Paul Dadwal, the head of the community advisory group addressing extortion south of the Fraser River, acknowledges the significant task ahead. The group, recently appointed by the B.C. provincial government, aims to bridge the gap between the community and various stakeholders, including law enforcement, regulatory bodies, and victim services.
Dadwal emphasized the importance of collaboration with business associations, boards of trade, police leaders, and families to gather valuable ideas and recommendations. The group’s primary goal is to assess the ongoing issues within the community and provide suggestions to governmental authorities for evaluation.
On a related note, the Surrey Police Service (SPS) faced challenges in dealing with extortion-related crimes, which led to staffing redeployment and resource constraints. Despite requesting a timeline extension for transitioning away from the RCMP, the proposal was declined by the Director of Policing and Law Enforcement Services.
Dadwal highlighted the advisory group’s commitment to supporting police efforts while focusing on victim engagement and maintaining operational independence. The group members, including former senior RCMP investigator Paul Dadwal, are dedicated to combating the escalating extortion issue with a united front.