Torres designates Police Week on May 15-21

Gov. Ralph Torres and Lt. Gov. Victor Hocog signed two proclamations last April 21 designating May 15-21 as CNMI Police Week and from May 15 to June 4 as the period for the CNMI Click it or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Campaign.

The twin proclamations intend to recognize the Commonwealth’s committed law enforcement agencies as necessary components in the enforcement of laws and to strengthen the campaign on regular seatbelt use by citizens and visitors of the CNMI.

CNMI Police Week and Peace Officer’s Memorial Day (May 15) pays tribute to past and present law enforcement agencies who serve with extraordinary bravery in tirelessly protecting people and property knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices that have to be made in the execution of laws and keeping the neighborhoods safe.

The proclamation read that surviving family members of fallen heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer and just society will both be given respect and recognition.

The men and women of the law enforcement agencies will also be acknowledged for being in tune with the current times by being modern and adhering to scientific law enforcement where collecting of evidence and data goes beyond traditional investigation which is vital to public service. The proclamation expects the support of all patriotic, civic, and educational institutions in commemorating the week’s celebration.

For its part, the CNMI Click it or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Campaign’s main objectives are to ensure all motor vehicle occupants whether citizens or visitors are buckled up day and night and to reduce the risk of injury and death caused in traffic crashes.

A seatbelt survey in 2015 revealed a 95.58-percent usage rate by travelers on the highways and bi-ways of the CNMI. In the same year, the use of seatbelt in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 13,941 lives in the U.S.

In 2016, another seatbelt survey was done and it revealed a 92.90-percent usage rate by adult travelers and a 59.29-percent usage rate for child restraints on the highways and bi-ways of the CNMI.

Increasing regular use of safety seatbelts is the single most effective way to protect people, reduce fatalities, and lives. The proclamation further seeks to mobilize law enforcement officers to actively ensure all motor vehicles occupants to regularly use seatbelts whether short and long distance drives. Awareness and mobilization will be supported by publicity to create and spread awareness and the CNMI Click it or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization Campaign hopes to achieve that. (Bea Cabrera)