illustrate the raven.

At the same time lək̓ʷəŋən artist Clarence “Butch” Dick was commissioned to illustrate the other Indigenous element chosen for the crest, the two maple leaves.

In Indigenous cultures, the raven is both a skilled communicator and guardian. On the SPD crest, the raven embodies our approach to community-based policing, building positive relationships and trust between communities through inclusiveness, transparency, and open communication.

Underneath the raven, twin green peaks represent two of Saanich’s regional landmarks—Mount Douglas Park (PKOLS) and Mount Tolmie. And at the bottom of the crest, two Indigenous maple leaves flank a dogwood flower, symbolizing the two traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ and lək̓ʷəŋən peoples on which Saanich was founded. British Columbia is represented by the dogwood flower, while the laurel of maple leaves represents Canada.

The Canadian Royal Crown symbolizes the Saanich Police Department’s commitment to the administration of justice.

The new Saanich Police Department crest was approved in late 2024.

Chief Constable Dean Duthie

“I want to extend my gratitude and sincere appreciation to the artists, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, and all the members of our Committee for Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education for their passion and dedication to this project. A police crest is integral to the identity of our culture and organization. When people see our new crest, I want them to immediately associate it with professionalism, safety, and trust. I am proud of the steps we’ve taken to modernize and evolve as a police department, and I believe this crest truly reflects our values, vision, and the community we serve.”