Abbotsford Police Department names new chief
Posted August 8, 2023 8:15 pm.
The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) has named Colin Watson as its next chief constable — a role he’ll take over on November 15.
The Abbotsford Police Board is announcing the appointment of Colin Watson as the new Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department, assuming the role from retiring Chief Constable Mike Serr on November 15, 2023.
Read the full release here: https://t.co/FDfmrEEsbA pic.twitter.com/lmzEZgoPAN
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) August 8, 2023
Watson has served with the Victoria Police Department for the last 26 years — most recently as a Deputy Chief Constable — and he’ll assume his new role in Abbotsford after Chief Constable Mike Serr’s retirement.
“I am excited to meet the Abby PD staff, connect with the community, and build on the policing excellence already in place,” said Watson in a statement.
“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.”
The search for a new chief began in March with help from a third-party search firm. AbbyPD says the search “drew the attention of several candidates, provincially and nationally.”
The Abbotsford Police Board says Watson brings an impressive background of policing expertise, including a Masters of Laws from Osgood Hall Law School, and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Texas.
City of Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens adds that he’s “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.”
