'It’s time they made a decision': Surrey residents losing patience over policing problem
CTV
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke released multiple videos on social media this week in support of keeping the RCMP as the city's police of jurisdiction.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke released multiple videos on social media this week in support of keeping the RCMP as the city's police of jurisdiction.
"The RCMP statistics show crime has been trending down over the past 10 years," said Locke in one of her videos, which also targeted the municipal Surrey Police Service (SPS).
“SPS needs more than 550 officers to be deployed to reach full strength, while the RCMP needs just 170,” said Locke.
An SPS spokesperson sent a statement to CTV News.
“The only numbers that actually matter are those validated and verified by the province,” said Ian MacDonald, SPS spokesperson. "We await the ultimate decision from the provincial government that will determine the future of policing for this community."
In June, Surrey City Council sent a report to the province expressing its support and detailing its plan to keep the RCMP in Surrey while stopping the transition to the SPS.
“I must be satisfied that the City of Surrey’s plan will ensure effective and adequate policing is maintained in Surrey and throughout the province," said B.C. Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. "Once staff have reviewed the city’s report, I will be able to determine if the plan achieves this objective."
