Surrey, June 13, 2024 – In a statement at Monday’s Regular Council meeting, Surrey Mayor expressed reservations about the ongoing transition from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service, despite acknowledging the judicial review’s decision to proceed. The Mayor emphasized that the provincially mandated transition may not align with the best interests of Surrey’s residents and taxpayers.
“We are in the infancy stages of this transition. To ensure there is transparency and checks on spending, I have taken the following actions,” the Mayor stated.
To address these concerns, Mayor Brenda Locke announced the formation of a team of experts, assembled by the City Manager, to collaborate with the provincial and federal governments, as well as the Surrey Police Service/Board and the RCMP. This team will evaluate the progress made thus far to ensure that the city’s best interests are prioritized during the transition.
Furthermore, Mayor Locke has directed City staff to provide regular updates before Public Hearings. These sessions will include a comprehensive Corporate Report and opportunities for Council members to question the process. Importantly, these hearings will be open to the public to maintain transparency and accountability.
The Mayor’s initiative aims to foster open communication and thorough oversight as Surrey navigates this significant change in its policing framework.