To the City of Surrey Council and the Provincial Government of British Columbia:
We, the undersigned residents of Surrey, are deeply concerned about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding our city’s policing transition and the impact it is having on public safety and our tax dollars. We believe that our community deserves a clear, fully funded plan that prioritizes the safety of our neighborhoods above political disputes.
The Issue: For too long, Surrey residents have been caught in the middle of a costly and divisive debate over the future of our police force. While political leaders argue, our city faces real challenges:
- Rising Costs: The lack of a clear path forward is costing taxpayers millions in duplicate costs and legal fees.
- Recruitment Delays: Uncertainty is hindering the recruitment of new officers needed to keep our growing city safe.
- Public Safety Risks: Resources and attention are being diverted away from pressing issues like gang violence and community policing.
Our Demand: We call on the Mayor, City Council, and the Provincial Government to:
- Stop the Delays: Commit to a final, binding decision on the policing transition immediately.
- Ensure Transparency: Release a full, unredacted accounting of all costs associated with the transition to date and the projected costs for the next five years.
- Prioritize Officers on the Street: Guarantee that funding is immediately available to hire the necessary number of officers to meet our city’s growing needs, regardless of the badge they wear.
Why This Matters: Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. We cannot afford to have our public safety compromised by political gridlock. We need leadership that puts the safety and financial well-being of residents first.