A Mountie with extensive homicide investigation and gang prevention experience has been named Surrey’s top cop.
Chief Supt. Dwayne McDonald was introduced publicly Monday as the new Officer in Command (OIC) for the Surrey RCMP, the largest detachment in the country.
McDonald was introduced on Tuesday at the Surrey RCMP detachment in Newton by Mayor Linda Hepner, Deputy Comm. Craig Callens and Surrey’s current OIC Bill Fordy.
“(He) will carry on the tradition of exemplary leaders we have been fortunate to have at Surrey detachment,” Hepner said. “As we move forward with our public safety strategy, (the new OIC’s) high-level experience combined with his progressive and community first approach to policing will make a real difference in the lives of Surrey residents.”
McDonald has been with the RCMP for 21 years, and served in high-ranking positions with the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team as well as the integrated gang enforcement unit.
He said Tuesday he will build on the successes in Surrey policing.
Asked to expand on those, he said they include the Community Safety Officer Program, the Wrap program and engagement of community groups.
“All of those those initiatives pay dividends, not only to policing, but also to public safety,” McDonald said.
As to what he would change that might not be working so well, McDonald said it’s a little early to determine that.
“I just got keys to my office this morning, so I haven’t quite delved into all the issues,” McDonald said, noting he’s open to change where necessary.
“If it’s not working, we need to change it.”
