The ongoing chaos in Surrey's long-running transition to a municipal police force is poised to become a central issue in this fall's municipal election, according to political observers. The fallout from the Surrey police board's abrupt decision to remove Chief Const. Norm Lipinski has raised numerous questions among mayoral candidates regarding the timing, lack of reasoning, undisclosed severance costs, and the impact on recruitment for the Surrey Police Service.
Political scientist weighs in
Hamish Telford, a political scientist at the University of the Fraser Valley, noted that while the intricacies of Lipinski's removal may escape most voters, the police transition remains a lingering concern. He emphasized that the issue is further complicated by former mayor Doug McCallum's return to the mayoral race, reigniting debates over the municipal force. McCallum, who spearheaded the transition, lost to current Mayor Brenda Locke in 2022 after she campaigned to retain the RCMP.
Voter sentiment divided
Telford observed that the electorate is split: some strongly oppose the municipal force and want the RCMP back, while others support the Surrey police. However, he believes most voters simply want the matter resolved. The transition, which began over six years ago, has been contentious and slow, with completion not expected for at least another year. The new force still needs about 175 officers to reach its full complement of 835.
Background of the transition
The transition faced an 18-month legal battle that ended in 2024 when Locke and her council accepted a $250-million provincial payment to cover costs, following a failed B.C. Supreme Court attempt to block the transition. The circumstances of Lipinski's departure remain unclear, with board member Hanne Madsen stating he was terminated, while other sources indicate he was given an ultimatum to resign or face termination without cause. The removal has also led to the resignation of two police board directors, including the chair, with McCallum accusing Locke of a board takeover.
