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Police board announces Colin Watson as new Chief Constable

Aug. 8, 2023, Abbotsford, B.C. – The Abbotsford Police Board has announced the appointment of Colin Watson as the new Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department. Chief Designate Watson will assume the role from retiring Chief Constable Mike Serr on Nov. 15, 2023.

Currently, Colin serves a Deputy Chief Constable with the Victoria Police Department where he has served for over 26 years. Deputy Chief Watson holds a Masters of Laws from Osgood Hall Law School, a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Texas, a Bachelor of Arts focusing on Criminology and Administrative Studies, and a designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. He brings with him an impressive background of policing expertise, including a comprehensive and unique range of leadership, management, and supervisory experience, both operationally and administratively.

“AbbyPD is dedicated to supporting a growing and diverse community that is safe, inclusive, and connected and I am confident that Chief Watson’s extensive experience in policing, as a practitioner and leader, along with his progressive and collaborative approach will serve the department and community well,” said Ross Siemens, City of Abbotsford Mayor and Police Board Chair.

“I am honoured to be selected to lead the highly reputable Abbotsford Police Department and serve the City of Abbotsford.” said Deputy Chief Watson. “I am excited to meet the AbbyPD staff, connect with the community, and build on the policing excellence already in place in Abbotsford. One of my objectives will be to ensure that decisions made by senior leadership serve to guide and support officers and staff working first-hand with the community.” he added.

The board began a robust search process in March for a new Chief Constable. This search was led by a third-party professional search firm and drew the attention of several candidates, provincially and nationally.