After four years of working patrol in Central Saanich, Corporal Wes Penny is taking over as the new Community Services Officer for the Central Saanich Police Service later this month.
Penny, who has been with the CSPS for five years as of this coming spring, said he’s looking forward to assuming the role that was recently vacated by Corporal Janis Jean, who retired at the end of November.
“It will be very interesting taking on this new role,” said Penny.
“I’m looking forward to it because it will be a totally different aspect of policing but I know I have big shoes to fill,” he laughed.
“I will have Janis on speed dial for sure.”
Penny came from the Victoria Police Department in 2008 where he worked for 19 years, working a patrol beat.
During his time with Vic PD, Penny worked as a liaison officer at Esquimalt High School, a D.A.R.E instructor (Drug Abuse and Resistance Education) and even a police dog handler for six years.
And although he was used to the faster-paced policing of a bigger department, he said he’s been enjoying his time in Central Saanich.
“This is a great community and it’s nice to be in a place where the residents are so involved and interested in what’s going on,” said Penny.
The corporal’s plans plans in taking over the Community Services Officer role include connecting more with businesses in the community and making the CSPS more accessible to residents.
“Even just getting out and walking the beat, meeting residents and business owners,” he said. “I think that it’s important to be visible in the community.”
Penny’s new role will see him on the road less but spending more time managing things like media relations and the service’s E-Alert system.
Penny will also assume the role of managing community programs like the volunteer-based Brentwood Bay Community Police Office and the CSPS Block Watch program.
Penny assumes the role at the end of December and can be reached at 250-652-4441.