Former Surrey police chief seeks judicial review of dismissal
Surrey Police chief dismissal: Norm Lipinski seeks judicial review of his firing Court filing alleges political influence and could clarify how Surrey policing is governed
Former Surrey Police Service chief Norm Lipinski has filed a petition in B.C. Supreme Court asking for a judicial review of his dismissal by the Surrey Police Board.
Lipinski says he was hired in 2020 as the first chief of the service and had his contract extended in 2025, before being terminated on June 1, shortly after a change on the police board. His petition alleges the firing was unlawful and influenced by politics, including efforts by Mayor Brenda Locke to keep the RCMP in Surrey.
The Surrey Police Board says it has been notified of the court filing and will respond through the legal process. Surrey Connect, the mayor’s party, says the mayor and city do not make staffing decisions for the police service, which are handled by the independent board. The claims have not been tested in court.