MIKE Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, on Thursday announced the appointment of Mike Serr, former chief of Abbotsford Police, as the administrator of the Surrey Police Board to assume the functions of the board to assist with Surrey’s transition to the Surrey Police Service.

All members of the Surrey Police Board have been suspended and they will resume their roles when the administrator’s appointment concludes.

Farnworth said in a statement: “This appointment was made under Section 8 of the Police Amendment Act, 2023, after careful consideration of the work by the Surrey Police Board, which has been limited due to the lack of progress from the City of Surrey in advancing the police model transition to the SPS.

“This need was identified by Jessica McDonald as the strategic implementation adviser in the course of her work on the transition and numerous meetings with key parties, subject matter experts and stakeholders.”

Farnworth added: “I want to personally thank each member of the board for volunteering their time and for their dedication and commitment, while undertaking this challenging work to date. I know the Surrey Police Board and each board member has done their best through what has been unique, challenging and complicated circumstances. I look forward to their continued work and their service to the people of Surrey once an administrator is no longer needed.”

Farnworth said: “British Columbians need to know that when they call the police, help will come. In July, I determined that the City of Surrey should complete the transition to the SPS.

“By appointing Mike Serr as administrator for the Surrey Police Board, I am taking action to help move forward the transition to completion.”

SURREY Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski said in a statement: “Today the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced that the provincial government has suspended the appointments of the Surrey Police Board members and appointed Mike Serr as the temporary Administrator of the Board.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Surrey Police Board for the outstanding work they have done over the past three years to stand up a brand-new police agency while navigating an unprecedented policing transition. These board members have done an enormous amount of work to get Surrey Police Service to the point it is at today. The work of good governance can be thankless, but strong policies, clear organizational direction, and transparent financial oversight are critical to both the organization and the public. I thank the Surrey Police Board members for their leadership, expertise and resilience, and I look forward to working with them again, once their appointments resume.

“I would also like to officially welcome Mike Serr to his new role as Board Administrator. As an independent Administrator, Mr. Serr will assume all governance duties of the Surrey Police Board, ensuring that the civilian oversight and public accountability of Surrey Police Service will continue. I am confident that Mr. Serr will play a critical role in helping to expedite the policing transition with this streamlining of governance decisions for Surrey Police Service. I look forward to working with him.”

THE Surrey Police Union welcomed Serr to the role of Administrator and extended its gratitude to the Surrey Police Board for its integral role in creating a progressive, local police service for the residents of Surrey. The union said it has has appreciated the police board’s collaborative relationship and ongoing support throughout the policing transition, including the negotiations of their first collective agreement.
“The decision to suspend the Surrey Police Board should not overshadow their commitment and diligence to our members and the residents of Surrey. The Board members have done an outstanding job in shepherding Surrey Police Service through an unprecedented policing
transition,” said Rick Stewart, President of the Surrey Police Union. “However, the time has come for this policing transition to be expedited with a more streamlined process that will allow all parties to work towards the completion of the project.
“We are confident that Administrator Serr will help to facilitate an expeditious completion of the policing transition, ensuring costs are minimized for residents and enabling all officers to progress in their careers.”