Image: Langley RCMP / Mounties in Langley say they will be taking over policing on Barnston Island in November 2024 amid a transition tied to a new Surrey police service.

By Don Mitchell

Policing change

Langley RCMP to maintain jurisdiction on Barnston Island amid transition to new Surrey Police Service

Nov 1, 2024 | 1:17 PM

SURREY – Officials with the RCMP say policing on Barnston Island will remain under their jurisdiction amid an ongoing redistribution of resources near Surrey.

A spokesperson said on Friday that the unincorporated island, located in the Greater Vancouver metropolitan area, will be patrolled by the Langley detachment, with the Surrey detachment set to be dissolved.

The acting detachment commander for Langley RCMP, Insp. Ryan Element, said the island falls under provincial jurisdiction, not the City of Surrey, resulting in retention of the service area.

“Langley RCMP have been working closely with our policing partners to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure public safety on Barnston Island,” Element explained.

“We are proud and ready to serve Barnston Island and the Katzie First Nation on the island.”

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The move comes almost six years after the City of Surrey opted to create its own municipal police service.

The province approved the change, setting a late November timeline for the transition from the RCMP to the Surrey Police Service (SPS).

SPS’s first day on the job will be Nov. 29, when they assume responsibility for policing and law enforcement.

However, SPS stated on its website that a full and complete transition will depend on the speed of hiring, file transfers, and “enhancing” infrastructure.