Image: Abbotsford Police Department / On Tuesday night (Oct. 22), Harpreet Jhinjar (second from left), program manager and innovator of the Pathways Program, accepted the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award on behalf AbbyPD for the work that Pathways has done since the creation of the gang prevention program. Abbotsford PD Chief Constable Colin Watson (right) is also pictured. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford Police Department

Abbotsford PD earns accolades for its gang prevention program

Oct 23, 2024 | 8:53 AM

ABBOTSFORD — The Abbotsford Police Department says it has received an abundance of feedback from local residents about the importance of preventing gang activity among local youth and ensuring it remains a top priority with law enforcement.

Which is why AbbyPD launched the development of its Pathways program, an initiative meant to preclude at-risk youth and young adults from engaging in unlawful gang participation. Since its inception, the department says it has worked with approximately 75 at-risk youths and young adults just in the Abbotsford community.

On Tuesday night (Oct. 22), Harpreet Jhinjar, program manager and innovator of the Pathways Program, accepted the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Webber Seavey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award on behalf AbbyPD for the work that Pathways has done since the creation of the program.

“This is a significant recognition in the field of policing and a testament to our Pathways team’s hard work and dedication to public safety in Abbotsford,” said Abbotsford Police Department Chief Constable Colin Watson. “This award has been bestowed upon outstanding agencies worldwide, and we are proud to be among them.”

The goal of the Pathways program is to properly intervene and prevent at-risk youths from engaging in gang activity before they become involved. According to a statement from police, Pathways employs an evidence-informed approach based on academic research tested in the field of gang prevention and intervention. Pathways’ comprehensive three-pillar approach of community engagement, prevention, and intervention enables team members collaborate with families, community, and stakeholders.

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In 2019, the Abbotsford Police Department received provincial and federal funding under the Guns and Gangs Violence Action Fund (GGVAF) to collaborate proactively to prevent gang violence, paving the way for the foundation of Pathways. The funding through GGVAF ended in 2023, but Pathways continues to exist thanks to additional funding under the Federal Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF). This funding is slated to end in March 2026.

AbbyPD spokesperson Sgt. Paul Walker says police look forward to finding creative ways to continue the impactful and vital work of the Pathways program moving forward here in our community.

Further information on AbbyPD Pathways and the Webber Seavey award can be located here: www.abbypd.ca/pathways.