'We're here to stay': 2 police uniforms in Surrey starting this weekend
Surrey residents should expect to see different uniforms on police responding to calls starting this weekend in a complex transition that’s already behind schedule with many details unaddressed.
The RCMP will remain in charge of policing in Surrey under Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, but 29 officers with Chief Const. Norm Lipinski’s Surrey Police Service has begun the process of training and working alongside Mounties.
There were supposed to be 50 officers by Nov. 30 but now Lipinski says there will be only 41 by the end of the year.
“A policing transition of this magnitude is unprecedented,” he insisted. “It has required and continues to require collaboration and extensive planning between the SPS, RCMP and three levels of government.”
Edwards put residents and business owners on notice that they should expect to see both the SPS and RCMP uniform when making calls for police help over the next several months.
“Our members and our employees are committed and they’re intensely proud to serve this community,” he said. “I have full confidence they will continue to demonstrate the same professionalism as they share their experience and expertise with our SPS counterparts.”
How police files, some of which can last months or years, will be transferred between the two services is still unclear, but Lipinski pointed out there are always retirements and relocations so there is precedent for handing over long-term investigations, though many details must be worked out.
Edwards was clear that for now, the RCMP will take all calls for police service and remain the police of jurisdiction for the time being.
TWO POLICE SERVICES, ONE TAXPAYER BASE
When CTV News asked what Surrey taxpayers should take from the fact they’re now paying for two police forces whose officers are juggling an unprecedented transition in a busy city, the SPS chief was adamant that they’ll still get good service.
“It is good value for money,” said Lipinski, acknowledging there would be some duplication during the $64 million transition.
He also defended the recruitment of police officers from other jurisdictions in Metro Vancouver, 21 of which are from the VPD and raised concerns about public safety and allegations of poaching.
“I think poaching is an overstatement ...policing is a competitive recruiting business, if you will. this is a time when all agencies are looking for recruits,” said Lipinski. “Everyone has a right to apply to any job, they have a right to apply for any employment.”
Earlier this month the Victoria police department announced a whopping $20,000 signing bonus to attract senior officers.
But the public safety minister has taken SPS recruitment concerns to heart and capped the number of officers they’re able to hire from other detachments and departments.
PETITION DOWNPLAYED AS BOOTS HIT THE GROUND
When asked about a "Keep the RCMP in Surrey petition" that garnered thousands of signatures, but not enough to stop the transition, the two leaders had very different responses.
“Expressions of support for Surrey RCMP and RCMP members are very much welcome,” said Edwards, describing the petition as a morale-booster at a time that he and his members are disappointed and facing a “range of emotions.”
But Lipinski was blunt, describing the democratic process bringing the city to this point and that the SPS is “here to stay.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
BREAKING Police make arrests in grandparent scam that defrauded victims out of $739K
An interprovincial investigation into an 'emergency grandparents scam' that targeted seniors across Canada has led to the arrest of 14 suspects, Ontario Provincial Police say.
Motion to allow keffiyehs at Ontario legislature fails
A motion to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh within Queen’s Park failed to receive unanimous consent Thursday just moments after Ontario Premier Doug Ford reiterated his view that prohibiting the garment in the House is divisive.
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
Calgary man charged with manslaughter in death of toddler
Calgary police say Winston Campbell, 45, has been charged in the death of a two-year-old girl in 2022.
'Wild, wild west.' Families say organs of deceased Alabama inmates have been removed without their consent
The state Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama at Birmingham face disturbing allegations from the families of five inmates whose organs were removed and reportedly kept without consent, according to a series of lawsuits.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Juror dismissed from Trump hush money trial as prosecutors seek to hold former president in contempt
A juror in Donald Trump's hush money trial was dismissed Thursday after expressing doubt about her ability to be fair and impartial, and the status of a second New Yorker picked for the panel was in limbo amid concerns that some of his answers in court may not have been accurate.