Letter from District of Saanich Mayor D. Murdock re: School District 61 Police School Liaison Officers

RE: SCHOOL DISTRICT 61 POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS

On March 11th, 2024, Saanich Council passed the following motion:

That Council request the Mayor to write to the Chair of the Board of Education for School District 61 requesting reinstatement of the Police School Liaison Officers and that the letter be copied to the appropriate Provincial bodies, other School District 61 school hosting municipalities and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.

Safety for students and young people is a priority for everyone in our community. Council has heard from many concerned parents that they would like to see the return of the school liaison officer program in the Greater Victoria School District.

We recognize the sensitivity of the program for some students and families. Their concerns must be managed with respect and care. Council encourages the Board of Education to consider modifications to the program that address those concerns and ensures the safety of all students.

We know that the Board has to consider a lot of factors when it comes to school safety. Council requests that the Board give consideration to implementing a modified version of the school liaison program.

We appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Dean Murdock Mayor

cc:

• Mayor Marianne Alto and Victoria City Council
• Mayor Barb Desjardins and Esquimalt Council
• Mayor Kevin Murdoch and Oak Bay Council
• Mayor Sid Tobias and View Royal Council
• Honourable Rachna Singh, Minister of Education
• Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
• Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
• Honourable Rob Flemming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
• Honourable Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
• Chief Ron Sam and Songhees Nation Council
• Chief Jerome Thomas and Esquimalt Nation Council