The following statement was issued today by Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to rise this afternoon to inform my honourable colleagues that May 15-21 has been designated National Police Week. Throughout the province, the RNC and RCMP will organize and participate in activities and displays in communities and schools promoting the concept of police and community working together to enhance public safety and security.

Police Week promotes an opportunity for police organizations across the country to build stronger partnerships. Strong community ties help us fight and prevent crime. During Police Week, the RCMP and RNC, in partnership with communities, have an opportunity to share experiences and challenges. Activities provide an opportunity to work together by listening, understanding and contributing to building a strong complement of volunteers who help keep communities safe.

In this province we have approximately 730 police officers who work hard to protect communities and the families who live there. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the superior efforts, outstanding qualities and achievements of police officers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Police Week is a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to their hard work, dedication and commitment, and acknowledge the sacrifices they have made in keeping our communities safe. Additionally, I can advise that a memorial service recognizing Police and Peace Officers is scheduled for Thursday, May 19 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

I would like to take this opportunity to note that May 15 is recognized internationally as Peace Officer Memorial Day. Last year, I had the privilege of participating in the official opening of the Peace and Police Officers Memorial on the grounds of Confederation Building. We are proud to have a memorial in this province which pays tribute to those police and peace officers who have died in the line of duty. It is also a monument to recognize families and friends who have suffered the loss of loved ones and colleagues.

We are proud of the work being done by the RCMP and RNC and support the efforts of our police officers. Police Week is a great opportunity to acknowledge our police forces for their active community involvement, both on and off the job, and I encourage awareness and participation in Police Week activities and continued support of police officers across the province. We are all part of the same community and by taking pride in our community, together we can build safer communities.

2005 05 16                            1:50 p.m.