Surrey Police Service assumes Cloverdale policing as RCMP role ends after 75 years

The Surrey Police Service has taken full responsibility for policing in Cloverdale as of Friday, marking the end of more than 75 years of service by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the area.

The transition applies across the Cloverdale district, from 196 Street east to the borders of Fleetwood and Newton, and from the Fraser River south to 48 Avenue. Policing in Whalley and City Centre, Newton, and South Surrey had already been transferred to the municipal force in earlier phases.

The RCMP will continue operating in Guildford on an interim basis until the city’s full policing transition is completed, according to previously outlined plans by municipal and provincial authorities.

The change comes amid operational concerns raised by Surrey Police Service Chief Constable Norm Lipinski, who had requested a delay of the Cloverdale transition until July. Lipinski cited pressures from an ongoing extortion crisis in the region, noting that officers had been reassigned to specialized investigative teams. The provincial government declined the request and proceeded with the scheduled transition.

Recruitment has also emerged as a key issue during the rollout. The Surrey Police Service recently increased its signing bonus for experienced officers from $20,000 to $30,000 in an effort to attract personnel. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has criticized the increase.