Editor:
With regard to recent letters on the subject of replacing the RCMP in Surrey with a municipal police force I, too, would like to see a change.
However, I suggest that cost would be a price that the Surrey taxpayers can not afford:
• update - paint/decal all the vehicles;
• change all the RCMP signs on buildings to Surrey Police;
• new uniforms;
• Ottawa could increase wages/benefits etc., prior to Surrey taking over.
Would Surrey be responsible for all retirement costs?
I agree we need a local police board made up of knowledgeable and dedicated members of the community to guide and help build a new Surrey city police force.
The fastest and more economical move would not be a complete change of the force to Surrey. Instead, change the present RCMP members.
Move them out and get new members who are dedicated to our city.
And start from the top down.
We do not have a police problem, we have a personnel problem.
Fred Somers Sr., South Surrey