Oak Bay names region’s first female police chief
Julie Chanin has been named as Oak Bay’s new police chief, making her the first woman to ever fill that role in Greater Victoria.
The Oak Bay Police Board announced her appointment with the 24-officer department last week.
Chanin, who turns 52 in April, became the region’s first female deputy chief when she was named to the position in April 2022.
She will start her new job on June 1, replacing current Police Chief Mark Fisher, who announced his retirement this month.
Fisher’s retirement after a 33-year policing career takes effect May 31.
Chanin has 24 years in policing, including 13 years with Oak Bay after previous stints with West Shore RCMP and Port McNeill RCMP.
“The Oak Bay Police Department has a long history of community policing and I look forward to continuing the work of so many in making Oak Bay a safer community, together,” Chanin said. “I am honoured to begin my role as chief constable and fortunate to have a dedicated team of police officers, staff and volunteers all committed to serving the community of Oak Bay.”
Fisher has said the commitment to community policing can be seen with the attention given to bike and foot patrols, and with monthly “coffee with a cop” sessions for the public.
Chanin said that being the first female police chief in the region is “a sign of natural progression.”
“And also, I think, a lot of hard work and some barriers being removed by supportive leaders in the policing world.”
“As a result, an opportunity presented itself and I was able to take advantage of that.”