Also, high time RCMP were told to stop meddling in politics
WITH Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke threatening Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth with an “inquiry about what went so wrong” about the policing transition — whatever that means — the Province should go ahead and declare that the Surrey municipal transition will continue.
As is well known, deployed Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers currently comprise over 25% of the Surrey RCMP’s total detachment strength, and 50% of its frontline officers. SPS already has 46% of the police officers currently required to police Surrey.
In fact, more SPS officers are ready to be deployed but have been prevented from doing so because of politics by Locke and Surrey RCMP without regard for safety of the city’s residents.
Indeed, it is high time that the Province also warns the RCMP not to meddle in politics.
On Monday Farnworth issued a statement demanding the report that Surrey city staff had presented to city council about future policing in the city, and added: “Ministry officials have advised the city that I need this report by 1 p.m. today to review it, or I will be forced to make a determination about what is necessary for safe and effective policing without it.”
The minister said: “I became concerned on Wednesday when I learned city staff were preparing to present a report to city council about future policing in Surrey that had not been shared with the province. Unfortunately, I also learned that city staff were directed to not provide it to my ministry officials.
“I asked the mayor to share the report and wait to hold a vote until we could agree on what was safest for people in Surrey, based on the requirements for adequate and effective policing.
“Instead, on Thursday, the city council voted on the report before the province had seen it and before I had the chance to determine if it will ensure safe and effective policing.”
He added: “The city has since been delaying giving us the report to review. First, it was promised by noon Friday, then by end of day Friday. My staff requested the report throughout the weekend. We have still received nothing.
“It is critical that I receive this report. Now is not the time to play games. The safety of people in Surrey is too important.”
