Surrey RCMP not participating in process to change police force

The Surrey RCMPsaysit will not not play a rolein the process to move toa city-run police forceas has been promised by Surrey mayor-elect Doug McCallum.

"The decision on what type of police force a city has is made by the municipality, the province and Public Safety Canada," said Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald.

"As the current contracted service provider, the Surrey RCMP will not be a participant in thisprocess."

The City of Surrey is currently thelargest RCMPdetachment in Canada with more than 1,000 officers and support staff.

But crime concernshave led to discontent around policing in the city,and questions about whether Surrey is getting the value it should from its contract with the RCMP to provide municipalpolicing services.

During his campaign to become mayor,McCallumpromised to scrap the RCMP, saying the force was more answerable to Ottawa and suffering froma high rate of staff turnover.

He also claimed the RCMP forcewas understaffed and that the community was being under-served.

In a statement, McDonald assured Surrey residents that the RCMPwould continue to serve during the process to change forces.

"We will continue to police the City of Surrey with professionalism, integrityand superior service," he wrote.

McCallumhas said he believes a new city police force can be in place in two years, however, many wonder if that timeline is achievable.