Abbotsford is among the communities that have benefited from provincial funding to target repeat violent offenders.
The Abbotsford Police Department previously received $643,000 for its Project Spotlight, an eight-month initiative targeting repeat violent offenders involved in violent property crimes.
Combining uniformed and undercover resources, officers employed a variety of tactics, including surveillance and patrols by vehicle, foot, bike and ATV.
The project involved collaboration with loss prevention officers, business owners and criminal-justice partners.
According to a press release from the province, the project resulted in 272 individuals investigated, 108 people charged with 271 offences, and 122 warrant arrests.
Officers also seized weapons, drugs, cash and stolen property, issued 106 violation tickets, prohibited eight impaired drivers and impounded several vehicles.
The funding came from the province’s Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program, introduced in 2023.
Public Safety Minister Garry Begg announced on Friday (June 20) that the province is boosting SITE funding by $6 million across B.C. this year, bringing total funding for the program to $17 million.
The press release states that SITE has contributed to 5,425 investigations, resulting in 2,676 charges being laid.
So far, SITE has funded 128 police operations in 29 communities.
Funding is administered by the RCMP and given to local police agencies based on specific needs. Local police create their own enforcement programs and apply for the money.
While Begg touted the program’s success in tamping down violent crime, he faced several questions about bail reform and recent high-profile cases of violent offenders being arrested and released before committing horrendous crimes.
Begg said these offenders getting out on bail makes police feel “constrained” at times, and the provincial government is trying to pressure the federal government to make the bail system stricter.
“We have lobbied hard with the federal government,” he said.
