Special Features - Abbotsford Police Dept. - 2015 Annual Report

Abbotsford News

Friday, May 13, 2016

2015 ANNUAL REPORT

THE MISSION: To make Abbotsford the safest City in BC

ABBOTSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

INTEGRITY • HONOUR • COURAGE • SERVICE

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Abbotsford News

APD: MESSAGES

YVON DANDURAND

MAYOR HENRY BRAUN

KAREN MATTY

MIKE McWHINNEY

SUKH SIDHU

AMANINDER GILL

BARB SCHIMNOWSKY

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD

On behalf of the Abbotsford Police Board, I am pleased to present the Abbotsford Police Department’s 2015 Annual Report to the residents of Abbotsford. This report highlights the focus and accomplishments of the APD over the past year and outlines our objectives for 2016.

The Abbotsford Police Board serves to provide independent civilian oversight

and governance of the Abbotsford Police Department to ensure measurable progress towards a safer community. As Board Chair, I feel very privileged to be working alongside the Abbotsford Police Department, Chief Constable Bob Rich and all of the Abbotsford Police Board members. I have seen firsthand the incredible commitment of the members of our Police Department as well as their in-depth knowledge of the

needs of our community and the issues it faces regarding crime prevention and safety. Our police force – sworn officers and civilian staff – work hard every day to tackle crime and to create a safe community. And they do so with integrity, compassion, a strong sense of purpose and a drive for constant improvement.

I would also like to thank the members

of the Abbotsford Police Board for their continued commitment to the residents of Abbotsford and for their direction as we move into 2016. I look forward to working with Board members again this year in providing support and oversight as our dedicated Police Department works to make Abbotsford the safest city in BC, while providing accountable police service that is deserving of respect throughout our community.

MESSAGE FROM CHIEF CONSTABLE BOB RICH 2015 presented several challenges for the men and women of the APD. Our job is to make the community safe. Simple to say; but sometimes very hard to do.

Gang violence and property crime both substantially increased last year. We have had to devote resources to both to suppress the violence and find a way to reduce the level of property crime. Unfortunately, both problems revolve around illicit drugs. Our gang violence occurs as rival gangs fight for market share as they traffic in drugs. The primary reason someone breaks into a house or steals a car is to get money to

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY CHIEF DAVE SCHMIRLER Fraser Valley East jurisdictions including Abbotsford experienced an increase in property crime rates in 2014 and this trend continued through 2015. Property crime offenders travelling across jurisdictional boundaries to commit crimes presented an additional challenge to police.

Internally, APD sought to improve the organization’s wellness and be more strategic in using resources. To remain cost effective, new methods of delivering service to the community were developed by considering what functions could be reduced or shared with other service providers.

To reduce overall police resourcing in handling calls for service involving the mentally ill, the department committed a full time APD member to the Fraser Health ACT Team (Assertive Community Health team).

For 2016 APD finds itself aggressively recruiting the next generation of Police Officers.

buy drugs to feed their habit. This past year heroin and fentanyl have become much more available on the street and have sadly led to many overdose deaths.

All of the above means that the focus in 2016 is for us to find a way to end this round of gang violence and reduce property crime. Abbotsford is a wonderful community full of caring people. We will continue to work with our partners so Abbotsford is a place where our seniors are safe, our families can thrive and our children flourish.

MESSAGE FROM DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE SERR After a twenty-six year career with the Vancouver Police Department I was proud to join the Abbotsford Police Department in November 2015. As the Deputy Chief of the Administration Division I identified several priorities to address. First, policing is a challenging and stressful occupation and the wellness of all APD staff has been identified as an organizational priority. Strategies have been initiated to support our staff’s mental and physical wellbeing. Second, we need to remain fiscally responsible, while at the same time not compromising our service to the community. We also need to consider options for a new police building. We understand this is a long term initiative; however, it is important to start planning now. Finally, the APD currently has several police vacancies and we are committed to hiring dynamic women and men who will bring energy and commitment to our team.

Abbotsford News

Friday, May 13, 2016

2015 KEY EVENTS AUGUST: A 23 year old man shot and received non-life threatening injuries.

FEBRUARY: A 20 year old man arrested and charged for a fatal stabbing.

MARCH: Shots fired at a residence linked to the Townline Hill conflict.

