May 9-15 is CNMI Police Week

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signs three proclamations that designates CNMI Police Week, Click it or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization and National Safe Boating Week in the CNMI yesterday at the Governor’s Office on Capitol Hill. (JUSTINE NAUTA)

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios signed yesterday at the Governor’s Office on Capital Hill three proclamations designating May 9-15 as CNMI Police Week, May 17 to June 6 as Click it or Ticket Enforcement Mobilization, and May 22 to 28 as National Safe Boating Week in the CNMI.

The three proclamations intend to recognize the CNMI’s committed law enforcement agencies in the enforcement of laws, strengthen the relationship with the community and the officers, and strengthen the campaign for everyone in the CNMI to wear seatbelts regularly.

Police Week also focuses on celebrating law enforcement agencies in the CNMI who work tirelessly to protect citizens and enforce laws to keep neighborhoods safe. “We report for duty when knowing full well the dangers [we] face, and the sacrifices [I am] called upon to make,” said an officer, citing the proclamation.

At the core of Police Week is National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, which is intended to pay tribute to the thousands of men and women in service who paid with their lives in the line of work. “We remember the heroes who have laid down their lives in pursuit of a safer, more just society. …It is important that all citizens know and understand the problems, duties, and responsibilities and sacrifices of law enforcement agencies,” said the officer.

The proclamation also pays tribute to the surviving family members of fallen heroes.

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 to reduce the risk of injury and death caused by crashes.

An estimated 69,000 seatbelt-related fatalities happened nationwide from 2015 to 2019. Also, a 2019 seatbelt survey revealed a 93.97% usage rate by travelers on the highways and byways of the CNMI.

The proclamation says regular seatbelt use is the most effective way to reduce injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes, which is also supported by the laws of the CNMI.

As for the National Boating Safety Week, the proclamation says boating activities, such as boating, sailing, paddling, and fishing, are enjoyed by nearly 100 million Americans from coast to coast. To promote boating safety, the proclamation expects all boaters to “explore and enjoy America’s water responsibly.”

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that human error accounts for most boating accidents, and that life jackets could prevent 86% of boating fatalities. Through basic boating safety procedures, carrying lifesaving emergency distress and communications equipment, wearing life jackets, attending safe boating courses, participating in free boat safety checks, and staying sober when navigating can help ensure boaters stay safe.