Surrey RCMP get 100 new officers to fight gang crime

The federal government announced onTuesday it has approved funding for100 new RCMP officers to be stationed in Surrey, B.C.

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner promised during the lead up to the Nov. 15 municipal elections that, if elected, she would tackle crime in the burgeoning city by adding 100 fully-trained police officers withinher first two years in office.

• Surrey tax increases could pay for new RCMP officers

On Tuesday, Conservative MPKerry-LynneFindlay said thenew officerswill begin work "as soon as possible."

Tough-on-crime approach

Surrey has been gripped by a recent surgeof gang-relatedviolence. Police saytwo different groups of Somali andSouth Asian descent have been engaged in a turf war over drugs.

• Gang victims allegedly won't co-operate, so Surrey RCMP release photos
• Surrey shootings linked to drug activity, RCMP say

In addition to new police officers, Findlay said Ottawa is committing an additional $3.5 million over the next five years to the Surrey School District and crime prevention programs.