Surrey Police Union shares former RCMP members’ stories in latest transition controversy
Posted July 11, 2023 7:27 am.
Last Updated July 11, 2023 7:30 am.
The never-ending controversy over policing in Surrey is back on the front-burner.
The Surrey Police Union (SPU), which represents members of the city’s municipal force, is firing back at Mayor Brenda Locke, after she described Monday why council was right to move back to the RCMP.
The SPU is taking issue with what it calls “one sided and inaccurate information about the policing transition.” The union claims the report presented in council paints an ugly picture if the move to the Surrey Police Service was to go ahead, but uses rose-coloured glasses when it comes to the return of the RCMP — something Locke campaigned on and has continued to push ahead with.
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The SPU reached out to members — in particular former Mounties — for their take on the RCMP. The SPU then proceeded to post many of the comments online.
“Joining the RCMP would potentially mean subjecting myself to an environment that lacks respect and professionalism, with reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination persistently surfacing over the years,” one post from a person described as a “former municipal member from B.C.” with “17 years of experience” reads.
“The reported inability of the RCMP to effectively reform and address these workplace issues further adds to my apprehension, as it clearly indicates a lack of commitment to build a safe and inclusive environment for its officers. While I have had the privilege to work alongside a lot of dedicated and commendable RCMP officers, it is important to know that my concerns surrounding Surrey RCMP stem from the broader organizational policies rather than individual members on the ground.”
.@SurreyMayor #bcpoli #surreybc #dispatchnow pic.twitter.com/cxNjKAADJt
— Surrey Police Union (@surreypolunion) July 11, 2023
Another post from a person the union describes as a “former RCMP member of 8 years” is also critical of the Mounties.
“I’m embarrassed to call myself a former RCMP member based on the harassment that I and many SPS members have received. I will not be returning to the RCMP even if any other agency will not accept me,” the post reads.
Council has already voted to return to the RCMP. However, the report it used to back up that decision is still with B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth, who will ultimately have the final say.
The police transition has been a controversial topic for some time now, after it was first put in motion by former Mayor Doug McCallum.
The city’s latest decision, announced in June, came weeks after the province provided an independent recommendation that the SPS transition continue, citing staffing challenges with the RCMP.
The province also offered financial assistance to the tune of $150 million to offset the transition cost — something the city won’t get if it sticks with the RCMP.
