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City councils

Surrey Council Divided on Policing Transition as Debate Continues

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Surrey council is deeply fractured over the city's decision to establish its own police force, with councillors and board members presenting starkly different views on the matter. Mayor Doug McCallum insisted that the Surrey Police Service was "a done deal," citing "overwhelming support" from the community. However, Councillor Brenda Locke questioned this assertion, pointing out that 6,000 "Keep the RCMP in Surrey" signs on lawns across the city suggest a more divided community. Locke criticized the transition process as "flawed" and "divisive," with a lack of transparency and consultation with citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • 6,000 "Keep the RCMP in Surrey" signs were placed across the city, indicating significant opposition to the policing transition.
  • Councillor Brenda Locke questioned the notion of "overwhelming support" for the Surrey Police Service, citing the evidence of community opposition.
  • The transition process was criticized as "flawed," "divisive," and lacking in transparency.
  • Councillor Stephen Pettigrew warned that the Surrey Light Rail project, another "done deal," ultimately failed.
  • The Surrey Police Service is expected to have 805 police officers, 325 civilian employees, and 20 community safety personnel.
  • The board voted to join the Canadian Association of Police Governance and the BC Association of Police Boards.
  • A police chief has yet to be hired, with recruitment finished and interviews to follow shortly.

Statistics:

  • 6,000: The number of "Keep the RCMP in Surrey" signs placed across the city.
  • 90%: The percentage of respondents who agreed with the proposition "I want a police department that is locally led" in a survey of 11,103 residents.
  • 23: The number of community "engagements" staged by the city as part of the policing transition process.
  • 805: The expected number of police officers in the Surrey Police Service.
  • 325: The expected number of civilian employees in the Surrey Police Service.
  • 20: The number of community safety personnel in the Surrey Police Service.

Sources:

  • "Surrey council debate on policing transition showcases deep divisions" - Surrey Now Leader (no date specified)
  • Terry Waterhouse, general manager of the policing transition, as reported in the Surrey Now Leader (no date specified)

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