Abbotsford Police Department

Non emergency phone: 604-859-5225

Media staff

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) strives to provide accurate and timely information surrounding public safety concerns and ongoing police operations within the City of Abbotsford. The AbbyPD is further committed to keeping you informed about topics of public interest and ongoing initiatives relating to crime prevention programs and frontline policing that contribute to keeping our community safe.

Through AbbyPD’s Strategic Communications and Public Engagement NCO, Sergeant Paul Walker, we recognize the importance of keeping the public and media informed. AbbyPD’s media team utilizes our traditional media partners (print, radio, television) along with AbbyPD’s social media platforms such as (Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter)) and the AbbyPD website to keep our community informed with the most up-to-date and accurate information.

A large part of AbbyPD’s Strategic Communications office is to respond to the thousands of media enquiries AbbyPD receives every year. For media enquiries or community concerns, please email the AbbyPD’s Strategic Communications office at [email protected].

Abbotsford Police Department Media Team

SGT. Paul Walker

Sergeant Paul Walker joined the Abbotsford Police Department in 2011. Since then, he has worked in various units, including AbbyPD's Patrol Division and the AbbyPD Gang Crime Unit. Between 2016 and 2018, Sergeant Walker was seconded to the RCMP E-Division Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU). Sergeant Walker's leadership in this unit led to the creation and development of the Lower Mainland Prohibited Driver Enforcement Team.

In 2013, Sergeant Walker began working as the backup media spokesperson in AbbyPD's Media Relations Section. In November 2021, Sergeant Walker transitioned into the full-time media relations officer role until departing in the summer of 2023, when Sergeant Walker took over leading the AbbyPD's Traffic Enforcement Unit. In October of 2024, Sergeant Walker returned to the Media Relations Section as AbbyPD's Strategic Communications and Public Engagement NCO.

Sergeant Walker has received numerous commendations and awards for his service, including a Lieutenant Governor's award for Meritorious Service, RCMP Commanding Officer's Commendation, BC Association Chiefs of Police award, 2024 AbbyPD Officer of the Year award, Inspector and Chief Constable Commendations. Sergeant Walker made Alexa's Team in 2016 and 2020 as part of his ongoing commitment to removing impaired drivers from the roadways of British Columbia.

In the fall of 2023, Sergeant Walker received the International Association of Chiefs of Police Public Information Management Award for his leadership and crisis communication during the catastrophic Abbotsford flooding of 2021. In August 2024, Sergeant Walker was presented with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police National Traffic Safety Award.

Sergeant Walker enjoys being connected to the Community and continues to work alongside various Community-led initiatives.

CST. Jody Thomas

Cst Jody Thomas grew up in Nelson, BC and moved to Abbotsford to start her policing career with the Abbotsford Police Department in 2001. During her career, she has worked in a variety of units that have focused on targeting gangs, prostitution, property crime and drug and firearm trafficking. Cst Thomas has always been passionate about handling Confidential Informants and after working with the Abbotsford Gang Unit, she became the department’s coordinator in 2015 for overseeing Confidential Informants. In 2018, Cst Thomas took on the additional role as a back-up media spokesperson.

Cst Thomas has been a member of the Abbotsford Police Colour Guard and has represented the department for two years as a bike rider on the Cops for Cancer Bike tour, personally raising over $25,000 for kids battling cancer. Cst Thomas has received several awards, including Chief Constable and Inspector Commendations, but her favorite commendations are the drawings and thank you cards over the years from the thoughtful Abbotsford citizens.

In her spare time, Cst Thomas gets teased for always being on the go and appreciating every day. She loves her family and friends and will usually be found on a mountain biking or skiing, dancing to live music, soaking up the sun, flying in the sky or staying fit in the Crossfit gym. Her secret talents are cooking, construction and searching for the funniest goat videos.

CST. Scott McClure

Constable Scott McClure joined the Abbotsford Police Department in 2021. Before joining AbbyPD, Constable McClure was a Police Officer with the Delta Police Department for nearly five years, making the transition after moving to the Fraser Valley with his wife and kids.

Constable McClure holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Criminology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University and a Certificate in Police Leadership & Supervisory Skills from Dalhousie University. Constable McClure is a Drug Recognition Expert and avid impaired driving investigator, having been named as an Alexa’s Team All-Star each year since 2019 for removing impaired drivers from British Columbia’s roadways. Constable McClure has also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation while serving with the Delta Police Department.

In 2022 Constable McClure joined the Media Team as a backup media spokesperson and is currently assigned to the Patrol Section. Constable McClure is also a bagpiper in the Abbotsford Police Department’s Ceremonial Unit.

Alicia Pastro

social media & events coordinator

Alicia joined the Abbotsford Police Department in 2019 and has built a strong foundation through a variety of roles within the Records Section, including Transcription, Front Counter, and Transcript Coordinator. Through these positions, she developed a deep understanding of police operations and gained extensive experience supporting both the public and internal staff. Alicia also played a key role in supporting the Community Policing Office as a Volunteer Coordinator, where she worked closely with volunteers and community members, further strengthening her connection to the community.

In 2022, Alicia moved into the Strategic Communications and Public Engagement Office as the Social Media & Events Coordinator. In this role, she is responsible for the day-to-day management of AbbyPD’s social media platforms, helping to share important information, highlight police initiatives, and showcase the people behind the badge. She also leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of community engagement events, working collaboratively with officers, staff, and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for connection and dialogue.

Alicia is deeply passionate about community engagement and believes strongly in the value of building trust, approachability, and shared experiences between police and the public. Community events are a particular highlight of her work, as they provide opportunities to connect with residents of all ages in positive, engaging ways. Whether it’s witnessing a child’s excitement as they sit in a police vehicle for the first time, or seeing families and neighbours come together at AbbyPD events such as Movie in the Park, Alicia is motivated by moments that strengthen community relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Through her work, she is proud to help bring the Abbotsford Police Department closer to the community it serves.