He is among 57 officers who have moved out of the province to work at the new Surrey Police Service. “I like the fact that I can use my language skills a lot and connect with the community — an opportunity I didn’t necessarily have in Toronto,” Paul told Global News. 2:20 Surrey City Council votes to stop Surrey Police Service transition, but it may be too late But now, the 38-year-old said he and other SPS officers are considering their futures should the department be disbanded under the city’s new mayor, Brenda Locke. Story continues below ad “I came to Surrey to join SPS, to help build this modern progressive police force,” he said. “If the SPS fails to exist or move forward, it would probably mean the end of my police career.”

		Read more: Surrey police chief explains why he’ll keep hiring despite council vote to keep RCMP 		
	read more 	


			Surrey police chief explains why he’ll keep hiring despite council vote to keep RCMP

Abolishing her predecessor Doug McCallum’s controversial move to a municipal power was one of Locke’s pledges in October’s election. Current trend

			20 abandoned cities to add to your Canadian road trip itinerary 	   				Canadian military members banned from wearing uniforms, medals in civilian courts

Earlier this week, councilors formally voted to keep the RCMP in Surrey and asked the SPS to freeze spending. However, police said laying off their 374 officers to remain with the RCMP would result in a loss of $81.5 million in investment. 1:48 Surrey Police Service members want no part of RCMP’s ‘toxic’ work environment Employment lawyer Kelly Slade-Kerr reviewed the unionized workers’ collective agreement. Story continues below ad “The figure likely reflects a worst-case scenario where the police board would provide all employees with the full 18 months of severance pay. However, that’s not necessarily how it will play out – for two reasons,” Slade-Kerr said. The employer could deploy them to another organization and recoup the cost through an agreement with that group, he said. Or, if the police board decides to grant a layoff, it will be subject to a “mitigation duty,” meaning officers who find another job during the layoff period will no longer be paid in full.

		Read more: Surrey Police Union opposes mayor’s policing plan, members say no plans to join RCMP

For SPS members, it’s a lot to think about. “I may go back to school to further my education or I may pursue other employment opportunities that are not related to the policing field in general,” Paul said. Borough staff are now preparing a report to address staffing concerns, plan to increase Surrey RCMP membership and relocate or dispose of SPS equipment. The Council will vote on it on November 28 and, if successful, it will go before the Minister of Public Safety. Story continues below ad – with files from Elizabeth McSheffrey © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.