Statement from Chief Constable Lipinski on Provincial Recommendation for Policing in Surrey
The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General made a considered, comprehensive, and evidence-based recommendation that the transition to Surrey Police Service (SPS) move forward.
Read our news releasePolicing Transition
The transition of policing services from RCMP to Surrey Police Service is fully underway with a phased, integrated process involving three levels of government.
Learn moreThe Benefits of Municipal Policing
There are significant benefits that a municipal policing model provides to residents. Citizens can expect increased accountability and responsiveness, transparency and longevity.
Learn moreCommunity policing for the citizens of Surrey.
As a local police service, we will be able to focus on the public safety issues that are a priority for the citizens of Surrey and allocate resources to respond quickly to emerging trends. We are accountable to the citizens we serve through a locally appointed police board.
The transition to a municipal police service is well underway. In November 2021, the first group of experienced SPS officers began working in the community beside Surrey RCMP officers. Since then, we have hired close to 400 employees and deployed over 200 officers into policing operations in Surrey.
SPS will grow with Surrey, able to respond quickly to its changing needs
Surrey Police Service supports one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities – and we will grow to become one of the country’s largest independent police services. Over the next couple of years, SPS will hire over 800 police officers, and 300 support staff.
Our policing model is founded in a culture of respectful community collaboration and engagement. From Day 1, our organization has set a goal of being diverse and inclusive, and to reflect the community we serve. We are building the partnerships that will help us address the social issues underlying systemic problems and looking for long-term solutions to complex problems.
It’s an exciting time and a historic moment, both in policing and in the development of Surrey. Once SPS is fully operational, Surrey will have a municipal police service for the first time since 1951 – built from the ground up with the latest technology, training, and progressive practices – to specifically serve its needs.