SPEECH ON THE OCASSION OF POLICE DAY

Good afternoon.  It is a pleasure to join you to celebrate Police Day and equally, the International Day of Peace.  I am honoured to commemorate these important occasions with you.

Police Day is a moment of reflection, not only spiritual but a reflection of you as an individual, in assessing yourself as a Police Constable, irrespective of the rank you hold.  The good constable is someone whose senses are ever tuned.  Eyes, ears, brain.  He reads what others cannot even see.  He is accurate, detailed, vigilant, and always aware of his surroundings.  He is alert.  (Once a PC always a PC).

Crime is a fluid threat.  Today we face more complicated crimes, in terms of Cyber –crimes, financial crimes, amongst fast communications, transfer of money through bit coins, and it is going to get worse as technology moves on.  But, despite all those technologies, and other skills required, we still need the ‘constable’ in each and every one of you.

Police Officers face difficult challenges every day.  Your jobs can be dangerous, frustrating, even tedious at times, but regardless, law enforcement is a very rewarding career.  Police Officers, you have the opportunity to significantly improve the quality of life for the citizens of your community by keeping peace despite sometimes overwhelming odds.

You have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership.  You must continue to evolve, to continue to hold and even raise standards.  The best defense against negative forces is to embrace accountability by policing ourselves.  Be a guardian of your community while practicing solid tactics.  It might be tempting to lower standards or to overlook problem officers.  We serve as gatekeepers.  Look out for each other.

Remember that the challenges of today only make you stronger to face the challenges of tomorrow, and the challenges of tomorrow will only further prepare you for what comes next, knowing that you are supported and appreciated.

Finally, the families and loved ones of our brave and diligent Officers.  You play a crucial role in supporting these men and women throughout their careers.  Certainly, that is not easy on you, and so I take this opportunity to thank you for your support.

Today I wish to express gratitude for all of you who put yourselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.  I wish you the very best in the coming challenges.

Happy Police Day!

Thank you.