Image: Abbotsford Police Chief Colin Watson speaks at an Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce luncheon. / Dale Klippenstein

By Fraser Valley Today Staff

Community Safety

AbbyPD Chief Watson promotes collaboration and safety to business community

Mar 2, 2024 | 6:00 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The new Chief of the Abbotsford Police Department made his first address to the Abbotsford business community this week. Chief Police Constable, Colin Watson was the speaker at the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce ‘Leaders Lunch’, a monthly series hosted by the organization.

While addressing the group of approximately one hundred, the Chief highlighted several key AbbyPD programs and initiatives that are underway.

Image: AbbyPD Chief Colin Watson answers questions during the Leaders Lunch event, sponsored by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. / Dale Klippenstein

Like seemingly every other community in B.C., Abbotsford is dealing with a growing mental health problem. AbbyPD has a Mobile Integrated Crisis Response Team program in place to assist police with the challenges around dealing with an individual struggling with mental health. The program, which is also known as ‘Car 87’, places mental health nurses in a car with police officers to provide a front-line response to calls involving a mental health crisis. Similar programs have experienced success in other jurisdictions across the province.

The Chief also spoke about the Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative. The Initiative is a partnership between policing agencies, community resources and the provincial government. Watson says the goal of the program is to target and manage repeat violent offenders in the community to improve safety for Abbotsford residents.

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The business community was also reminded of the department’s Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design initiative. The program supports businesses and homeowners with design expertise to improve safety around their properties and reduce the risk of becoming victims of break-ins and other crimes.

The central theme of the Chief’s presentation emphasized the importance of crime prevention and fostering stronger connections with the business community. Watson believes collaborating effectively, will enhance safety and contribute to making Abbotsford a safer city.

The Chamber says next month’s Leader’s Lunch will be part of the Annual General Meeting and is scheduled for March 2017. The scheduled speaker is Abbotsford West MLA Mike De Jong.