SURREY – Starting November 29, 2024, Surrey Police Service (SPS) will officially take over as the City of Surrey’s police of jurisdiction, marking a significant milestone in the city’s policing transition. The B.C. RCMP, serving as the provincial police force, will continue to operate in Surrey temporarily, providing transitional support until the process is fully complete. Both agencies will work together under a temporary collaborative arrangement to ensure a smooth shift.
“Since the fall of 2021, we have been gradually introducing Surrey Police Service officers and vehicles to the community so residents and business owners can get to know SPS, and we can get to know them,” said Chief Constable Norm Lipinski of the Surrey Police Service. “The change in Surrey’s police of jurisdiction on November 29th is the next phase of this transition, and SPS is excited and honoured to serve as Surrey’s new police service.”
During the transition, residents will continue to see both SPS and RCMP officers in the city, ensuring public safety and smooth operations. This collaborative effort will help maintain clear communication with the community and protect the integrity of ongoing investigations. For residents, the process of contacting police or visiting a police station will remain the same throughout the transition.
Assistant Commissioner John Brewer of the BC RCMP emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment: “The RCMP has proudly served the City of Surrey since 1951, and we remain dedicated to a transition that prioritizes public and officer safety. We will ensure certainty for our Surrey members as we shift to a provincial support role with specific responsibilities. Significant work is underway, and the RCMP will continue to provide policing services to Surrey’s citizens during this period.”
The transition will be complete once all policing duties are fully assumed by SPS officers.