THE Surrey Police Board on Friday announced that it will be electing Perm Jawanda as the next chair of the Board at its next board meeting to support its “continued governance responsibilities” during its leadership transition.

“Jawanda is a senior executive and experienced board director with over 30 years of experience in strategic leadership, governance, and navigating complex, multi-partner environments,” the Board said.

The Board said that during this important period of transition, public safety remains its top priority, adding: “While a leadership transition is underway, we have full confidence in the leadership, staff and frontline officers of Surrey Police Service to continue to prioritize public safety.”

With the day-to-day operations of the SPS continuing uninterrupted, the Board said it has maintained its focus on key governance priorities:

• Launching a comprehensive recruitment process for the next Chief Constable, including bringing on an executive search firm to advise and support the Board through the process.
• Continuing planning activities with provincial, municipal, SPS and RCMP partners to determine timing for the completion of the ongoing police transition.
• Starting the 2027 budgeting process with SPS, including consultation with the public and the City as the funding partner.
• Working with the Surrey Police Union, Surrey Police Inspectors Association, and CUPE 402 (civilian worker union) to come to agreement on the renewal of their expired collective agreements.

The Board said: “Through this leadership transition at SPS, we will remain focused on providing the governance and oversight necessary to build a trusted, modern, and responsive police service.”