SURREY Police Service (SPS) Chief Constable Norm Lipinski said on Tuesday that the SPS supports Premier David Eby’s call for additional support and new mechanisms to address the ongoing extortion crisis.
He added: “It is imperative that the community’s voices are heard to help inform our police response.”
Lipinski said: “As we have said from the beginning, this crisis will not be solved by police alone and long-term solutions must involve the community. Residents and business owners are asking difficult questions of police, and those questions are both valid and necessary.”
He pointed out: “History has shown us that progress during complex public-safety crises—such as previous spikes in gang violence—only occurs when police and communities work together. Success and progress must be defined by the community itself, not solely by police. I welcome the formation of a new community advisory group and look forward to listening, learning from lived experiences, addressing fears and concerns, and tackling this challenge together.”
Lipinski said: “Clear and consistent communication is essential. Over the past several months, I have attended multiple community town halls and spoken with numerous media outlets. SPS media officers have also conducted hundreds of interviews related to the extortion crisis, ensuring the public is informed about these serious incidents, seven days a week. We have also taken the extraordinary step of publicly releasing photos of those charged with criminal offences, the release of which has already generated tips that investigators are following up on.
“Further, our officers and civilian staff are talking to and collaborating with their counterparts in the BC Extortion Task Force and other police agencies every day to share intelligence and information on their respective files. I look forward to further enhancing that communication.
“While significant work has been done by SPS and our policing partners, it is clear that, collectively, we must do more.
“In January, as a result of the increase in the number of incidents this year, I asked the Province for additional officers and support. We continue to have discussions with the Province and our policing partners on that support and I am optimistic that those resources will come soon to aid in our united fight in this crisis.”
Lipinski added that he wanted to recognize and thank the SPS sworn officers and civilian staff who continue to work tirelessly on these investigations. Many have adjusted their schedules, worked additional shifts, and sacrificed personal time to protect this community. He said: “Their dedication and professionalism reflect their deep commitment to public safety.”
