Surrey Policing Transition: Rising Costs and Uncertainties Cloud Path Forward

SURREY, BC – November 21, 2025

A Year of Transition – And Growing Concerns

One year into the ambitious overhaul of policing in Surrey, British Columbia, the transition from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to the newly formed Surrey Police Service (SPS) is facing increasing scrutiny. While proponents tout the benefits of a locally-focused police force, critics are raising concerns about the escalating costs, the logistical challenges of maintaining a dual-force system, and the overall value being delivered to taxpayers. The National Police Federation (NPF), representing RCMP members, is now calling for a firm commitment to the originally scheduled full transition by November 2026, warning against prolonged resource overlap.

The Cost of Concurrent Policing

The core of the current debate revolves around the financial implications of running two police forces concurrently. Currently, Surrey boasts approximately 928 officers – 608 with the SPS and around 320 RCMP members – a significant increase from the historically required 734 officers. “The overlap is unsustainable,” says one source close to the negotiations. “We’re essentially paying for duplicate services – command structures, vehicles, equipment – without a corresponding improvement in public safety.”

The Province of BC has already committed $250 million to mitigate the financial burden on the city, but concerns persist that the total cost will far exceed this figure. An internal report from late 2022 highlighted the potential for “significant added costs” if the transition were delayed, noting that maintaining a non-deployed SPS force could quickly become financially crippling. Salaries are also contributing to the higher costs, with SPS officers earning, on average, between 16% and 22% more than their RCMP counterparts, reflecting both the higher cost of living in Surrey and the competitive nature of attracting qualified officers.

Political Tensions and Shifting Priorities

The transition hasn't been without its political hurdles. The current situation is a far cry from the initial vision of former Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum, who spearheaded the move to a municipal police force. His successor, Mayor Brenda Locke, initially campaigned on reversing the transition but ultimately accepted the provincial government's mandate to proceed. This change in direction has created a sense of uncertainty and has fueled tensions between the city, the province, and the NPF.

“There’s a lot of frustration on all sides,” explains one political analyst. “The city feels it’s been strong-armed by the province, the province is trying to maintain stability in RCMP staffing across the region, and the NPF is advocating for its members and questioning the entire premise of the transition.” The political back-and-forth has also contributed to delays in finalizing key agreements and has created a climate of mistrust.

Impact on Officers and Community Safety

Beyond the financial and political considerations, the transition is also impacting the officers on the ground. RCMP members are facing uncertainty about their future, with many transferring to new postings as the transition progresses. This has created a sense of instability and has raised concerns about the loss of experienced officers. “It’s a difficult time for everyone,” says one RCMP member. “We’re committed to serving the community, but we need clarity about what the future holds.”

SPS is actively recruiting and hiring officers to fill the staffing gap. However, the process is slow, and the force is still relying heavily on RCMP support. While both forces are committed to maintaining public safety, the transition period is inevitably creating challenges. The SPS emphasizes its commitment to community-based policing and accountability through a civilian police board, stating that they are receiving strong interest from potential recruits seeking to serve the Surrey community.

The hope is that, once fully implemented, the SPS will be better equipped to address the unique needs of Surrey residents. However, critics argue that the benefits of a municipal police force are not worth the exorbitant costs and the disruption caused by the transition. As the November 2026 deadline approaches, the pressure is mounting on all stakeholders to find a way forward that delivers value for taxpayers and ensures the safety of Surrey residents.