October 30, 2025
On October 14, 2025, the Saanich Police Board elected Jim Cambridge as Chair and Shelley Allan as Vice Chair. This marks a shift in governance as the role of Chair has historically been held by the Mayor of Saanich.
Changes to the Police Act in April 2024 now allow Police Boards to elect their own Chair and Vice Chair. Under the revised legislation, municipal councils continue to appoint a member of council to serve on the board. Mayor Dean Murdock will remain on the Saanich Police Board as the council-appointed representative.
For more information about the Saanich Police Board and it’s member’s, please visit https://saanichpolice.ca/our-organization/saanich-police-board/.
Quotes:
“I would like to acknowledge the incredible leadership and guidance that Mayor Dean Murdock has brought to the Saanich Police Board over the last three years. His steady hand and thoughtful guidance have helped the Board grow into its present form of nine committed, talented, and thoughtful community members providing leadership through governance that reflects the values of Saanich. I especially appreciate that Mayor Murdock has agreed to remain on the Board as Council’s elected representative.
Policing is growing more complex each year; changing community expectations, fiscal responsibility, and operational challenges are a few of the issues the Saanich Police Board is facing. Perhaps now more than ever, civilian oversight and governance are crucial in maintaining confidence in public safety. I look forward to working with an energetic and committed Board.”
– Jim Cambridge, Saanich Police Board Chair
“I am delighted to see Jim step into the chair’s role with support from Shelley in the vice chair’s role. Their combined experience, skills, and expertise provide our nine-member Board with the leadership and direction to be highly effective. We are in good hands with their leadership.”
– Mayor Dean Murdock
“I would like to congratulate Jim Cambridge on his election as Chair of the Saanich Police Board. Since joining in 2022, Jim has proven an invaluable addition, bringing extensive leadership experience, understanding, and compassion to the governance and oversight of our work.”
“I also want to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to former chair Mayor Dean Murdock, for his leadership, support and genuine interest in the wellbeing of all our staff who report for duty every day and night to keep Saanich safe. He has consistently demonstrated his deep understanding of the values and priorities that guide our service to the people of Saanich. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role as a council appointed member.”
– Chief Constable Dean Duthie.