Surrey’s Say on Policing

Here's what we've learned so far about Mayor McCallum's new budget. Is now really the time for big tax increases?

"Surrey’s police transition will cost at least 40% more than previously planned after city officials tacked on an additional $18.5 million to their latest estimate in the proposed 2021 operating budget."

"Tammy Ritchie, president of the West Panorama Ridge Ratepayers Association, said there has been a lack of services and a lack of accountability, and she doesn’t see that changing with the new budget. She believes money is being directed to the new police force at the expense of other services, and she and others will pay the price."

Surrey city councillors are rightly pushing back against Mayor McCallum's plan to hose regular Surrey families with a massive tax increase in the middle of a global pandemic.

Imposing a tax increase of at least 8% at a time when COVID-19 is spreading at an alarming rate, is shockingly irresponsible and out-of-touch with Surrey families. Full statement:

READ: It’s time for Surrey to be heard. We need a referendum to keep the RCMP in Surrey. Sign the petition if you agree! https://www.cloverdalereporter.com//opinion-its-time-for-/

Incredibly proud of the 25 Surrey RCMP officers who have been named to Alexa’s Team this year. Alexa’s Team was launched in 2008 after four-year-old Alexa Middelar tragically lost her life to a drunk driver. Members of Alexa’s Team demonstrate extraordinary commitment to removing impaired drivers from our roads. Shout out in particular to Constable Mark Goh who topped the list with 53 impaired driving investigations last year. Our Surrey RCMP officers are committed to keeping communities safe.

We've been ringing the alarm bell for months about the sham process to hire a Chief Constable in Surrey. This new sworn affidavit being reported in the media includes new and disturbing evidence that Surrey has not taken appropriate or thorough steps to prepare for this transition, and that this process is being run directly by the Mayor and his political friends. This new affidavit raises serious concerns about the role of the Surrey Police Board, including whether the new C...hief Constable is being selected by the Board, or whether the decision was pre-determined by the Mayor and political allies close to him. Surrey ran a two-week national recruitment application period for this important and most senior position, which is woefully inadequate when compared to the process in other major urban centres in Canada and the United States.

In case you missed it: Surrey City Councillors and community leaders agree. Mayor McCallum’s reckless police transition plan must be stopped. https://vancouversun.com//vaughn-palmer-liberals-have-give

SIGN THE LETTER Surrey is rushing a costly, unsafe, and unpopular police transition plan that will put your safety at risk with unknown taxpayer costs in the middle of a global pandemic. Take action now by sending a letter to your local provincial candidates and other decision-makers demanding a referendum to keep the RCMP in Surrey.

Thankful that BC NDP leader John Horgan took time to speak with concerned citizens in Surrey this week. Surrey residents deserve to have their say on Mayor McCallum’s costly and unpopular police transition plan. We’re calling on John Horgan and all provincial candidates to support a referendum on keeping the RCMP in Surrey.

With a snap B.C. election called for Oct. 24 and Surrey having enough MLAs to determine the outcome, it’s finally time for Surrey to be heard.

The whole process should be paused, said Councillor Locke, citing reasons such as pending reform of the Police Act, costs to citizens, a lack of transparency and the potential of having Lower Mainland police forces face officer shortages as the Surrey Police Department poaches from its neighbours resulting in a risk to public safety, thus jeopardizing the Solicitor General’s primary mandate. And, Locke added, the province should force a referendum, which Mayor Doug McCallum and his majority slate on council have declined to do.

Surrey RCMP Members increasingly reflect the diversity of Surrey, something that is so critical to a modern police service. Thanks to Cst. Dave Hill and others who are continuously improving community outreach in order to provide better supports to everyone.

Surrey residents agree that the Surrey police transition will affect how they vote in the next municipal and provincial election.

Surrey police transition? Not happening anytime soon.

Opposition to replacing the Surrey RCMP is driving down support for Mayor McCallum and his unpopular police transition.

*Happening Live Tuesday Morning* - NPF hosts South Asian media roundtable. Link to live video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=833215767484798&ref=watch_permalink

The public still does not have a clear accounting of the millions in missing costs for this unpopular plan. We’ve already seen IT costs balloon by $500,000, but there are dozens of other major hidden or unknown costs that the Board must get to the bottom of. Major hidden or unknown costs include: Potential doubling of IT costs, based on expert estimates Liability and legal costs for accidents, civil actions, and other claims... Administrative costs for hiring new officers, including polygraph testing Health costs to support officers suffering from long-term occupational stress and other injuries, including PTSD The loss of federal and provincial tax exemptions, including Federal Sales Tax exemption Loss of additional federal subsidies, including 30% subsidy for the Integrated Homicide Investigative Teams (IHIT) service Costs associated with negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement Potential costs to negotiate pension top ups for RCMP officers transferring to Surrey Additional administrative costs for resourcing significant public events, such as parades or celebrations Expenses to pay RCMP Members to return to testify in court on ongoing cases in Surrey for three to five years See more

The National Police Federation is asking the new Surrey Police Board to take the time needed to disclose to taxpayers how much the Mayor’s expensive and unpopular policing transition plan will really cost them. While it may be politically expedient to rush the process and ignore these questions, Surrey residents, many Councillors, and our Members want answers to these important questions