SEPTEMBER: A 74 year old man killed as a result of a stray bullet coming from a targeting shooting at a nearby residence.

POLICE OFFICER RECRUITING Join our team!

MAY: A 31 year old man arrested for seconddegree murder.

OCTOBER: A 20 year old man and a 45 year old man arrested in connection to a series of Break and Enters occurring in the Townline Hill area.

If you are interested in joining a progressive organization that is consistently open to change and development, consider becoming a member of our team. We are proud to be one of Canada’s policing leaders. Maybe the APD is where you should be?

For more info: abbypd.ca/careers JUNE: A 39 year old man is arrested after striking three pedestrians with his vehicle and fleeing the scene.

NOVEMBER: Three men arrested on drug trafficking charges linked to the Townline Hill conflict.

DWD-DWI POSTER CAMPAIGN

JULY: A 21 year old man arrested after a series of pellet gun attacks against random citizens.

DECEMBER: A 57 year old man commits a crime spree using a gun and is arrested within minutes.

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Abbotsford News

APD: HOW ARE WE MAKING ABBOTSFORD SAFE

2015 TARGETS/RESULTS STREET SAFETY AND PUBLIC DISORDER TARGETS

Abbotsford Police officers receive Awards of Valour

• Implement the Assertive Community Treatment Team • Advocate for young people in crisis • Partner with the City on implementing the Homeless Strategy

RESULTS • Assertive Community Treatment Team implemented and running • SMART program implemented to advocate for young people in crisis • APD liaising with the City as they implement the Homeless Strategy

PROPERTY CRIME

2015

PROPERTY CRIME: 2014 Property Crime Reports: 5499 2015 Property Crime Reports: 6673

21.3%

INCREASE

TARGETS • Reduce property crime by 10%

RESULTS • 21.3% increase in property crime

ROAD SAFETY TARGETS • Reduce injury crashes by 10% • Increase proactive road safety within patrol • Public education programs

RESULTS • 25.4% increase in injury crashes • Patrol officers participating in targeted proactive enforcement • Various social media public education campaigns

SUPPRESS GANG CRIME TARGETS • No gang / drug homicides • Targeting of Top Risks to Public Safety • Disrupt dial-a-dope distribution

2015

VIOLENT CRIME: 2014 Violent Crime Reports: 1301 2015 Violent Crime Reports: 1494

14.8%

INCREASE

RESULTS • 2 gang / drug homicides • Though covert and overt enforcement, the various branches of the APD targeted the identified top risks to public safety.

• Various dial-a-dope lines targeted throughout the year

2015 BUDGET INTEGRITY HONOUR COURAGE SERVICE

2015 BUDGET CHANGES • Staffing remained the same.

• $986,000 Budget Increase

The Abbotsford Police Department is comprised of 212 Police Officers, 118 Civilian Staff and 182 Volunteers.

2015

POLICE OPERATIONS: Salaries: $36,302,000 Non-salary expenses/vehicle expenses: $5,737,000 Training: $501,000

ABBOTSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Abbotsford News

Friday, May 13, 2016

APD: GOING FORWARD

HELP US REDUCE GANG VIOLENCE The APD will continue to deal with the ongoing conflict and threat to public safety as a top priority. We are asking you to be a part of the solution. Report gang activity to Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 or the APD Tip Line at 604-864-4777. Be a part of the public consultation at community Forums. Spend quality time with your children. Become involved in your child’s life.

2016 TARGETS SUPPRESS GANG VIOLENCE Our Drug & Gang Suppression Unit will focus of targeting the Top Risks to Public Safety disrupting their drug and gang lifestyles. Our goal is to suppress gang related incidents involving shots fired and assaults by 50%.

REDUCE PROPERTY CRIME Although property crime has increased over the past two years, by focusing on prolific and repeat offenders, we will try to reduce the upward trend by June and for the remainder of the year attempt to see a reduction of 10%.

FOSTER EMPLOYEE WELLNESS The people who work to keep our community safe matter to the APD. Over 2016, our goal is to implement a consensus built employee wellness program.

OVERALL CRIME Although crime has increased, Abbotsford continues to have one of the lowest crime rates.

