Surrey RCMP’s top cop disappointed no definitive end to city’s policing saga

The officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP is expressing disappointment the province’s much anticipated Friday announcement has not definitively answered the question of what the future of policing in the city will look like.

Many believed the announcement would outline a clear path forward for policing in the city, but Assistant Commissioner Brian Edwards, the officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP, isn’t thrilled that things don’t look much clearer than they did before.

“It’s a degree of disappointment that we do not have a final decision,” Edwards said at a Friday news conference. “We’re going to have to take some time and determine which direction we will proceed. Again, I think on behalf of the members, they were hoping to get a definitive answer.”

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And even though Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has said she wants to stick with the RCMP, Surrey Police Service (SPS) Chief Constable Norm Lipinski says he’s hopeful city council will ultimately choose to go with his municipal force.

“It is my hope that Council will recognize that now is the time to continue with this significant change in their policing model that will bring progressive and effective policing to the city for future generations,” Lipinski said in a statement. “I welcome the opportunity to work with the Mayor and Council and the provincial government on the very important next steps.

“It is my hope that we can now come together and focus on continuing to build a modern police service for this growing and diverse city.”

While the province has recommended the city transition to the SPS, ultimately Surrey city council will have the final say.