OPERATION IMPACT HITS HOME

With student reactions to an anti-gang presentation varying from tears
and heartfelt words of thanks to bored indifference, Abbotsford Police
are confident they're "connecting" with local youth on troubling
issues such as bad choices and gang violence.

Local police officers made the rounds to several Abbotsford high
schools this week to interact with students through a visual
presentation entitled Operation Impact - Warning, Informing and
Encouraging.

The messaging involves live demonstrations, props and a mix of audio
and video that lasts an hour and follows the department's high school
anti-gang, poster-messaging initiative Operation Tarnish, and the
Youth Help Line - established for those unable to discuss gang-related
problems with friends or family members.

"I don't think it would be fair to simply do a presentation to youth
and not offer them an opportunity to reach out if they felt they
needed help," said APD Const. Ian MacDonald.

It is meant to further cement the APD's commitment to address the
problems of gang involvement, drug dealing and criminal activity in
the city, MacDonald said.

Chief Const. Bob Rich drew national attention to the gang situation in
Abbotsford in May when he issued a public warning to anyone involved
in, or considering getting into gang-related criminal activity.

The chief's urgings came on the heels of the kidnapping and murder of
two W.J. Mouat Secondary students who were allegedly dealing pot in
contravene of drug-running lines set up by organized crime.

Yesterday afternoon saw police, and presenters engaging students at
Abbotsford Traditional School.

"All we're asking is that students give us 45 minutes of their time
and be open-minded to some of the things we're going to offer," said
MacDonald.

Amir Javid is a former gangster turned anti-gang advocate, and he
explained to students how his choice to pursue the clothes, the money,
the weapons and violence that went along with the gang lifestyle
nearly cost him his life, and landed his brother in jail for attempted
murder.

"I felt small and unimportant," he said.

According to Javid, getting involved in a gang gave him purpose and
having a knife or a gun made him feel powerful.

"I wanted to be [gangster-rapper Tupac Shakur]. He had money, girls,
clothes, but the reality was his lifestyle got him killed."

Reaction among students was mixed, but student Danielle Warmenhoven
said she was impressed with Javid and other speakers.

"It was effective. Especially Amir, he showed that [gang violence] can
hit close to home.

"Kids can identify with his situation and say 'that's me,' and then he
offers a way to get out."

Warmenhoven said most kids thinking about getting into gangs don't
realize the consequences.

"We need to do something about it and realize the danger," she
said.

MacDonald said officers care deeply about their community, and this
presentation was a positive way to show it.

"For a department that has 200 members, I think the effort and the
amount of work put into the program so far has been
extraordinary."

MacDonald said it's about trying to make a difference.

"We're a community that has had more than its share of
tragedy.

"But I think whether you support every program we've done or not, I
don't think too many people can say the Abbotsford Police Department
doesn't care, or that we haven't made the effort."