Two reports have now been submitted to the Province of British Columbia to detail the ability of Surrey Police Service (SPS) to police Surrey safely and effectively, and to achieve the requirements to become the police of jurisdiction for Surrey in 2023. 

Both reports were submitted to the Province’s Policing and Security Branch on December 22, 2022. They will be used to help inform the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General’s decision on the future of Surrey’s policing transition, which is anticipated in early 2023. 

The first report, Surrey Police Service: The Future of Public Safety in Surrey, was submitted by SPS and the Surrey Police Board. It details why it is in the best interest of Surrey residents and of policing in British Columbia to continue with the transition to a locally accountable municipal police service. 

The rationale provided in the report, which is publicly available on the SPS website, includes SPS’s proven ability to recruit and retain officers, the challenges in terminating the employment of 375 employees and dissolving two unions, the current operational capacity of SPS, and the overall benefit of SPS to policing across the province. 

“This report clearly articulates the benefits that Surrey Police Service will provide both to Surrey and to policing across BC,” says Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “As the provincial government looks to modernize policing in this province, SPS’s governance, community policing model, and modern police culture are all in alignment with the recommendations made by the all-party Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act.” 

The second report, Surrey Police Service Policing Transition Progress Report, was submitted by SPS at the request of the Director of Police Services. It provides a comprehensive update on the status of SPS’s work relating to the provincial requirements that must be achieved in order for SPS to assume police of jurisdiction in Surrey. This 155-page report contains detailed operational and personnel information and therefore cannot be released publicly at this time, without consultation with the Province.  

“We’re not just replacing one police agency with another. We are building an innovative, forward-looking police service that is victim-focused, trauma informed, accountable, transparent in our policies and complaint processes, and compassionate and caring for our employees and those in the community,” says Chief Lipinski. “A provincial decision to continue with this policing transition will provide the certainty required for our modernized, community-based policing model to move forward for Surrey residents.” 

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Chief Norm Lipinski be available for interviews on Thursday, December 22nd between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Please contact Ian MacDonald to arrange interviews.