The Community 1^st Unit at Surrey Police Service (SPS) is going beyond the usual definition of police-community engagement with some unique initiatives geared towards those who aren’t usually seen walking up to a policing booth at a community event.

The Community 1^st Unit is founded on relationship building and driven by a group of police officers who want to collaborate with the community through meaningful engagement. Since its inception in the fall of 2023, the unit has become popular at both large and small events in the city. However, Community 1^st has a particular focus on reaching groups that may not trust police, as well as those who might be isolated or don’t often have the chance to positively interact with police.

“The Community 1^st Unit is committed to listening to all voices in the community, even when it might be uncomfortable for us,” says Sergeant Dale Quiring with the Community 1^st Unit. “We know that some communities have a historic and understandable distrust of police, and that some people may not be comfortable approaching police. It’s our job to change that in a respectful and compassionate way.”

The popular “Coffee with the Community” program has the Community 1^st officers bringing coffee and tea to some of our city’s most vulnerable individuals each week. To date, the program has partnered with the Surrey Salvation Army, Surrey Urban Mission Society, and Surrey Food Bank.

Other Community 1^st programs and initiatives include:

• Club Fit Fridays – Through a partnership with Special Olympics BC (SOBC) in Surrey, two SPS officers coach a weekly fitness program for SOBC athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Supper for Seniors – This meal delivery program is a partnership with the Cloverdale Community Kitchen that provides Community 1^st officers with an opportunity to connect with local seniors, many of whom are house bound.
• Walk the Beat Wednesdays – Community 1^st officers meet business owners and residents in their neighbourhoods to offer crime prevention advice and discuss public safety concerns, face-to-face.

Community 1^st also provides SPS officers with important information on the marginalized communities they serve in Surrey. It is critical that our officers understand the history some vulnerable groups have with police and how that may prevent them from trusting police or reporting crime. Strategies are shared to help officers engage with these individuals is a respectful, unbiased, and supportive manner.

The unit’s branded vehicle bears the words “Listening to all voices in the community”, which is the core philosophy of Community 1^st. An illustration of the feather gifted to SPS by the Semiahmoo First Nation is also prominently featured on the hood of the vehicle. While some police vehicles can be visually imposing, this one has invited visitors and conversations wherever it travels.

“I know some people are critical of the role of community engagement in policing, wondering how giving out coffee to those who are unhoused or handing out stickers to kids is keeping their community safe,” says Sergeant Dale Quiring with the Community 1^st Unit. “But building trust is key to ensuring that people know they can rely on the police, not only for emergency response, but for help. No one is going to ask for help if they don’t know you or trust you. Sometimes that starts over just a simple cup of coffee and showing up regularly.”

More information about the SPS Community 1^st Unit and our community engagement can be found at www.surreypolice.ca/C1 and in episode five of the “Ask SPS” video series.