Spotlight focuses on CNMI’s police officers

During Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ Public Service Recognition Week visit to the Department of Public Safety last Friday, he also proclaimed May 15, 2022, as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, the week of May 15-21 as CNMI Police Week, the week of May 21-27 as National Safe Boating Week, and the week of May 23-June 5 as Click It or Ticket Mobilization in the CNMI. (Office of the Governor)

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres simultaneously signed four proclamations last Friday during a visit to the Department of Public Safety for Public Service Recognition Week, paving the way for a series of events this month intended to honor the CNMI’s police force.

The proclamations designate May 15, 2022, as Peace Officers’ Memorial Day; the week of May 15-21, 2022, as CNMI Police Week; the week of May 21-27, 2022, as National Safe Boating Week; and May 23-June 5, 2022, as Click It or Ticket Mobilization in the CNMI.

“I call upon all patriotic, civic, and educational organizations to participate in appropriate ceremonies and observances in which all our people may join in commemorating law enforcement officers, past and present, who, by their faithful and loyal devotion to their responsibilities, have rendered a dedicated service to their communities; and in so doing, have established for themselves an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens. Let us all recognize and pay respect to the survivors of our fallen heroes,” said Torres in the proclamations.

U.S. Congress and the U.S. President have designated May 15 as National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, and the week in which it falls as Police Week. Peace Officers’ Memorial Day remembers police officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

“Law enforcement agencies of the CNMI work tirelessly to protect our citizens, enforce our laws, and keep our neighborhoods safe. They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make. On May 15-21, we pay tribute to the thousands of men and women who serve us with extraordinary bravery, and we remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society,” reads part of the proclamation.

For the national Click It or Ticket mobilization enforcement period (May 23 to June 5, 2022), DPS officers will actively be participating in the mobilization to ensure all motor vehicle occupants are buckled up day and night to reduce the risk of injury and death caused in traffic crashes.

“The safety and security of the citizens of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and surrounding areas are vitally important; and…regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” it states.

The CNMI’s seat belt use rate increased by 2.51 percentage points from 93.92% in 2019 to 96.43% in 2021; and is supported by the laws of the CNMI. (Saipan Tribune)