The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards, established to recognize the exceptional work and efforts of Island groups and individuals who are working to build safer communities, were presented today during a ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.
"This is an opportunity for the province to highlight the achievements of Islanders in their fight against crime," says Keith Milligan, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "Although we are making these presentations during Crime Prevention Week, the awards acknowledge the year-round commitment people have to crime prevention and strengthening community partnerships."
This year's award winners include: Crime Stoppers of PEI, nominated by the RCMP "L" Division; Inner City Youth Connection, nominated by the Charlottetown City Police Department and Ann Sherman, from the Community Legal Information Association; Marine Atlantic Inc., nominated by the PEI Chiefs of Police Association; and Southern Kings & Queens Community Consultative Group, nominated by the RCMP Montague Detachment.
The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards provide the public with a better understanding of all the diverse activities which constitute "crime prevention." Prince Edward Island continues to lead the country in demonstrating how best to prevent crime and ensure that the province remains among the safest in Canada.
"In PEI, a comprehensive approach to crime prevention must deal with the underlying causes of crime and address the combination of factors which place children and youth at risk," says Walter McEwen, Minister of Health and Social Services. "This must involve the whole community, and it is important that we continue to recognize those outstanding Islanders who make a special effort to keep our communities safe."
Crime Prevention Week began on November 1 with events organized across the province around the theme "Celebrating 10 Years of Crime Prevention in Prince Edward Island." It is an annual public information campaign which was initiated in 1987. Crime Prevention Week is part of a provincial long-term strategy for safer communities.
"We cannot afford not to invest in community safety through crime prevention," says Constable Richard Collins, chairperson of the Crime Prevention Week Coordinating Committee. "We are well aware that it is costly to operate the criminal justice system, but seldom do we consider the spin-off costs arising from the fall-out of crime and fear of crime."
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For more information contact: Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, Premier's Office at 368-4400