The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards were presented today during a ceremony hosted by the Lieutenant Governor.
The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards Program was established to recognize the commitment of Islanders to community safety through the prevention of crime. "The program provides the province with an opportunity to show its appreciation to Islanders who have made a significant contribution in the area of crime prevention," says Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island.
This year's award winners include: Generation XX, nominated by Probation Services in Summerside for providing a positive alternative for youth to keep busy and active in the community; George Welsh, nominated by the Georgetown Youth Centre for his extensive volunteer work with youth in custody; Loki 7 Joint Task Force, nominated by the Charlottetown Police Department for going above and beyond the call of duty to solve the bombing crimes in Charlottetown; 1st Baptist Church Youth Ministry, nominated by the Justice Resource Service for setting an example as a leader in the community in taking concerted efforts to get youth involved in positive programs and activities; Scott, Karen and Megan Miller, nominated by Students Against Drinking and Driving for exemplary contributions to the fight against drinking and driving; and, L'Association Des Femmes Acadienne et Francophone de l'I.-P.-E. for performing a play to create public awareness on the devastation of Island families who are victims of family violence.
The Awards Program provides an excellent opportunity to help broaden the public's understanding of the diverse nature of "crime prevention." The Awards Program has been in existence since 1987. Over the course of the past decade, many individuals, groups and organizations from all walks of life have been recognized for having an impact on the safety of their communities.
Crime Prevention Week began on November 1 with Kick-off celebrations at Confederation Centre Mall in Charlottetown and Waterfront Place in Summerside around the theme "Community Spirit = Community Safety." A community whose members know each other, trust and support each other, is a community that is safe. Through community consultations, Islanders have expressed that this is the type of community in which they want to live. It is an Island tradition for communities to work together to prevent crime and ensure community safety.
Leading up to the Crime Prevention Week, Mitch Murphy, Attorney General of Prince Edward Island, addressed the Charlottetown Royalty Rotary Club. Minister Murphy pointed out that "the roots of criminal behaviour in adults can often be traced back to early childhood experiences." In light of this, Minister Murphy described P.E.I.'s "Getting Tough on Crime" approach as tackling the underlying causes of crime. The Premier's Crime Prevention Awards Program recognizes the importance of proactive initiatives which target root causes of crime such as family violence.