As you may have seen, the Province of BC earlier today announced approval for the City of Surrey to proceed with a Police Board. This may seem like a final phase in the transition but we see this as only one more step in a long and still uncertain process. This is a particularly important note for our members in Surrey, keeping in mind BC’s multi-level policing governance process and recent survey results that show that most residents want a say in this decision and would prefer to retain the RCMP.
In British Columbia, municipal police boards are governed by the BC Police Act. To ensure a balance of governance between the province and municipalities, members of police boards are appointed by the provincial government, aside from the Chair and one designate.
Most importantly, the approval to create a police board is only one small step in this process.
- Assuming Police Board members are successfully approved and appointed, the board will (presumably) begin an executive search for a Chief of police.
- Ultimately, the Chief and the board will bring an anticipated budget to Surrey Mayor and Council for approval. The police board will have a fiduciary responsibility to provide a true and accurate accounting to Surrey taxpayers for the costs of creating and operating a municipal police agency.
- Once that is complete, they can begin recruiting and training a new municipally branded police force.
As you can see, there are many hurdles ahead for this transition and today’s announcement is not final.
And, in the meantime, the NPF will continue to advocate for over 80% of residents in Surrey who want a say in this decision, and our membership in Surrey, who know their local communities and policing needs best. As one example, here’s this weeks’ front page of the Surrey Now-Leader, the city’s local newspaper.
This is not over, and we will continue to advocate for detachments and members across the country who need our support.
Benefits of Membership in Your Labour Representative Agency
The National Police Federation represents all non-commissioned members and reservists of the RCMP. Members who register directly with the NPF also receive regular updates on progress and updates on labour relations in the RCMP. Only registered NPF members are eligible to run and vote for local workplace representative positions as well as vote on future contract ratifications.
Register today to take advantage of these member-only benefits: https://npf-fpn.com/become-a-member/
In the meantime, here are three other things you can do to help.
- Join the NPF. Click here.
- Share this information with your colleagues.
- Stay informed by downloading our app on iTunes or Google Play. (You don’t need to join or share your personal email to use our app.)
Sincerely,
