OFFICERS with the Ridge Meadows RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), a dedicated team tasked with providing a visible police presence in the downtown core of Maple Ridge, began regular foot and bike patrols in late April 2025, with the goal of identifying pervasive community safety concerns and devising project-based solutions in the downtown area.
In the last four months, CRU officers have logged over 500 kilometres on foot and bike patrols completing over 120 checks on individuals with conditions and proactively generating over 100 files for service in the downtown area. The unit has also made over 50 criminal code arrests and executed multiple search warrants and violation tickets.
While enforcement activity is obviously part of this team’s mandate, officers are also having direct engagement with numerous clients, businesses, and residents to ensure a visible and accessible public safety presence in the area. These patrols help deter criminal activity, strengthen relationships with the community, and lead to a greater understanding of public safety needs.
“The feedback has been really positive so far,” says CRU Constable Peter Chetwynd. “Being on foot and on bikes we’re very approachable, and people feel very connected when we stop and talk to them to hear about their concerns and how their day is going.
“We’ve learned a lot just from those interactions and been pointed to other areas of concern that perhaps we weren’t aware. This has allowed us to adjust our response, based on feedback in those moments, which has been very helpful.”
CRU officers continue to work proactively in collaboration with partner agencies, including social service and health care providers, along with the City of Maple Ridge’s Community Safety Officers (CSOs) and the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association (DMRBIA).
“The business community in downtown Maple Ridge appreciates the notable increase in police presence over the last few months and the support given to address any public safety concerns,” says Nicole Archer, Executive Director of the DMRBIA. “We continue to work in partnership with the RCMP and the City of Maple Ridge to help create a safer, more welcoming downtown for everyone.”
Ridge Meadows RCMP say the long-term plans for the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) extend beyond the summer to keep up the sustained effort to make the downtown core and surrounding neighborhoods safer. There is still work to be done, however, with the end goal of reducing calls for service and addressing the complex public safety needs of the area through enforcement and engagement.
They say they are committed to providing a visible, proactive, and community-driven approach to policing and working in partnership with all residents, businesses, and citizens.
