The Surrey Police Union says it did not receive any formal notification from the Surrey Police Board, which the president calls ‘concerning.’
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The Surrey police board confirmed Tuesday that Chief Norm Lipinski has left the force, a major shakeup in a city that has already been hit with challenges as it transitions away from the RCMP.
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The board did not give any reason for Lipinski’s departure, but Postmedia learned he was given until Thursday at 4 p.m. to resign or be terminated without cause from his position.
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Lipinski was placed on leave following a meeting on Monday morning with the Surrey police board. Afterwards, he turned in his badge and left police headquarters, according to a source who did not want to be identified because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.
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On Tuesday morning, the board confirmed he had left his post, but provided very few details.
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“We want to assure our partners and all community members that we remain focused on protecting public safety and providing uninterrupted service delivery to the community,” the board said in a statement.
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“We are confident in the leadership team of SPS, and in the continued professionalism of all SPS personnel.”
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The board confirmed that Deputy Chief Todd Matsumoto has been appointed interim chief, and that it will begin a recruitment process soon to find a permanent chief of police.
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Postmedia was also unable to confirm how much money Lipinski could receive as compensation.
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Lipinski had been the first chief of the new municipal force since 2020. He was making a base salary of $285,000 but was typically receiving total compensation around $330,000.
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Mayor Brenda Locke did not grant Postmedia an interview, but released a statement thanking Lipinski for his service.
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“As mayor, my focus remains public safety, and I look forward to working with interim chief Todd Matsumoto during this transition period,” Locke stated.
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“I am confident that the Surrey police board has a plan in place that will continue to prioritize keeping our neighbourhoods safe, while supporting the SPS to become a Canadian leader in trusted, modern, and responsive policing.”
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Surrey police wouldn’t comment, stating that was up to the police board as the employer of the chief.
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“It’s not for SPS to comment on,” Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton said.
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Premier David Eby said Tuesday morning he had yet to hear from the police board.
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The premier said he told Locke months ago that the province has been too involved in Surrey’s policing transition and he wanted to take a step back. Locke agreed, he added.
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“It’s important for them (the police board) to let us know what their plan is here, given the amount of speculation that’s currently taking place,” Eby told reporters.
