The minister says he will announce a decision on Wednesday about the future of policing in Surrey, BC
CHILLIWACK, BC — British Columbia Public Security Minister Mike Farnworth says he will announce Wednesday whether Surrey will be allowed to return to the police force by the RCMP or forced to transition to a municipal police to continue.
Farnworth says whatever he decides, he’s confident agents from both forces will continue to do an “incredible job”.
Uncertainty surrounding policing in Surrey has reigned since October, following the election of Mayor Brenda Locke, who campaigned on a pledge to halt the city’s transition to a municipal army and return to the RCMP.
Farnworth and the county government have recommended not going back to the Mounties, citing public safety concerns and the large number of vacancies within the RCMP.
The minister has drawn up a number of conditions that he believes the municipality must meet in order to approve the switch.
The mayor and minister have exchanged public barbs about the situation, with Locke accusing Farnworth of bullying and misogyny, while Farnworth said the city was playing “games” when it failed to provide details on how it would manage the switch.
This report from The Canadian Press was first published on July 17, 2023
