The Surrey Police Service rolled out its first 10 marked patrol cars on July 2 with 20 more expected to join the fleet later this month and in August.
Chief Constable Norm Lipinski said getting these cars on the road is an "essential step forward" in the city's policing transition.
"It is important for residents to become familiar with the look of their new police service so they will be comfortable approaching SPS vehicles and officers whenever they need help or have questions," he said.
Meantime, the Surrey Police Service is offering a $10,000 signing bonus to the first 10 experienced constables who sign up for frontline patrol duty with the fledging police force as it readies itself to replace the Surrey RCMP as the city's police of jurisdiction on Nov. 29.
Chief Constable Norm Lipinksi is quoted in an SPS press release issued on June 27 as saying it's "imperative" the SPS adds to its ranks experienced police officers with knowledge in "all policing areas so we can provide Surrey residents with a skilled and comprehensive policing service."
The Frontline Signing Bonus, as it's described, is part of several hiring campaigns now underway also involving community policing, support services and investigative services.
The press release indicates the City of Surrey's annual policing budget provides funding for a total of 785 police officers in 2024 and any increase to that would have to be requested by Lipinski through the Surrey Police Board and also require council approval.
