Official News Release Download
To the Citizens of Abbotsford,
As we pass the halfway point of 2026, I would like to take a moment to recognize the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Abbotsford Police Department and provide our community with an update on the work being done to keep Abbotsford safe.
Over the first six months of the year, AbbyPD officers, civilian staff, and our volunteers have responded to thousands of calls for service, investigated complex criminal incidents, supported victims, and worked proactively to address emerging public safety concerns. Their commitment to our community continues to make a meaningful difference.
This update also comes as we recently released our 2026 Strategic Framework, which outlines the priorities that will guide our organization into the future. Developed through engagement with our community, partners, and employees, the plan sets out our approach to policing in Abbotsford and is focused on enhancing public safety, strengthening community trust, supporting employee wellness, and ensuring AbbyPD remains responsive to the evolving needs of Abbotsford. The positive results we are seeing today are a reflection of the purposeful work underway across those strategic priorities.
One area where we have seen significant progress is the reduction of extortion-related violence. Through Operation Community Shield, targeted investigations, strong partnerships with regional and national policing agencies, and increased enforcement efforts, incidents associated with extortion violence have declined substantially compared to previous periods. While this remains an area of focus, the reduction is encouraging and reflects the relentless efforts of our investigators and frontline officers.
We have also seen positive trends in overall crime. Violent crime has decreased, demonstrating that the collaborative work between police, community partners, and residents is having a positive impact. Equally important, property crime has remained stable and has not experienced the increases seen in some other jurisdictions. Maintaining these results requires ongoing vigilance, proactive policing, and strong community engagement.
Beyond the statistics, our officers continue to make a difference every day through their presence in neighbourhoods, schools, and businesses throughout Abbotsford. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting people experiencing a mental health crisis, disrupting criminal activity, or participating in community events, our members remain committed to building trust and fostering safe, resilient communities.
These successes do not come without challenges. Policing remains a demanding profession, and our officers routinely place themselves in difficult and sometimes dangerous situations to protect others. I would also like to thank the residents of Abbotsford for their continued partnership and support. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and the information, cooperation, and engagement we receive from our community are invaluable to our success.
As we move into the second half of 2026, AbbyPD remains focused on delivering the commitments outlined in our Strategic Framework with a focus on our people, our work and our community.
On behalf of the Abbotsford Police Department, thank you for your trust and support. We remain committed to keeping Abbotsford one of the safest communities in British Columbia.
With Respect,
Chief Watson
