Abbotsford police chief calls for more support from elected officials on extortion crisis

As the extortion crisis continues to escalate in the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford Police Department Chief Colin Watson says police reforms, better communication, and predictable funding are needed from multiple levels of government.

Watson says he wants to see changes to disclosure requirements, improved access to communications information, increased resourcing throughout the justice system, and the modernization of the Criminal Code. 

“Reforms and long-term, predictable, and sustained investment across the justice sector will make a difference and prevent us [from] having very similar conversations about critical public safety concerns that we have been having over the recent past,” said Watson in a statement.

He says some of these steps are underway but that the urgency of the crisis “demands faster, coordinated action.”

“The time for partisanship has long passed,” Watson said, addressing elected officials. “You can—and must—make the necessary changes to support police services and communities in combating serious crime in all its forms, including extortion."

Extortion cases—where people and businesses are threatened with violence in exchange for money—have been a thorn in the side of many Lower Mainland police forces over the last few years. Since 2023, Abbotsford PD has received 89 reports of extortion, arresting two people and identifying two other suspects. 

Watson has urged extortion victims to come forward, saying he’s heard from Abbotsford community members that many cases have not been reported.

The department is part of the province’s extortion task force, along with Surrey, Delta, and Metro Vancouver police forces. Surrey has been one of the hardest hit regions—so far this year, there have been 16 cases reported in the city. 

The pervasiveness of these extortion cases has led to criticism of police, most recently from BC Premier David Eby. Earlier this month, he said the “inconsistent communication” given to the public by the provincial task force and Surrey police was “unacceptable.”

Eby announced that BC would form an advisory committee to work with police forces to identify and improve communication issues. He also announced changes to the Surrey police board, including the replacement of four members.

In response to Eby’s comments, Watson said that criticism of the police’s handling of the extortion crisis is “entirely undeserved.” He said aspects of the investigations must be withheld to protect the integrity of the police work.

“I recognize that not everyone affected by extortion will feel that their expectations are met,” Watson said. “While we obviously work to meet all expectations, we must always work within our mandate and focus on risk-based responses.”