DRUGS KEY CHALLENGE, SAYS SURVEY

A telephone survey completed by CV Marketing earlier this year helped
Abbotsford Police determine the public's priorities related to crime and
the police department.

The survey consisted of a random sample of 188 Abbotsford residents.
Highlights of the survey include:

* A large number of respondents identified drugs as one of the policing
challenges facing Abbotsford over the next three years.

* The most important crime related issues were break and entry of homes and
businesses, violent crimes among youth, and organized crime.

* Prostitution, traffic and marijuana grows were considered to be of less
importance, but were still considered significant issues.

* The most significant issues the public considered important for the
police department were adequate funding, responsiveness by the police board
to the general public and increase demand for police service by the public.

* Eighty-seven per cent of respondents felt safe or very safe living in
Abbotsford.

* Forty-eight per cent of respondents had come into contact with the police
department over the past three years. For those who had, 92 per cent were
satisfied or very satisfied with the friendliness of the person; 88 per
cent were satisfied or very satisfied with the persons knowledge and
competence, as well as the overall service provided; 86 per cent were happy
with promptness of police response.For those who haven't had contact with
the police department, 98 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with
the overall service by police.

* Sixty-one per cent of respondents were in favour of having a second
Abbotsford police station to serve the east side of Abbotsford.