More officers hit the streets as Surrey Police Service marks first deployment anniversary

Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski with SPS officers. Photo submitted

SURREY Police Service (SPS) deployed an additional 33 police officers into policing operations on November 28, bringing the total number of SPS officers deployed into policing operations to 187.

This week also marks the one-year anniversary of SPS’s first operational deployment, which occurred on November 29, 2021.

This latest deployment is in accordance with the SPS-RCMP Human Resources Strategy and Plan that is currently in effect until May 2023.

Over the past year, SPS sergeants and constables have been deployed into positions on the frontline, as well as into investigative and community-focused positions. The current phase of Surrey’s policing transition involves an integrated policing model with both SPS and RCMP officers responding to calls for service.

“The police and civilian staff of Surrey Police Service continue to provide exceptional service to the citizens of Surrey. We have now been responding to major incidents, saving lives, and making significant contributions to public safety for one year,” said Chief Constable Norm Lipinski.

“I especially want to acknowledge the very first group of SPS officers who were deployed a year ago – that small group of officers are now part of a very sizable SPS contingent working 24/7 in every Surrey neighbourhood. They perform necessary and important roles in public safety for Surrey residents.”

SPS has a total of 375 employees, consisting of 315 sworn police officers and 60 civilian employees. The officers who are not deployed are either recruits in training (28) or experienced officers who are awaiting deployment and currently working to support the critical work needed to support the growth and development of SPS.