“I’m In Charge Here,” Cops Shut Down Family Soccer Game

SURREY, B.C. — A family playing soccer was interrupted and forced from the field by police for allegedly not having a permit.

Satnam Singh Pawer said he was playing soccer when the Royal Canadian Mounted Police arrived and told him he needed a permit to continue playing on property the city of Surrey claims to own.

A video that appears to have been captured on a cell phone shows some of the soccer players speaking with the officer when she interrupts by clapping her hands together and saying “Listen to me — I’m in charge here today, so today you will pick up your cones. You will go home.”

Video below:

Pawar was frustrated by the way officers handled the situation, having been told to file a complaint if he has a problem with being forced from the park. Pawar offered criticism of the police focusing on families harmlessly enjoying a soccer game in a city he says is well known for its crime.

Owen Croy, the Surrey city manager of parks, said he believes that while technically correct, the police ultimately have the option to employ discretion in how they enforce city ordinances.

“Perhaps a bit more discretion could have been used,” Croy said.