Mayor Brenda Locke Pushes for Better Police Coordination
In a move aimed at improving public safety and strengthening civic-police coordination, Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has formally asked for enhanced communication with Police Chief Norm Lipinski. In a letter dated June 19, Locke outlined three clear requests: bi-monthly one-on-one meetings, monthly crime trend updates, and immediate alerts following any major incidents in the city.
“I want to ensure that when significant events occur in Surrey, I’m promptly informed,” Locke shared in a phone interview before the police board’s July 17 meeting, where the letter was up for discussion. While she noted that Chief Lipinski already communicates regularly, Locke said the letter was a way to formalize the process and keep their partnership aligned.
The timing of her request comes amid ongoing concerns in Surrey, including recent shootings and extortion cases. Locke clarified that these incidents didn’t prompt the letter directly but reinforced the need for a proactive approach to crime management.
Transition Still Underway: Surrey Police Replacing RCMP
Surrey’s policing landscape has been undergoing a major transition. After a long debate with the provincial government, the city officially began replacing the RCMP with a municipal police force in November 2023. The change, which Locke herself opposed, is expected to continue through 2027. Despite her earlier resistance, Locke acknowledged that “we need to work with Surrey Police Service now that they’re here.”
As of June 30, the SPS had 552 officers, moving steadily toward the city’s target of 860.
Building a Stronger Bridge Between City Hall and Police
Locke emphasized that her expectations weren’t new. “This is exactly what I did with the RCMP. Norm and I have already built a decent working relationship, and this will only improve it,” she said.
The police board, which only meets once a month, doesn’t provide the agility needed for day-to-day issues, according to Locke. “We can’t always wait for board decisions. We must be ready to react together,” she stressed.
Harley Chappell, chair of the police board, responded by inviting the mayor for further talks. Meanwhile, Lipinski deferred his comments to the board, which had not responded publicly by the time of publication.
Locke’s letter marks a significant step in Surrey’s efforts to unify leadership during this policing overhaul. Whether it leads to smoother coordination—or reveals deeper divides—remains to be seen.
