A new officer is taking over as the leader of the 91原创 RCMP detachment, the City and Township announced Wednesday, May 12.

Insp. Adrian Marsden is taking over as officer in charge and will be promoted to the rank of superintendent once he officially resumes his duties.

鈥淚鈥檓 thrilled to return to B.C. and humbled to have the opportunity to work with the great team of police officers and staff at the 91原创 Detachment,鈥� said Marsden. 鈥淚 look forward to settling into the community and can鈥檛 wait to start enjoying the countless benefits of living and working in the City and Township of 91原创.鈥�

The Victoria native has been an RCMP officer since 1993 and has been an investigator with the RCMP Anti-Corruption Unit, the BC RCMP Integrated Border Enforcement Team, and the Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC).

He also headed the Duncan/North Cowichan detachment鈥檚 plainclothes investigation unit and was acting officer in charge there.

Inspector Mike Bhatti has been acting officer in charge at the 91原创 RCMP since last year.

In the summer of 2020, E-Division announced that former officer in charge in 91原创, Supt. Murray Power, had been 鈥渢emporarily鈥� reassigned to the E-Division headquarters in Surrey.

There had been questions raised about RCMP overtime related to 91原创 City Mayor Val van den Broek鈥檚 Winter Wonderland Gala to benefit the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation.

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Local politicians were pleased to welcome the new incoming officer in charge.

鈥�91原创 City is looking forward to working with Insp. Marsden, who will be promoted to the rank of superintendent, and the other members of the 91原创 RCMP Detachment to keep our community safe, prevent crime, and continue to work together on other strategic priorities,鈥� said 91原创 City Councillor Teri James.

鈥淭he Township of 91原创 is extremely pleased to welcome Insp. Adrian Marsden to the 91原创 detachment,鈥� said Township Mayor Jack Froese. 鈥淭he 91原创 RCMP provide exceptional service to Township residents and we look forward to working with Adrian to support the needs of our growing community.鈥