We, the concerned residents of Surrey, are submitting this petition to the Surrey Police Board, the City of Surrey Council, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to demand accountability and leadership change within the Surrey Police Service.

We are collectively calling for a change in leadership at the Surrey Police Service. The mishandling of extortion-related incidents has eroded public trust. It’s time for transparency, accountability, and leadership that puts community safety first. 

Surrey is one of Canada’s fastest-growing and most diverse cities. Our community deserves a police service that is transparent, responsive, and accountable to the people it protects.

In recent months, our city has faced an alarming wave of extortion-related threats targeting local residents and business owners. Unfortunately, the Surrey Police Service’s response under the leadership of Chief Constable Norm Lipinski has raised serious concerns about communication, accountability, and crisis management.

We fully support and appreciate the dedicated officers who serve our community daily. However, effective policing requires strong and trustworthy leadership. When that leadership fails to provide transparency or adequately address critical threats, public confidence inevitably declines which is happening now in real time.

Under Chief Lipinski’s tenure, the handling of these incidents has fallen short of the bare minimum that our community expects and trust once lost is difficult to rebuild. Recent statistics indicate a significant increase in unresolved criminal cases and public dissatisfaction. By the most recent indicators, the City of Surrey is experiencing higher crime levels than our neighbouring city, Vancouver. Surrey's crime index stands at 64.7, whereas Vancouver's is only 42.8. At the same time, Surrey has recorded 53+ shootings this year, compared with just 20 in Vancouver. These figures demonstrate an urgent public-safety crisis and highlight a severe erosion of public trust, thereby undermining the community's faith in those sworn to protect them. 

Statistics

1. Out of Control Crime
Surrey ranks among Canada's most challenging cities for crime, with a high Crime Index of 64.7 and a low Safety Index of just 35.3. Violent crime has risen by 14% since early 2025.

2. Shootings Have Skyrocketed
The city has recorded over 53 shootings so far in 2025, an alarming 89% increase compared to 2024. 

3. Surging Extortion Cases
Law enforcement has confirmed nearly 100 extortion cases this year, with 43 involving gunfire. These crimes disproportionately affect Surrey's South Asian community and have prompted the creation of a provincial task force - yet no major arrests have been made. Local community leaders express that numerous extortion attempts are never even brought forward to the police due to safety concerns. Business owners and residents have lost confidence in the system, believing that reporting these crimes will not result in any protection or resolution. This growing mistrust is leaving our community extremely vulnerable. 

4. Public Safety At Risk
Residents are living in fear with a new shooting every day. Businesses and families are questioning whether Surrey is still a safe place to live, work, and invest.

5. Staffing Shortages and Mismanagement
Despite being authorized for 785 officers, SPS remains critically understaffed. Officers are being reassigned from other duties to respond to shootings, leaving gaps in essential policing services as well.

6. Taxpayer Burden
Due to rising crime and fewer officers than projected, SPS is relying heavily on overtime shifts, increasing millions in additional costs. The burden to pay the additional costs will ultimately fall on Surrey taxpayers through higher property taxes and budget reallocations.

Solution

1. The resignation of Chief Constable Norm Lipinski, to allow new leadership that can rebuild confidence and lead the SPS with transparency.

2. An independent review of how the Surrey Police Service is managing extortion-related and organized crime cases.

3. Improved public communication, ensuring residents are informed of major developments that affect community safety.

As the governing body responsible for monitoring conduct and performance, the Surrey Police Board must answer for the lack of oversight that has allowed this situation to deteriorate.

Accountability does not begin and end with the Chief only, it extends to the Surrey Police Board as well.

Please note: this petition is not about politics. It is about accountability, safety, and leadership. Surrey residents deserve a police service that communicates openly, acts decisively, and prioritizes the well-being of our city above all else. 

It’s time to turn the page and move toward a safer, more transparent future for Surrey.