Victoria/Surrey – The Province is recommending the City of Surrey continue its transition to the Surrey Police Service (SPS), because it ensures public safety for people in Surrey and throughout British Columbia, while offering financial assistance to protect Surrey taxpayers.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke was adamant that the taxpayers have spoken to her and the RCMP will stay. Again, what the Province stated was a recommendation.
Statement from Chief Constable Lipinski on Provincial Recommendation for Policing in Surrey:
“Today the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General made a considered, comprehensive, and evidence-based recommendation that the transition to Surrey Police Service (SPS) move forward. We appreciate the provincial government’s endorsement of SPS.
“This is a rare opportunity to build a police service that is rooted in the principles, values and realities of today’s world, and a chance to redefine policing for Surrey. This policing transition is not about simply changing the colour of the uniform – it is about bringing a new era of policing to Surrey. Across Canada, citizens have made it clear that they want to see policing done differently – with more compassion and trauma-informed practice, and less reliance on use of force. At SPS we are seeking to go beyond the status quo of policing as we find new approaches and solutions to public safety.
“It is my hope that Council will recognize that now is the time to continue with this significant change in their policing model that will bring progressive and effective policing to the city for future generations.
“I welcome the opportunity to work with the Mayor and Council and the provincial government on the very important next steps. It is my hope that we can now come together and focus on continuing to build a modern police service for this growing and diverse city.
“To the residents of Surrey, I want you to know that you have a very dedicated and compassionate group of people at Surrey Police Service who are committed to your safety and that of your families. SPS is fully prepared and equipped to ensure safe, effective, and exceptional policing to for Surrey, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide that to the residents and businesses of Surrey.”
To read the director of police services’ report, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Police_Model_Transition_Report.pdf
The recommendation comes after a systematic report by the director of police services concerning plans put forward by the City of Surrey, RCMP and the Surrey Police Service (SPS). Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has agreed that the best way to achieve public safety in B.C., especially given the ongoing RCMP vacancy challenges, while putting this difficult time behind Surrey, is with a municipal police force.
Currently, there are approximately 1,500 RCMP vacancies throughout the province. The report states that Surrey reverting back to the RCMP would exacerbate the challenges faced by municipalities and Indigenous communities by increasing demand for officers and aggravate public-safety concerns. Filling RCMP vacancies is the responsibility of the federal government.
“Everyone deserves to be safe in their community and all British Columbians deserve secure, stable policing they can count on,” Farnworth said. “The people of Surrey are very frustrated by years of uncertainty over this debate, but we must move forward without reducing police presence when we need it the most. Now is not the time to put public safety at risk in Surrey or in any community in the province.”
The report by the director of police services details how the transition to SPS can be safely undertaken. The report also details concerns about the RCMP’s current retention and recruitment challenges and outlines potential implications on the RCMP police presence in other regions of the province if the transition is reversed.
The Province has offered financial support to the City of Surrey in the transition to a municipal police force to ensure no additional costs to Surrey residents.
Surrey Board of Trade Statement on BC Government Decision on Policing
The Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth recommended that the SPS transition should advance. The City of Surrey can transition back to RCMP but there will be extremely difficult conditions that will need to be met.
“We are disappointed that the BC Government has made this decision,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “However, with this decision, the City of Surrey can reinvigorate its public safety efforts, advocate for needed wrap-around support services to support the police service and focus on a renewed Surrey economic and jobs plan. We look forward to working with the Mayor and Council as well as the chosen police service to provide industry input on economic issues.”
The Province will provide financial support if the City chooses to transition to a municipal police force to close the chapter of confusion and uncertainty.
