Surrey Police Service to Replace RCMP as City's Police Force in November 2024

The British Columbia government sets date for the Surrey Police Service (SPS) to replace the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction in Surrey on November 29, 2024. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth stated that this transition, which is expected to take two to two and a half years to complete, is a major milestone in Surrey's multi-year police transition saga.

The decision to set date for service to take over was made after careful consideration of public safety, the progress completed to date, and the significant work underway to finalize the transition. The RCMP will continue to provide support to the SPS until the transition is finalized, with both agencies working together under a temporary operational cooperation and assistance arrangement.

However, the move has faced criticism from Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, who accused Farnworth of having a "vendetta" against Surrey residents. "The minister is obsessed with forcing this transition through at any cost," Locke said. "There has never been a feasibility study or a cost analysis done on this transition."

The city is challenging the provincial transition order in the B.C. Supreme Court, arguing that the change in the Police Act places limits on voters' freedom of expression. Farnworth stated that the results of the litigation would not affect the transition, as the government sets date by which Surrey will be policed by the Surrey Police Service.

Why this matters: The transition from the RCMP to a municipal police force in Surrey, B.C.'s second-largest city, has significant implications for public safety and governance. The contentious process highlights the complex dynamics between provincial and municipal authorities in determining policing arrangements.

As of April 2024, the Surrey Police Service has 428 staff, including 367 sworn officers. Hiring is expected to ramp up in preparation for the November 2024 transition date. Once the SPS assumes jurisdiction, the Surrey RCMP will cease providing municipal policing services, and any required RCMP support will be provided by the provincial police service.

Key Takeaways

• BC sets Nov 29, 2024 for Surrey Police to replace RCMP, a 2-2.5 year transition.
• Transition faces criticism from Surrey Mayor Locke, who argues no feasibility study.
• City challenges transition order in court, but government says it won't affect timeline.
• Surrey Police Service has 428 staff, including 367 officers, as of April 2024.
• RCMP will cease municipal policing in Surrey, providing only provincial support after transition.