Surrey Board of Trade Pleased with Final Decision to Retain the Surrey RCMP as Surrey’s Public Safety Infrastructure
Today, Mayor Brenda Locke delivered a press conference on the policing situation in Surrey. This press conference followed a two-hour closed meeting held at City Hall yesterday.
The City of Surrey announced their final decision to retain the Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction.
“The Surrey Board of Trade is pleased with the final decision to retain the Surrey RCMP as Surrey’s public safety infrastructure,” said Anita Huberman, President & CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “Now we must work in a cooperative, professional and respectful way to focus on moving forward and paying proactive attention to other important economic and infrastructure priorities.”
The next steps will be critical for Surrey.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure the transition back is efficient so that the business community can receive the best public safety service possible.”
Surrey council will work with the Surrey Police Board, the Province, the Surrey Police Service, and the RCMP to retain the Surrey RCMP as the police of jurisdiction. The requirements outlined by the government to retain the RCMP as police of jurisdiction will be met by the staff.
The cost of rolling the transition back will be provided at a later date.
Details:
1. Council held a vote yesterday with the outcome of retaining the RCMP as the police of jurisdiction
2. A non disclosure agreement was signed with province, allowing council to review the ministry report and requirements
3. Staff will create a report
4. Council examined both sides; the impacts of continuing with the transition were significant
5. Politicians and police leaders must commit to supporting police officers on the streets of this city
6. Minister Farnworth’s conditions will be met but require cooperation of the Province to do so
7. The Mayor spoke with the Premier and Minister Farnworth and confirmed they will cooperate
8. The RCMP will meet the obligations that the dissolution of Surrey Police Service places upon them
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Anita Huberman, 604-634-0342, anita@businessinsurrey.com
