Community 1st
At SPS, our goal is to build authentic and trusting relationships by listening to all voices in the community.
Who we are
While the Community 1st Unit engages with the entire Surrey community, their focus is on building relationships with groups that have a historic distrust of police and those who may not usually be seen walking up to a policing booth at a community event. Building trust with community members of all walks of life is a critical element of effective community policing. Community 1st (C1st) is committed to listening to all voices in the community, even when it might be uncomfortable for us.
What we do
The C1st Unit will develop community programs, services, and targeted outreach, that will allow SPS to:
- Reduce barriers to reporting hate-motivated crimes and incidents
- Solicit ongoing community feedback to improve SPS services
- Use technology and face-to-face conversation to engage with residents, particularly those who feel uncomfortable reaching out to police via formal channels
- Deliver measurable solutions to public concerns
- Collaborate with local organizations and groups to work together to solve complex issues that impact the safety and well-being of the community
Programs and focus areas
Club Fit
Community 1st has partnered with Special Olympics BC in Surrey to offer “Club Fit Fridays” and "Club Fit Tuesdays". This weekly fitness program is led by SPS officers and designed for Special Olympics athletes to improve their health and fitness.
Walk the Beat Wednesdays
We know there is no better way to get to know the neighbourhood than by walking the beat. Each Wednesday, Community 1st officers hit the streets of Surrey to make connections, gather feedback, and discuss public safety concerns with business owners and residents.
Supper for Seniors
This mobile meal delivery program is a partnership with Cloverdale Community Kitchen that allows Community 1st to connect with local seniors, many of whom are house bound.
Coffee with the Community
Community 1st frequently partners with the Surrey Food Bank, Salvation Army, and other charitable organizations to host Coffee with the Community. This program provides free coffee and refreshments for those in need, while building connection and trust in our local communities.
Officer Training
SPS officers learn about the marginalized communities they serve, including the history vulnerable groups have with police and how that may prevent them from trusting police or reporting crime. Strategies are shared to help officers engage in a respectful, unbiased, and supportive manner.
Street Fit with SUMS
The C1st unit is proud of our relationship with the Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS). Together, we host "Street Fit" - a sports program that helps unhoused individuals and those struggling with addictions to engage in fitness with police and SUMS staff.
Sergeant Dale Quiring, Community 1st Unit
It’s our goal to build trust in the community, one person at a time. The Community 1st Unit will strive to listen to all voices and act on recommendations to make Surrey safer and stronger.
We'd Like to Meet You
Community events and presentations
Community 1st works alongside various teams within SPS’s Community Policing Bureau to attend local events, to engage with community members of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. They also deliver presentations on various aspects of public safety to Surrey groups and organizations.
If you'd like to book us for a community event or presentation please email: community1st@surreypolice.ca
General Inquiries
If you'd like to connect with our C1st Unit, please reach out to us at community1st@surreypolice.ca. We'd love to get to know you.