CRIME PREVENTION WEEK; SALUTING A JOB WELL DONE

This upcoming week is marked in Canada as Crime Prevention Week, to
recognize the work and efforts made by law enforcement officials.

This upcoming week is marked in Canada as Crime Prevention Week, to
recognize the work and efforts made by law enforcement officials.

More times than not, we don't give police a second thought until we
get a speeding ticket or are caught not wearing our seatbelts, which
usually sparks a certain level of distaste, and unfortunately,
disrespectful thoughts toward our enforcement providers. But in
reality, there are more aspects to their positions of power than we
realize.

In their chosen career, they are faced with the consideration that
each day may be their last, and we're reminded of this following the
May 3, 2005 shooting by Jimmy Roszko that took the lives of four RCMP
officers outside Mayerthorpe.

Many times we don't always consider all the risky situations police
step into in the name of public safety. Their job is to help keep a
community, and its residents, safe and by doing that, they are willing
to be in situations that most of us would never want to be. They are
the agency available when we need help. They are the police force that
stands on the frontlines to protect everyone ---- and unfortunately,
not everyone appreciates the job they do.

As we enter into Crime Prevention Week, it's a great opportunity to
better educate ourselves on the work they do, from working on public
awareness campaigns to enforcement on the streets. Consider where
would we be if we didn't have people here to protect us. Consider the
cases they respond to (such as domestic violence, impaired driving,
drug enforcement) and put yourself in their boots ---- could you do
their job?

In Leduc, officers contend with many social issues, such as trying to
rid our streets of impaired drivers, to make Leduc a drug-free
community and working to educate people on the dangers of family
violence and intervene in domestic disturbances that result in abuse.

Their work includes specialized units within the RCMP designed to work
on keeping our roads safe (Traffic Services) to help decrease the
number of fatalities on Alberta's roadways each year, work with
schools (RCMP school liaison officer) to educate our youth so they can
make better and more informed decisions for their future and steer
them away from the influence of drug dealers and petty criminals. The
General Investigation Services/Drug Section is devoted to working
against organized crime.

There is far more to the uniform than a vest, a ticket book and a
badge. So overall, we need to show our thanks and appreciation a
little more often because you never know when you may need them the
most.

Crime prevention officers (RCMP, city bylaw enforcement special
constables) work to make our communities and families safe.

Next time you meet an officer, remember their role and the jeopardy
that goes with their work. Take the time to be courteous and express
your appreciation for the work they do protecting you and your family.