A Surrey city councillor is calling on his colleagues to prioritize a comprehensive review of the complete unredacted report on policing in Surrey prepared by the province. He feels that the report holds the potential to unlock a fresh perspective on the Surrey Police Service transition.
Having personally signed the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with the province, Surrey Councillor Doug Elford says that he gained exclusive access to the complete unredacted report, which puts forth a compelling recommendation to proceed with the SPS transition.
Last month, B.C. Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth revealed details of a third-party analysis which recommended Surrey continue its transition to the SPS. Once the announcement was made, Mayor Brenda Locke remained steadfast in her stance of keeping the RCMP in Surrey.
Surrey Police Union, too in a letter to Mayor Locke, has mentioned that unfortunately, “only half of the officials that the Province has indicated as needing to view the unredacted report have actually signed a non-disclosure agreement giving them access to the report. This is plain ignorance.”
Councillor Elford emphasizes the profound impact of the unredacted report, stating, “The revelations contained within this report are nothing short of shocking. They have left me deeply unsettled and convinced that a thorough examination of its contents will undoubtedly reshape the perspectives of my council colleagues. Once they have had the opportunity to read this report, there can be no doubt that they will be unable to, in good conscience, continue their support to keeping the RCMP.”
Councillor Elford’s strong assertion sheds light on the reasons behind Mayor Brenda Locke’s reluctance to sign the NDA. He says that “she is afraid about exposing her Surrey Connect council members to the truth which is that continuing with the SPS is the right decision for not only Surrey but public safety for the entire Province.”
Councillor Elford is calling upon his fellow council members to embrace this invaluable opportunity and immerse themselves in the report’s revelations, underscoring its potential to generate a paradigm shift in their understanding. Recognizing the gravity of the decision at hand, he urges his colleagues to prioritize a comprehensive review of the report, By engaging in an open and transparent dialogue, he believes that a thorough examination of the report will enable informed decision-making and serve the best interests of the Surrey community.
As the Surrey council proceeds with their deliberations, Councillor Elford fosters an environment of inclusivity, where all voices are valued and heard. By encouraging his colleagues to delve into the unredacted report, he champions a collective pursuit of truth and understanding, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community and public safety.
