Surrey Police Board Delays Vote on Property Damage Policy
The Surrey Police Board has postponed a vote on a policy about police‑caused property damage. The board met on December 18, 2025 and was expected to make a decision. Instead, they chose to delay the vote until a future meeting set for February 5, 2026.
The policy would guide how the Surrey Police Service compensates property owners when officers damage homes, vehicles, or fences during duty. The delay came after a board member asked for more legal review before proceeding.
Why the Vote Was Delayed
Rob Stutt, the city council’s representative on the police board, asked that the city solicitor review the proposed policy first. He said he agreed with the policy’s goal but wanted legal sign‑off before voting. This request led the board to push the decision to the next meeting.
Chief Constable Norm Lipinski warned the delay could harm public trust in the Surrey Police Service. He said simple claims, like replacing a fence or tires damaged during police work, shouldn’t get stuck in bureaucracy. Lipinski said quick compensation would help residents feel respected and heard.
What the Policy Would Do
Board member Nerissa Allen reported that the Surrey Police Service has paid just over $1,600 total for four property claims so far. Most other claims were denied because the damage was “reasonable and necessary” during police action.
The proposed policy would let the police chief approve compensation up to $10,000 for private property damage. Larger claims would go to the City of Surrey’s legal services. It would apply when the property owner wasn’t involved in a crime.
Allen said the policy would allow police to offer quick goodwill payments, and even cover insurance deductibles in some cases. Without it, the board would refer all claims to the city’s existing claim system, which may refuse many claims and slow payments.
Next Steps for the Board
The next board meeting will take place on February 5, 2026, when members plan to revisit the policy debate. Until then, residents and stakeholders will watch closely for updates on how the board proceeds.
