Surrey Police Reassign Gang Unit Officers Amid Staffing Shortages and Rising Extortion Cases

Surrey — A major internal shift within policing operations in Surrey has raised concerns about public safety and gang enforcement after specialized officers from the city’s gang unit were reassigned earlier this year, leaving a gap in frontline intelligence gathering and proactive patrols in areas historically impacted by organized crime.

Sources confirmed that the changes took place in January within the Surrey Police Service, when nine officers from the specialized gang unit were redeployed to assist with rising extortion investigations and other operational priorities. The move came just days before the high-profile killing of Naseem Mohammed, a figure linked to the Brothers Keepers gang, who was shot at a residence in Panorama Ridge on Jan. 12. The property was later set on fire, and the case remains under investigation by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team.

The reassignment has sparked debate among law enforcement observers and political figures, who warn that specialized gang officers play a crucial role in maintaining street-level intelligence. These officers routinely engage in proactive duties such as monitoring known gang hotspots, conducting curfew checks, issuing warnings about potential threats and maintaining a visible presence at public venues frequented by individuals linked to organized crime.

Independent MLA Elenore Sturko, a former RCMP officer, said such units are vital because they operate directly within environments where gang activity is most visible. She emphasized that the intelligence gathered through daily interaction and presence cannot easily be replicated by broader enforcement teams. According to Sturko, visible gang units also serve as a deterrent, helping manage what has historically been a volatile environment in parts of the Lower Mainland.

Officials with the Surrey Police Service have described the move as temporary, citing staffing shortages and shifting priorities, including the ongoing Cloverdale policing transition and a surge in extortion-related cases. Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said organized crime enforcement remains active, with the department continuing to rely on its internal resources as well as support from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, a provincial agency focused on dismantling organized crime networks.

Police say the reassignment could be reversed later in the year as recruitment efforts progress and new officers complete training. However, the staffing situation has highlighted ongoing challenges within the service, including difficulties attracting experienced personnel. The department has reportedly offered significant financial incentives to recruit officers, underscoring the urgency of filling operational gaps.

Community concerns have also surfaced following reports from residents who claim police lack the resources to follow up on detailed intelligence. In one case, a retired officer documented suspicious activity in his neighbourhood over several weeks, compiling extensive notes, video evidence and licence plate information before submitting it to police. He was later told that while patrols could be increased, there were insufficient resources for a full investigation.

Local officials acknowledge the strain but remain divided on the approach. Surrey councillor Linda Annis expressed support for prioritizing extortion investigations, noting that gang violence has remained relatively contained in recent months. She added that police leadership retains the ability to redeploy officers if gang-related incidents escalate again.

Despite reassurances, critics argue that reducing specialized gang unit visibility could weaken long-term enforcement efforts and diminish the flow of critical intelligence needed to prevent future violence. The situation has renewed calls for increased police staffing, with estimates suggesting the city may need hundreds of additional officers in the coming years to meet growing demands.

As Surrey continues to balance competing public safety priorities, the temporary shift in policing strategy highlights the challenges of managing organized crime, extortion threats and limited resources within one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing cities.

Courtesy: vancouversun