2015

ABBOTSFORD

MISSION

CHILLIWACK

69.3

138.6

129.5

60.8

110.1

116.2

57.6

107.3

113.0

LANGLEY

RIDGE MEADOWS

SURREY

2014 2013 * Stats taken from PRIME BC and are subject to rescoring

92.8

99.9

104.3

93.8

90.3

100.6

85.1

86.3

88.6

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Abbotsford News

APD: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POSTER CAMPAIGN OPERATION REVEAL’UTION The Abbotsford Police Department’s Domestic Violence Unit has launched an important video on the topic of violence in relationships called “Reveal’ution”.

The film was created and produced by FireCanvas Productions and features amazing actors from the W.J. Mouat Secondary School drama class.

With the full support of the Abbotsford School District, the Domestic Violence Unit of the APD will be using the film as discussion points for students in grades 10-12 in schools throughout Abbotsford as a way to increase awareness of relationship violence and to encourage youth to seek help if they witness or experience it.

The Abbotsford Police Department and the APD Domestic Violence Unit are encouraging all citizens to join us in our effort to end relationship violence.

Junior Police Academy

ARE YOU AWARE THEFTS FROM VEHICLES ARE OCCURRING DAILY IN ABBOTSFORD? Please help us reduce the number of thefts from vehicles. Tips for vehicle owners: • Use an anti-theft device like a “club” • Remove valuables from your car like loose change APD sends Christmas cards to people making bad choices and involved in the criminal lifestyle.

• Park your vehicle in a well-lit area • Check your vehicle’s doors to ensure they are locked

HOW YOU CAN HELP Reducing crime and making Abbotsford safe only happens when the community and the police work together. Crime has increased this past two years and we want to turn that around.

PLEASE WORK WITH US BY Club Give Away 1 REMOVING VALUABLES FROM YOUR CAR People will break into a car for loose change.

CONTACT US

INTEGRITY HONOUR COURAGE SERVICE

ABBOTSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT 2838 Justice Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3P5 PHONE: 604.859.5225 TEXT: ABBYPD (222973) COMMUNITY POLICE OFFICE 105 - 34194 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 5E4 PHONE: 604.864.4814

abbypd.ca

ABBOTSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

2 USE AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE LIKE A “CLUB” on your older model vehicle.

3 PHONE 911 if you think something suspicious is happening and there may be a crime in progress.

4 WATCH OUT FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS We are a community and we look after each other.

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER • Child ID • Citizens Patrol • CPO Office

• Cell Watch • Speed Watch • Lock Out Auto Crime

• Special Events Team • Reserve Constable Program • Victim Services

Abbotsford News

Friday, May 13, 2016

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PROUD TO SUPPORT NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2016

How to Improve Your Cyber Security and Stay Safe Online

Technology has forever changed the way we live our lives. But as much as technology has made life easier in many ways, it has also made us increasingly vulnerable to criminals.

Utilize computer viruses, keystroke logging programs and spyware to invade innocent people’s privacy, potentially stealing sensitive personal information in an effort to commit fraud. But much like street crime can be thwarted, cyber crimes are often preventable as well, especially when we take precautionary steps to reduce our risk of identity theft and other cyber crimes.

• Set strong passwords and never use the same password for multiple accounts. When setting a password, make sure it does not contain personal information that criminals can easily access through public records or other accessible avenues. Make sure to periodically change passwords.

• Update your software. Software updates may seem like a nuisance, but updating software, especially antivirus and anti-sypware, can protect you and anyone using your com-

puter from cyber criminals. In addition, when installing security updates, these programs will typically scan your computer for any suspect programs or threats since your most recent install, removing any programs deemed suspicious. Software updates might just be your best line of defense against cyber criminals.

• Close old accounts you no longer use. Unused accounts can be used by cyber criminals to open lines of credit in your name. In fact, many people don’t realize they’re victims of such crimes until they apply for new credit and are turned down because of unpaid debts they never even knew had been accrued. Close any accounts you no longer use and confirm they are officially closed before forgetting about them.

• Never open unknown attachments or click on unknown links. Doing so can put your personal information at risk, as such actions might be triggering the installation of viruses or spyware on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

If you don’t recognize a link or aren’t expecting any email attachments, ignore them.

Fraser Valley Fire Protection Ltd. With thanks to the Abbotsford Police Department for all that they do to keep our community safe.

