GANG MESSAGE DRIVEN HOME WITH HUMMER

Seized From Criminals, Cops Hope New Cruiser Helps Reach Local Youth

What was once used for drug trafficking has become the latest beacon
of the Abbotsford Police Department's battle against gangs in the city.

The APD unveiled its new cruiser Wednesday - an H2 Hummer - that will
make its rounds, spreading the message that gangs are not welcome in
Abbotsford as part of Operation Reclamation.

A man who was convicted of drug trafficking and weapons possession
once used the vehicle - however, it was surrendered under B.C.'s
Civil Forfeiture Act and given to the APD to use as a motorized
billboard for fighting organized crime.

The Hummer won't be used as a regular police cruiser, but it will be
driven to schools and put on display at Abbotsford Heat games for
students and the general public to view.

Not only do the slogans plastered on the exterior of the vehicle
presents a strong message, but its sheer size alone should reach the
public, said Const. Ian MacDonald.

"Obviously when we started those initial conversations with the
province to get a vehicle, a Smart Car just wasn't going to fit the
bill," said MacDonald.

"We wanted something that had some connections to gangs and drugs,
and that would be a real vehicle that's been turned into a reclamation."

Should the weather call for accumulating snow, the vehicle could be
used because it is a 4x4, added MacDonald, but its primary use is to
alert the community about the gang lifestyle.

The unveiling of the new cruiser was held at Thunderbird Square, next
to the APD building near City Hall.

Despite chilly temperatures, members of the media, APD and city hall
turned out to see the presentation.

Mayor George Peary and Solicitor General Rich Coleman both climbed
out of the vehicle once it came to a complete stop inside the square.

"I love it," said Peary.

"This is exactly what we want to do is get the message out. When
people follow this vehicle and see it was seized from a drug dealer,
there's a very real message out there."

Citing a decline in the number of homicides from 11 in 2009 to four
last year, and none so far this year, the mayor praised the APD for
its role in suppressing gangs in the Abbotsford.

"I give them an A+," he said.

Police Chief Bob Rich agreed his department was doing a good job in
this area; however, much is work is still left do be done.

"I think we've made a good start," said Rich.

"But there are 180 people involved in [the] gang lifestyle here in
Abbotsford. We've set goals around reducing that number every year .
. . but we know we have a long way to go."