HAND-IN-HAND WITH POLICE, PUBLIC CAN SHARE IN COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION

The Community Needs To Partner With Police To Help Prevent Crime.

That's one of the messages that came out of the first community dialogue to
be held by the Abbotsford Police Board as they work with the department to
develop the police agency's direction and priorities.

"The community is still small enough that change can happen," said one
attendee. "It's not hopeless."

However, "we need to take the rose glasses off."

A cross section of representatives from various community organizations
gathered on Saturday morning to share their thoughts about priorities for
policing as the city grows at a rapid pace. Those attendees shared their
opinions anonymously.

During the four hour session, attendees discussed the root causes behind
public safety issues and concluded that the breakdown of the family and the
lack of a relationship with neighbours were contributing factors to the
growing crime rate in the city.

Drug addiction was also another major concern raised by delegates, as was a
perception of short sentences imposed by courts and the number of prisons
in the region.

Attendees suggested building a network that would allow those at risk to
get help from the appropriate agency and stressed a "charter of
responsibilities." They also noted the need for the community to get involved.

"Police cannot work in isolation," said one attendee. "The community is a
resource that needs to be tapped into."

Issues including violent crime, organized crime, and drugs were named as
top policing priorities, as were crime prevention measures, especially for
youth.

The results of Saturday's session will be incorporated into the police
department's strategic plan, which the department is expected to draft next
year.