The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice:

Participation in Police Week Activities Encouraged

I rise today in the House of Assembly to recognize May 15 to 21 as National Police Week.

Both the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary will be hosting a series of events across the province dedicated to increasing community awareness of policing services while at the same time strengthening the close bond between policing and communities. These events include a National Police Week showcase being held at Canadian Forces Station St. John’s where the public is invited to talk to a police officer and learn about careers in policing and the military. Other events such as open houses and displays will be held at various venues throughout the week.

On Wednesday, the annual International Police and Peace Officer Memorial service will take place at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in St. John’s. This is a moving ceremony that remembers and honours those officers who have died in the line of duty. This service recognizes the role peace officers have in keeping all of us safe and acknowledges that they often work in dangerous situations.

Just a couple of weeks ago I attended the graduation ceremonies of Troop 11 at the RCMP “Depot” Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. This was my first time attending this graduation ceremony and it is one that I will not soon forget. It was my pleasure to review the troops on parade and offer the new members best wishes as they embark on their new careers. In addition, I had the opportunity to visit the RNC headquarters and annex a couple of weeks ago and look at the renovation work which in ongoing there. This work will provide the RNC with much needed space as they provide valuable service to citizens.

The Provincial Government is committed to the support of our police forces in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2004, we have added 144 uniformed police officers to the police forces and have increased policing budgets by over $46.7 million. Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, provided funding for an RCMP crime analyst in the Crime Reduction Strategy to be located in the Trinity-Conception District and an RNC officer for the Child Exploitation Unit in Corner Brook to build on the force’s capacity to address the exploitation and harassment of children.

The Department of Justice proudly supports the men and women of the RCMP and RNC. I want to take this time to thank them for the difficult work they do every day and encourage everyone to participate in the many activities planned for National Police Week.

2011 05 16                                                                          1:50 p.m.