THIS month, the Commonwealth is observing Peace Officers Memorial Day, CNMI Police Week, National Safe Boating Week, and Click It or Ticket Mobilization.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, in the presence of various representatives from the Department of Public Safety, signed a proclamation marking May 15 at Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15 to 21 as CNMI Police Week, May 21 to 27 as National Safe Boating Week, and May 23 to June 5 as Click or Ticket Mobilization in the CNMI.
According to the National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Police Week proclamations, law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to protect citizens, enforce laws, and keep neighborhoods safe.
“They report for duty knowing full well the dangers they face and the sacrifices they may be called upon to make…. 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.”
As for National Safe Boating Week, the U.S. Coast Guard and its federal, state, and local safe boating partners are encouraging all boaters to explore and enjoy America’s beautiful waters responsibly.
In fiscal year 2021, the DPS Boating Safety Section responded to a total of 31 distressed vessels and three capsized vessels, and reported a total of eight drowning cases
“The vast majority of these accidents are caused by human error or poor judgment and not by boat, equipment or environmental factors… A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets,” the proclamation stated.
Regarding the Click It or Ticket Mobilization, the proclamation stated that in the CNMI, from 2017 to 2021, of the 18 traffic fatalities, six, or 33.3%, were due to non-usage of seat belts.
“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” the proclamation added.
During Gov. Ralph DLG Torres’ Public Service Recognition Week visit to the Department of Public Safety, he proclaimed May 15, 2022 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15-21, 2022 as CNMI Police Week, May 21-27, 2022 as National Safe Boating Week, and May 23-June 5, 2022 as Click It or Ticket Mobilization in the Commonwealth.
