District of Central Saanich Councillor Sarah Riddell has been appointed to the Central Saanich Police Board, which provides civilian oversight to policing in Central Saanich. 

Mayor Ryan Windsor stepped down as Council’s appointee to the Board last month, after serving 10 years as Chair. This follows the provincial government announcing changes to the Police Act that now allow councils to appoint a councillor to sit on a police board. Previously mayors were automatically named chair of local police boards when elected. The changes were designed to make policing more fair, equitable, and responsive to all communities. 

“Working across organizations makes for a stronger community, especially for those linked as closely as the District and Police Service,” said Councillor Riddell. “I am looking forward to reflecting what I know and hear as a Councillor to the Police Service and bringing my knowledge of the planning, reporting and operations of the service back to the Council table. I believe that sitting on boards, committees and volunteering in the community is incredibly important to having the big picture and making decisions that have meaningful impacts.” 

The Central Saanich Police Board is a statutory body created under the BC Police Act. The Board provides independent civilian oversight and governance, is the employer of the Central Saanich Police Department, and works to ensure the needs of the community continue to be met and exceeded. Board members act in the best interest of the community and are independent from the police department and the municipal government.  

In addition to Councillor Riddell, other Board Members include Board Chair Jennifer Klein, Rene Johansson, Jim Rondeau, Joanne Taylor and John Wilson. 

As mandated by the BC Police Act, the Board consists of one member recommended by municipal council and up to seven members of the community. All members, except the Chair, are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a term of three years. Board members are chosen to reflect the diversity of the community.  

Police Board meetings are open to the public and are held in the District of Central Saanich Council Chambers on the second Thursday of each month (excluding July and August). Meetings begin at 4:30 p.m.