Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in recognition of National Police Week, May 12-18, 2024:

“Every day, across the province, police officers work tirelessly to keep our communities safe, putting their lives at risk to ensure the rest of us can live in peace and safety. From our largest cities to remote villages and Indigenous communities, we rely on police officers to prevent crime and protect people.

“Policing is becoming more complex and demands on first responders continue to grow. That’s why, every year, $100 million is invested to bolster provincial firearm forensic capabilities, strengthen gang enforcement and suppression initiatives, and support community-based prevention and intervention programs. 

“We have also allocated $1.1 million from Civil Forfeiture Office seizures to provide police with specialized equipment and training grants, such as funding to support several Kamloops RCMP officers to take specialized training in advanced child and youth victim interviewing to increase their effectiveness in child abuse investigations, and funding for Vancouver police department investigators to attend a course on responding to hate-motivated incidents and violent extremism, including early-intervention strategies.

“Government is also continuing to ensure effective levels of policing in provincial police units across B.C. through the historic investment of $230 million to assist the RCMP in addressing existing gaps in staffing and to reach its full authorized strength of 2,602 members.

“The police’s contributions and connections to community extend far beyond their work duties. Through their prevention efforts, outreach activities and volunteer work, devoted officers strengthen relationships with families, businesses and neighbourhoods.

“This week and every day of the year, I invite all British Columbians to show their support for police officers serving across our province and thank them for the incredible work they do every day.

“As our government continues to work on every front to ensure British Columbians feel safe, I am grateful that we partner with extraordinary law enforcement officers to build safer, stronger and more resilient communities. On behalf of British Columbia, thank you for your service.”