Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has revealed significant tensions and operational challenges in the ongoing police transition, citing a "strained working relationship" between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the newly established Surrey Police Service (SPS). In private correspondence obtained by Postmedia News, Locke detailed concerns about prolonged delays in transferring investigative files between the two agencies.
Private Letters Contrast Public Statements
In letters sent to British Columbia Premier David Eby in June and December 2025, Locke expressed apprehension that friction between the RCMP and SPS is hampering the transition process. "We remain concerned that the two agencies' strained working relationship is prolonging the transition and diluting accountability on major files," Locke wrote in her correspondence.
The mayor emphasized that despite efforts from both policing agencies, the handoff of investigative files from RCMP systems to SPS remains "protracted." She noted that inter-agency friction appears to be impeding the development of an efficient transfer system, which she described as essential for investigative continuity and fiscal responsibility to Surrey taxpayers.
Public Versus Private Positions
These private concerns stand in stark contrast to Locke's public statements about police relations. In an October interview with Postmedia, when asked about the relationship between Surrey police and the RCMP, Locke responded: "Oh, I think they're very unified. I don't think there's a division there at all. In fact, they do work — they're very simpatico about how they're doing their work."
When approached for comment on this story, the city of Surrey did not grant an interview with Mayor Locke. Postmedia submitted several questions via email, including inquiries about evidence supporting claims of protracted file transfers, but received no response by the deadline. The RCMP also declined to comment on Postmedia's inquiry.
Police Response and Budget Developments
Surrey Police Service spokesman Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton declined to comment specifically on Locke's claims of strained relations between the SPS and RCMP. However, he provided a statement indicating that "SPS and the RCMP meet every week on the very complicated and complex issue of file transfer. Files continue to be transferred to SPS on a regular basis."
Houghton emphasized that each investigation requires thorough examination with priority given to maintaining investigative integrity and determining necessary follow-up actions.
In related developments, the city announced on Thursday that it had reached agreement with the police board on a proposed 2026 budget for Surrey Police Service totaling $285.5 million. This represents a $45 million increase from the previous year's budget. The police board had initially requested $330 million, which Locke had deemed excessive. The proposed budget will now proceed to city council for final approval.
Transition Challenges Continue
The policing transition in Surrey has been marked by ongoing challenges since the establishment of the municipal police force. Locke's letters to Premier Eby highlight persistent concerns about operational coordination between the outgoing RCMP detachment and the incoming Surrey Police Service.
The mayor's correspondence suggests that behind-the-scenes tensions may be affecting the practical implementation of the police transition, particularly regarding the transfer of active investigations and case files. These documents were obtained by Postmedia News through a freedom-of-information request, providing insight into private communications that contrast with public assurances about the transition process.
