As Abbotsford looks at whether or not to adopt Insite style harm reduction, city police say they support the public forums but will stay out of the decision making process.
 
Constable Ian MacDonald says they want to be firmly in the background as best options are discussed.

"We will be guided by the decisions of the community city council and health officials. Certainly we have taken into account the possibility that because one of the prominent issues that has been forwarded with harm reduction discussions is clean needles that we will be prepared as a police department and do our job and ensure public safety."

MacDonald says addiction issues play a role in criminal behaviour especially where it concerns property crime.
 
The City of Abbotsford will hold two public forums on harm reduction on January 22nd and 29th.