Robert Downie

Bob Downie came to Camosun College as a term instructor in the Management and HR Leadership department of the School of Business in fall of 2019, moving to a continuing position in 2021.  Prior to Camosun Bob enjoyed a long career with the Saanich Police, including spending the last five years of service as the chief constable.  While much of his career was focused on operational policing, Bob spent more than 20 years in management roles and brings that experience to Camosun.  This includes experience in leadership, organizational change, research and strategic planning, organizational values and culture, labour and employment, improving professionalism, and many other aspects of management.

Bob is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal and was invested as an Officer in the Order of Merit for Police Forces by then Governor General of Canada David Johnston. Both were in recognition for the work Bob has done to improve the professionalism of policing at the provincial and national levels.

Bob earned his Master of Arts degree from Royal Roads university in 2003, focusing on Leadership and Training.  While in policing Bob performed in many instructional roles throughout his career.  He has presented to local, provincial, national and international audiences on topics such as professionalism in policing, organizational culture and values, and evidence-based research requirements. 

Locally, Bob worked with Leadership Victoria for several years developing and delivering leadership training to aspiring community leaders, has worked as associate faculty with RRU supervising student research projects in the Master of Arts in Leadership program, and instructed for the Justice Institute of British Columbia in both the Law Enforcement Studies Diploma and the Bachelor of Law Enforcement Studies programs.