Skip to content

6 named to Surrey Police Board by B.C. gov't, Stutt serves as city rep

The first meeting of the new board is Feb. 12
20241129-surrey-police-service-ab-0038
Rob Stutt, pictured here with fellow Surrey Councillor Pardeep Kooner, at a Surrey Police Service press conference in Surrey on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024.

A new Surrey Police Board includes some new and familiar names. 

B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor signed an Order in Council to appoint a new board effective last Friday, Jan. 31, according to a memo from Melissa Granum, Surrey Police Board executive director.

Under the amended Police Act, the provincial government appoints up to seven members to the board, and Surrey Council appoints one elected representative and one city representative.

Appointed are Nerissa Allen, Sarbjit Bains, Bilal Cheema, James Carwana, Harley Chappell and Christine Mohr, with Surrey Coun. Rob Stutt named as Surrey's appointee. 

In November 2023, the B.C. government paused the appointments of Surrey Police Board members, then appointed Mike Serr as board administrator to advance the policing transition, made official last fall. Serr's appointment ended Friday.

The first meeting of the new Surrey Police Board is on Feb. 12, with two vacancies yet to be filled — one by city council, one by provincial cabinet order.

During January, the new police board members "have been going through an onboarding process to become orientated to the role, in order to assume their responsibilities immediately upon the effective date of their appointment," a news release indicated Monday (Feb. 3).

Surrey Police Board is an independent governance body established under the BC Police Act.

Mayor Brenda Locke said Stutt's extensive experience in policing, "combined with his dedication to community service," will be a great asset to the new board. 

"It is crucial to have policing experience on the board to ensure that decisions are well-informed and effectively address the needs of our community," Locke stated in a news release Monday afternoon. "I am confident that his insights and leadership will help guide the board in its work to keep Surrey safe and thriving.”

Prior to election to Surrey Council, Stutt worked in policing and the insurance industry, including time with the RCMP in Surrey.

“My background in policing and my years of public service have given me a deep understanding of Surrey’s diverse needs," he says. "I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members to make sure public safety remains a top priority for our city. I am committed to ensuring that residents and visitors to Surrey are afforded the best service possible.”

 



Tom Zillich

About the Author: Tom Zillich

I cover entertainment, sports and news for Surrey Now-Leader and Black Press Media
Read more