Surrey is also giving Community Constables, also known as Auxiliary officers, the power to arrest and carry a firearm. But some criticized both announcements, saying the Community Safety officers carrying guns and arresting people is a bandaged approach while saying 95 officers over the next five years may not be enough to stem the tide of rising crime in Surrey
SURREY – At Wednesday, Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts and Council endorsed a proposal to add 95 RCMP officers to the Surrey Detachment over the next five years.
“This pledge to increase the number of RCMP officers in Surrey is a continuation of the work we started in October of 2013 to disrupt criminal activity in our city. The additional officers have been realized through efficiencies within the RCMP as a result of the review process,” says Mayor Watts. “Public safety remains my top priority and the actions we have taken today show that council and I will continue our policy to confront and disrupt criminal activity in Surrey.”
The Community Safety Officer program is also evolving to allow for expanded authority by changing the role to Community Constable. The new designation will enhance policing in the city by giving the Community Constables the power to arrest and carry a firearm.
But some criticized both announcements, saying the Community Safety officers carrying guns and arresting people is a bandaged approach while saying 95 officers over the next five years may not be enough to stem the tide of rising crime in Surrey
In addition to the increase in RCMP officers, 20 Community Safety Patrol personnel, of which 10 will start work immediately within the Newton Town Centre, will be deployed in the community. The uniformed foot patrols will be staffed by BC Commissionaires. They will be a highly visible presence and will work closely with RCMP in sharing of intelligence.
Aside from the increase in RCMP officers, Community Constables and Community Safety Patrol, the City of Surrey will also move from reporting its crime statistics on a quarterly basis to a monthly basis. The data is freely open to everyone.
Here are the highlights of enforcement results in the first 90 days since the creation of the Mayor’s Task Force.
• 250 arrests made
• 86 charges recommended
• Significant drugs seized
• Weapon seizures
• $100,668 Canadian currency seized
The Uniform Gang Enforcement Unit
• 38 arrests made
• 11 charges recommended
• 7 weapons seized
• 159 street checks
• 182 vehicle stops
“My goal in reducing crime in Surrey is to not pursue quick fixes but to effect a long term and permanent change by tackling the root causes of crime. As part of our Crime Reduction strategy, I will continue to advocate for our city for additional dollars from the federal and provincial governments for addiction and mental health services,” Watts said.
