British Columbia's Public Safety Minister has directed the province's top policing official to evaluate whether further action is needed following the public release of correspondence between Surrey's police chief and a city councillor concerning impaired driving enforcement.
Text Messages Reveal Councillor's Involvement
The controversy emerged this week after Global News published a story based on text messages and emails obtained through a freedom of information request. The correspondence involved Surrey First Coun. Linda Annis and Surrey Police Service Chief Norm Lipinski.
The messages indicate that Annis, who lives and owns property in the South Surrey neighbourhood, forwarded complaints to the police chief about impaired driving check stops being conducted outside the Morgan Creek Golf Course in July 2025. In one reply, Chief Lipinski stated, "Yes, we stopped setting up there." The Global News report suggested the chief relayed the complaints to subordinates, noting they "require an elevated response."
Police Defend Data-Driven Decisions
In a statement to Postmedia, the Surrey Police Service explained that its Impaired Driving Unit conducted enforcement at numerous locations around the city during the summer of 2025. The service confirmed that while officers ceased enforcement immediately outside the golf course, they continued a check stop nearby on 32 Avenue.
The police service stated that conversations were held with both the golf course and Councillor Annis to explain the data-driven factors used to select enforcement locations. These factors include:
- Community complaints and tips
- Observed behaviour by officers
- Proximity to venues serving alcohol
SPS also said it implemented a prevention approach with the golf course but declined further comment, noting that the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner has received requests to investigate.
Provincial Minister Steps In
Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger issued a statement emphasizing that policing decisions, including the placement of check stops, are operational matters that must remain independent. "It is my expectation that all police agencies act in accordance with the law and established standards, policies and guidelines," she said.
The minister confirmed she has spoken with Glen Lewis, B.C.'s Director of Policing and Law Enforcement Services, and has asked him to monitor the situation and consider any additional steps that may be necessary. She did not specify what those steps might entail.
The Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner did not confirm by deadline whether it has launched an investigation. The release of the messages comes as Coun. Linda Annis, a two-term Surrey First councillor, is running for mayor in the October 2026 municipal election.
