While the Community 1st Unit engages with the entire Surrey community, their focus is on building relationships with groups that have a historic distrust of police and those who may not usually be seen walking up to a policing booth at a community event. Building trust with community members of all walks of life is a critical element of effective community policing. Community 1st is committed to listening to all voices in the community, even when it might be uncomfortable for us.

What We Do 

The C1^st Unit will develop community programs, services, and targeted outreach, that will allow SPS to:

• Reduce barriers to reporting hate-motivated crimes and incidents
• Solicit ongoing community feedback to improve SPS services
• Use technology and face-to-face conversation to engage with residents, particularly those who feel uncomfortable reaching out to police via formal channels
• Deliver measurable solutions to public concerns
• Collaborate with local organizations and groups to work together to solve complex issues that impact the safety and well-being of the community
   

Our Programs and Focus Areas
 

• Club Fit Fridays: Community 1st has partnered with Special Olympics BC in Surrey to offer “Club Fit Fridays”. This weekly fitness program is led by SPS officers and designed for Special Olympics athletes to improve their health and fitness.
• Walk the Beat Wednesdays: Community 1st knows there is no better way to get to know the neighbourhood than by walking the beat. Each Wednesday, Community 1st officers hit the streets of Surrey to make connections, gather feedback, and discuss public safety concerns with business owners and residents.
• Supper for Seniors: This mobile meal delivery program is a partnership with Cloverdale Community Kitchen that allows Community 1st to connect with local seniors, many of whom are house bound.
• Officer Training: SPS officers are provided with information on the marginalized communities they serve in Surrey. Officers learn about the history some vulnerable groups have with police and how that may prevent them from trusting police or reporting crime. Strategies are shared to help officers engage in a respectful, unbiased, and supportive manner.

Community Events and Presentations

Community 1st works alongside various teams within SPS’s Community Policing Bureau to attend local events, to engage with community members of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. They also deliver presentations on various aspects of public safety to Surrey groups and organizations.