Surrey Police Board expected to formally appoint Parm Jawanda as new chair

The Surrey Police Board is expected to formally appoint Parm Jawanda as its new chair during a scheduled board meeting on Wednesday afternoon.

The appointment comes amid recent leadership changes and governance concerns within the Surrey Police Service. Earlier this month, Police Chief Norm Lipinski was removed from his position, prompting then-board chair Harley Chappell to resign in protest.

According to information released ahead of the meeting, Jawanda brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership, governance and multi-partner organizational environments. If confirmed, he will assume responsibility for helping guide the Surrey Police Service through a period of transition and organizational stability.

The board's meeting is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday. A formal vote or confirmation of Jawanda's appointment is expected to be among the items considered by the board.

The leadership change comes as Surrey continues its transition from the RCMP to a municipal police service, a process that remains one of the largest public safety and governance initiatives currently underway in the city.