RICK Stewart, President of the Surrey Police Union, said in a statement on Wednesday: “We are pleased with the definitive decision from BC’s Solicitor General to continue the transition to the Surrey Police Service. This decision brings confidence and stability to our officers who have committed their careers to Surrey.
“This decision has been a long time coming. It is with great relief that we can now put the uncertainty surrounding policing behind us and focus on what really matters: public safety. Today, we can finally move Surrey forward.
“Citizens across Canada want change in policing. Change can be difficult, but change is necessary. The Surrey Police Service is at the forefront of delivering a progressive and accountable police service where priorities are set and solutions are built locally to keep Surrey safe.
“We know that the debate over policing has been contentious and divisive. The SPU is committed to doing our part to heal those divisions and work collectively around our shared value of public safety. We are calling on Mayor Brenda Locke and Senior RCMP Management to show leadership and work with us towards uniting Surrey. The partisan division must end now.
“We look forward to reviewing the details of the decision once they are released to determine the next steps in the transition and working with all stakeholders to grow Surrey’s police force in a measured approach in the coming months.”