First new recruit class joins Surrey Police Service

SURREY Police Service (SPS) has welcomed its first class of new recruits who will now begin their training to become constables with the SPS. This is an historic event as this is the first group of police officers who will start their policing careers with the SPS.

On April 25, 14 recruit officers started their two-week onboarding course with the SPS, before they begin their training at the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) Police Academy. Their training will include a total of 23 weeks of training at the JIBC, and 21 weeks of field training at the SPS. In March 2023, the recruits will graduate as “Certified Municipal Constables” and join the significant contingent of SPS experienced officers.

The SPS’s first class of new recruits is comprised of 11 males and three females, with an average age of 26.5. Nine of the recruits identify as being from a diverse community, and six speak a second language. All of these individuals have extensive volunteer backgrounds, and work experiences ranging from criminal justice to security to community outreach. The group includes a former intelligence officer with the Canadian Navy, police victim services workers, a national medalist in wrestling, and a shelter coordinator in Whalley.

“Surrey Police Service’s first class of new recruits were chosen from over 500 applicants. Each of these outstanding individuals display the integrity, compassion and care for the community that SPS stands for as we build a modern, responsive and community-focused police service,” noted SPS Chief Constable Norm Lipinski. “I wish them much success in their training and look forward to their future contributions to SPS and the citizens of Surrey.”

In 2022, the SPS has been allotted 27 spots at the JIBC Police Academy. Fourteen will join the May 2022 JIBC class, and an additional 13 will be a part of the September 2022 class.

The Surrey Police Service will be accepting applications for the fall 2022 and 2023 recruit classes from May 2-23, 2022. More information can be found at www.surreypolice.ca/new-recruits.