Protect Your Home While Traveling Many families travel during the summer, heading to the beach, cottage, lake or campground for some well deserved rest and relaxation.

Alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs can provide some peace of mind to homeowners, but there are additional ways to protect your home when traveling.

• Use timers to make it appear as though you are home. Criminals are likely to be deterred from burglarizing homes that are well-lit, and noise inside the home can give burglars the impression that someone is inside. Use the timing device on your entertainment or sound system to play music at night, and make sure lights come on at the same time and stay on until the time you would ordinarily go to bed.

• Don’t allow mail or newspapers to stockpile at your front door or in your mailbox. A mailbox overflowing with mail indicates to burglars that you’re not home and also makes you vulnerable to potential identity thieves looking to peruse your mailbox for sensitive information.

Whether you suspend delivery while you’re away or ask a neighbor to pick up your items each day, make sure nothing is accumulated in your mailbox while you are out of town.

• Install motion detecting lights around your property. Such devices will immediately illuminate yards or areas around the home when movement is detected within their range.

Lights flashing in the dark of night can deter burglars and may even earn homeowners discounts on their insurance policies.

• Be cautious with social media. When leaving home for an extended holiday vacation, do not broadcast your plans on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. Though you might be tempted to post photos of you and your family sitting poolside with grandma and grandpa, wait until you return from your trip to share such photos.

Travel is commonplace during the summer.

Homeowners must take steps to protect their homes while they are away on vacation or visiting family and friends.

We Salute the Abbotsford Police Department!

Thank you to Chief Bob Rich, Deputy Chiefs Dave Schmirler and Mike Serr, and all of our police officers for the leading edge policing that keeps our community safe for all citizens.

Putting Safety to the Test.

• FIRE ALARMS • SPRINKLERS • FIRE EXTINGUISHERS • FIRE HYDRANTS • FIRE SAFETY PLANS

604-850-1943 • www.fvfireprotection.com

MICHAEL de JONG

SIMON GIBSON

DARRYL PLECAS

MLA – Abbotsford West

MLA – Abbotsford-Mission

604.870.5486

604.820.6203

604.744.0700

mikedejongmla.bc.ca mike.dejong.mla@leg.bc.ca

simongibsonmla.ca simon.gibson.mla@leg.bc.ca

darrylplecasmla.ca darryl.plecas.mla@leg.bc.ca

MLA – Abbotsford South

“Working together for Abbotsford”

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Abbotsford News

PROUD TO SUPPORT

PROUD TO SUPPORT APD!

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK 2016

Mobile phone does and don’ts

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Mobile phones are ingrained in our everyday lives. As billions of people use them to talk, download data or send text messages, new concerns have arisen. Users should consider the following guidelines.

DO be accessible, but filter phone usage.

Keep the phone at a low volume or on vibrate.

DON’T keep your phone out on a table or in plain sight.

DO use a phone that supports key features like encryption and password protection. Mobile phones are mini-computers, making users susceptible to identity theft.

DON’T reveal personal information while talking on a phone. Very often people raise their voices when talking on a mobile phone, and others can overhear the conversation.

DO recognize phones come equipped with global positioning systems that could compromise your privacy. Read the manual to learn about such features.

DON’T assume you have any privacy with a mobile phone. Calls can be tracked, as can text messages.

DO respect others’ privacy. Do not take pictures of others and post them online without permission.

DON’T use your phone while driving for any reason. Laws are evolving to increase consequences for distracted driving. If you cannot ignore your phone, leave it in the back seat, or even in the trunk of your car until you arrive at your destination.

Mobile phones have certainly changed the way people communicate. But even as mobile phones evolve, there remains certain rules of usage to make cell phone use safer and more people-friendly.

THIS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK, UFV SALUTES THOSE WHO SERVE AND PROTECT. UFV’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts (Criminal Justice) degree (two years), a Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) degree (four years) and a Criminal Justice diploma. Earning a Criminology degree at UFV can help you grow your career, diversify your professional opportunities, and boost your earnings.

Set yourself apart as a criminal justice leader.

Apply today. ufv.ca/criminology The Master of Arts program at UFV has allowed me to continue working full-time through a convenient class schedule. I have thrived in this dynamic learning environment due to the engaging instructors and diverse group of criminal justice professionals.”

– Candace Blankert, MA student

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