(Interacting with Cpl. Scotty Schumann when he was the Media Relations Officer for Surrey RCMP was a great experience as he was friendly and trustworthy, and had a sense of humour. I wish him the very best in his retirement. – Rattan Mall, Editor)
AFTER a remarkable 24-year career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Surrey, Cpl. Scotty Schumann is hanging up his uniform and embarking on a well-earned retirement. His tenure with the force has been marked by an unwavering commitment to service, a passion for helping his community, and a deep understanding of the evolving needs of policing in Canada.
Schumann joined the RCMP in 2001, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around him. Prior to joining the RCMP, he worked as a Deputy Sheriff at the Surrey Provincial Courthouse for eight years. He began his career as a Frontline Constable in the Newton neighbourhood, responding to calls in the local community. Schumann and his young family lived in a neighbouring community and Surrey was one his first choices for a posting upon graduation from the RCMP Training Academy in Saskatchewan.
During his time in Frontline, he worked through all five districts in Surrey (Whalley, Guildford, Cloverdale, South Surrey, Newton). It was here that he first made his mark, quickly gaining a reputation for his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. As a frontline officer, Schumann was tasked with tackling a wide variety of issues, from general crime prevention to addressing social problems such as substance abuse, homelessness, and domestic violence. His ability to approach sensitive situations with empathy and care made him a trusted figure in the community.
FOR a few years, while working in Frontline, Schumann volunteered his time and efforts to be a Police Service Dog Imprinter. He focused on socializing and training puppies with the goal to develop them to as successful Police Service Dogs. He became well-versed in socialization, familiarization, obedience, tracking and training techniques, all skills required to be an excellent imprinter.
Schumann was drawn to the idea of becoming a dog imprinter when he saw firsthand the critical role dogs play in law enforcement. Becoming a dog imprinter is one-step of the lengthy training for Police Service Dogs and their handlers. Schumann volunteered countless hours to imprint and train several puppies from the ground up. This role not only demanded patience and commitment but also showcases Schumann’s dedication to the greater good.
“Animals bring me so much joy in my life. To see the working dogs in action was nothing short of amazing. The skills I learned I now use with my own dogs and as a current Dog Wellness volunteer at the SPCA,” says Corporal Scotty Schumann.
AFTER making an impact in the field, Schumann was assigned to the role of Media Relations Officer. In this capacity, he was the public face of the Surrey RCMP, responsible for communicating with the public and the media about ongoing investigations, police initiatives, and community safety.
For Schumann, this role provided an opportunity to build stronger relationships with the public and shape how law enforcement was perceived by the broader community. As someone who understood the importance of transparency and trust, he worked diligently to foster a positive relationship between the Surrey RCMP and the communities they served.
One of his most notable achievements in this role was his ability to navigate complex or high-profile incidents, providing clear and concise information to the public while maintaining the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“As a Media Relations Officer I was introduced to the many investigative units of the Surrey RCMP. I saw a significant amount of work being done to protect the public that generally wasn’t reported by mainstream media. The complexities of the investigations, and successes, were really impressive,” says Schumann.
PERHAPS the most fulfilling role of Schumann’s career came when he joined the Police Mental Health Outreach Team in 2008. As mental health and addiction issues began to rise, it became increasingly clear that law enforcement needed to be more attuned to the needs of individuals experiencing mental health crises. Schumann took this challenge head-on, becoming a key player in bridging the gap between law enforcement and mental health services.
In his role as a PMHOT officer, Schumann worked closely with community partners, offering intervention services, referrals to social assistance and providing support to individuals in distress. He was also instrumental in creating positive partnerships and building trust with vulnerable persons and approaching every situation involving mental health issues with care and compassion. His most notable experience was successfully working with community partners in a huge operation to move all of the campers on the Whalley strip into supportive modular shelters in 2018.
“My work as a Police Mental Health Outreach Officer was the most rewarding,” says Schumann, as he reflects on his career. “It was about making sure people in crisis received the care they needed—something as simple as replacing a pair of socks could make their day. Helping someone who was struggling to get the support they needed felt like I was making a real difference in their life.”
AS Schumann reflects on his 24 years of service, it’s clear that his career has been defined by a commitment to making his community a safer, more compassionate place. His journey from Frontline Officer to Media Relations Officer, Police Dog Imprinter, and finally, Police Mental Health Outreach Officer, speaks to his versatility and his willingness to embrace the changing needs of modern policing.
Colleagues who have worked alongside Schumann speak highly of his leadership, his work with vulnerable persons, and his willingness to go above and beyond in every role he undertook.
“Scotty and I have together in Surrey for a long time – often making fun wagers with each other as to who would last longer,” says Inspector Mike Spencer, acting Community Services Officer of the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit (formerly Surrey RCMP). “One of the traits that I admire most about Cpl. Schumann is his incredible ability to stay even-keeled. No matter what he was dealing with, how disturbing or adrenaline-causing it might be, Cpl. Schumann has always shown that steady demeanor that is so important in policing.”
“It has been my honour to know and work with Scotty for over 20 years. During all that time, I have witnessed his passion and commitment to helping and serving both his community and his fellow officers only grow stronger. He will be missed in Surrey, and I wish him all the best as he moves onto new adventures,” says Staff-Sgt. Nigel Pronger from the North Surrey Community Response Unit.
Throughout his tenure, Schumann has been honoured his community work and excellence policing. He has received numerous commendations from the Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP detachment. He was also the runner-up for the 2016 Police Officer of the Year as nominated by the community, an award presented by the Surrey Board of Trade. He has also been the recipient of the 2020 RCMP Veteran’s Association award for his work to help people overcome the challenges of homelessness, addictions and mental health. Most recently, Schumann was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his combined service, dedication to public safety and outreach efforts as a PMHOT officer.
As Schumann prepares for his next chapter, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, and helping the local SPCA as one their dog wellness volunteers. But he leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and empathy—one that will continue to inspire his colleagues and the community he served for a quarter-century.
“It’s hard to believe that more than 24 years with the RCMP, and 32 years total in law enforcement have flown by so quickly. It feels like just yesterday I was at RCMP headquarters in Vancouver, swearing an oath to the Queen, and wearing my only suit! I couldn’t wait to get started, I was excited, young, and full of ambition, and I literally wanted to serve and protect. I’m very thankful for the opportunity the RCMP gave me to serve my community, Surrey and Canada all this time. Now, here I am, handing over the torch, turning in my badge, and just as eager to turn the page in the next chapter of my life,” says Schumann.
As he sets off into retirement, Schumann leaves behind a career that has truly made an impact—a career filled with service, dedication, and heart.
(Article and photos by BC RCMP)
