Saanich Police Historical Society

09/04/2026

A new temporary display at Saanich Police headquarters honours the Saanich (formerly Greater Victoria Integrated) Police Dive Unit. It was formed in 1979 and disbanded earlier this year.

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The SPD Dive Team proudly served Saanich Police and the community since 1979. Originally established as an integrated team with the Victoria Police Department, it grew into a longstanding and respected specialty unit within our organization. For 46 years, dedicated officers have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage, and commitment in responding to challenging and often difficult situations. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on both our department and the community we serve.

The mission of the Dive Team was to:
-respond and assist with preserving evidence located under water, recovery of drowning victims, vehicles, watercraft or other physical evidence
-Search and recovery of lost or missing persons
-Assist with water-related emergencies and/or disasters in partnership with other agencies
-Provide an active presence in readiness for an anticipated marine emergency or water-related investigation

The qualifications were rigorous. Prospective members of the Dive Team were required to hold an open water scuba certification, were tested in their swimming, treading water, diver-swimmer tow skills, and an endurance run. If selected, they would attend a five-week-long commercial scuba course.

In 2025, a review of the team led to its disbandment in 2026. SPD was the only police department in British Columbia that maintained a standalone Dive Team. Saanich will rely on the BC RCMP Underwater Recovery Team for underwater recovery and dive-related operations going forward.

08/12/2026

Bill is also a dedicated member of our board. Thank you, Bill

06/20/2026

05/31/2026

Our cars are on display today during the English Car Club Show at thanks to volunteers from who will also be on hand to show you our police station museum exhibit. Show is on until 2pm today, Sunday May 31st.

02/08/2026

The current and Saanich Fire Department headquarters originally opened on August 3, 1962

While many renovations and additions have altered the building over the years, the first being as early as 1970, most of the original building remains. One can still see the brass fire poles and cell bars that were proudly unveiled in a ceremony which included a ribbon cutting. The "police court", however is no longer there and the courtroom is home to the Community Engagement Division.

The Victoria Daily Times reported:

"Dignitaries stood in drizzling rain Friday afternoon as the new Saanich police and fire building was officially opened.

"George Chatterton, member of parliament for Esquimalt. Saanich, cut the ribbon across the main doors of the $300,000 building as reeves, mayors, aldermen, police chiefs and magistrates watched from the broad terrace of the modern building.

""This is just one of the steps that will be taken to move the municipality forward," he said

"Traditional brass poles for firemen untraditionally padded at the bottom with foam rubber contrast with teak-panelled offices and the latest thing in cells.

"Alarm room has the only automatic tape-recording sys tem west of Winnipeg, a device which records all emergency phone or radio calls on wee a non-erasable belt recording.

"Outlying-departments are connected by an electronic system to the central alarm room.

Photos courtesy District of Saanich Archives,

12/17/2025

In 1973, a routine call turned into a life-threatening confrontation, and former Auxiliary Constable Graeme Henderson stepped in, saving a fellow officer’s life. More than 50 years later, his heroic actions have been recognized with the Chief Constable’s Citizen’s Award of Valour.
More info: https://ow.ly/g1sq50XKBpn