At its March board meeting, the Surrey Police Board reviewed the provincial directive for Surrey Police Service (SPS) to assume responsibility for policing District 4 (Cloverdale) on April 1, 2026. While the province’s decision is a vote of confidence in SPS, it comes at a time when SPS is still building capacity and has been dedicating resources to addressing an extortion crisis. As part of its mandate and accountability to the community, the Board plays a critical oversight role in assessing how management identifies, evaluates and mitigates risks associated with expansion of SPS services.

The Surrey Police Board is committed to ensuring that SPS’s assumption of responsibility for policing District 4 is conducted with the highest standards of safety, accountability, and public trust. SPS operates in a complex and dynamic environment, where decisions can have significant consequences for communities, SPS personnel, and partner agencies. The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that there are robust systems in place to anticipate operational, strategic, financial, and reputational risks, particularly when entering a new part of the city with its distinct geographic and community considerations.

Since the March board meeting, the Board has been reviewing risks related to service delivery capacity, workforce readiness, infrastructure requirements, interoperability with local agencies, and compliance with applicable laws and standards. Work is being done to develop appropriate mitigation strategies. SPS management has been asked to confirm resources are in place, including temporary assistance from the RCMP while SPS increases capacity and so that there is minimal disruption to services the community expects, and that contingency plans are created to address unforeseen events or service disruptions. Regular reporting from management will ensure the Board, on behalf of the community, monitors risk indicators and corrective actions are taken promptly when needed.

The Surrey Police Board resolved to proceed with the District 4 transition as directed by the Province, acknowledging that there are risks which will need to be managed and mitigated. As the transition continues and progresses, the Board will continue to exercise diligent oversight, prioritizing the safety of the public and SPS personnel. This work reflects the Board’s broader commitment to responsible governance and to supporting management in delivering on its mission with integrity and excellence.