The Saanich Police Crest

Since 1906, the Saanich Police Department (SPD) has used the Municipal Seal followed by the District Coat of Arms, as the official symbol of our organization. In 2020, we proposed a redesign of our crest to better reflect our commitment to the community we serve. Our vision was to showcase our values-based approach to community policing, and to honour the lək’wəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples, whose traditional territories extend throughout the District of Saanich.

As part of the process, SPD consulted the WSÁNEĆ Leadership Council and followed their art protocol to identify a WSÁNEĆ artist in the community. We then collaborated on the design with Douglas “Bear” Horne, the WSÁNEĆ artist who illustrated the raven, and Clarence “Butch” Dick, a lək’wəŋən artist, who illustrated the maple leaves. Tom LaFortune proposed the figure of the raven for the central element in the shield. The Canadian Heraldic Authority provided guidance and oversight throughout the process, which resulted in our new crest being approved in 2024.

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. At the bottom of the crest, two Indigenous maple leaves flank a dogwood flower, symbolizing the two traditional territories on which Saanich was founded. British Columbia is represented by the dogwood flower, while the laurel of maple leaves represents Canada.

The motto “Serving the People”, which appeared in Latin on SPD’s previous Coat of Arms, has been translated into English to make its meaning more accessible. The Canadian Royal Crown at the top of the crest, which was developed in 2023, symbolizes the Saanich Police Department’s commitment to the administration of justice.

Our new crest symbolizes the core values of Saanich Police Department and our unwavering commitment to ethical, accountable, and professional public safety services.