As a resident of Surrey I respectfully request that Minister of Public Safety Mike Farnworth not endorse the current Mayor and Council's intention to terminate the RCMP contract for policing in this city.

I believe that the RCMP have previously done, and continue to do, everything any police agency could reasonably expect to combat current gang activity. It is naive to think a different police force would have the ability to deter gang violence, and pointing the blame at the RCMP is akin to wilful blindness.

I believe the members and staff of the RCMP Surrey Detachment are engaged in the safety and security of this community. I believe the RCMP are understaffed for the population, but are doing a good job in spite of that. Further, the cost of implementing a whole new force would be fiscally irresponsible, when many people are already struggling to keep their homes.

The opinions expressed here do not represent those of my/our employer(s).