A Change of Command ceremony to formally recognize Surrey Police Service (SPS) as the new police of jurisdiction for the City of Surrey was held on April 22. The ceremony acknowledged the handover of authority and leadership from the RCMP, represented by Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, Commanding Officer of RCMP’s E Division, to SPS and Chief Constable Norm Lipinski.
The historic ceremony took place at the Cloverdale Agriplex with Lieutenant Governor Wendy Cocchia and Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, in attendance, as well as a number of MLAS and MPs. Also present was Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and members of Surrey City Council, the Surrey Police Board, a number of community leaders, senior leaders from RCMP and municipal police agencies across the province, and SPS sworn and civilian staff.
Following the piping in of dignitaries by the SPS Pipes and Drums, attendees witnessed an Indigenous welcome and blessing by Chief Harley Chappell of the Semiahmoo First Nation, the Presentation of the Colour (SPS flag) by the Lieutenant Governor, and Trooping of the Colour by the Chief Constable’s Ceremonial Guard.
The Change of Command Parchment was signed by McDonald and Lipinski, the Solicitor General, and the Chair of the Surrey Police Board. Each then delivered remarks following greetings by the Lieutenant Governor. At the conclusion of the ceremony, SPS staff gathered to take the first official photo of Surrey Police Service.
“The RCMP proudly served Surrey for decades and we thank them for their tireless service and commitment to public safety,” said Lipinski. “Becoming the police of jurisdiction was not the end goal for Surrey Police Service – it is just the beginning. Being the police agency for a community is an honour and a significant responsibility. We commit to upholding that responsibility every day, on every call, and in every interaction.”
“I offer my congratulations to Chief Norm Lipinski and the SPS team. Your leadership is vital to the future of policing in Surrey and we look forward to strengthening our partnership to ensure the safety and well-being of all who live, work, and visit the City of Surrey,” said McDonald.
SPS assumed overarching responsibility for policing in the City of Surrey on November 29, 2024, as the new police of jurisdiction. As Surrey’s policing transition continues, the RCMP Surrey Provincial Operations Support Unit is providing policing supports in Surrey until SPS is fully established. The Change of Command ceremony is a symbolic event, rooted in military tradition, that signifies the passing of authority and leadership.
Begg said on Wednesday: “Yesterday was a remarkable day as we celebrated the Surrey Police Service as British Columbia’s newest police agency, taking over as police of jurisdiction in Surrey. The Surrey Police Service embraces a community-led policing model with innovative approaches and brings together skilled officers from diverse backgrounds across the country. As we enter into a new era of policing in Surrey, I want to also recognize and thank the Surrey RCMP for their decades of service to the city of Surrey and for playing a critical role in shaping this community’s safety and well-being over the decades.”
The video recording of the Change of Command ceremony is available at:
www.youtube.com/live/-GxUbFat4cQ
