Christmas truly is a special time of the year in New Brunswick. Since moving back to the province last year, I'm reminded again and again of the warm and welcoming spirit of the Maritimes, and the genuine friendliness and openness people here show year round. It's even more apparent this time of the year, from the happy greetings we receive, to the overwhelming generosity of all of those who support the less fortunate and give back to our communities.
The New Brunswick RCMP has a special relationship with the communities we serve. They're much more than just the place where our police officers and staff have jobs – they're our homes. They're the places where our children go to school, where our families live and work, and where we spend our free time. I know there is often an idea out there that RCMP officers are only in a community because they're posted there, but many of our employees chose to be in New Brunswick and chose to stay in their current communities because it's home. We are committed to protecting the places we live, helping to ensure a good quality of life for our families, friends and neighbours.
In return, the RCMP receives so much back from New Brunswick. I am always touched by the support our police officers receive from the public, from warm greetings and smiles while on patrol, to the tips and reports about crimes that help us do our jobs. We even have people who drop off treats to our on-duty members over the holidays! Many of our police officers and employees will be working at least some hours over the holidays, making sure it stays a safe and happy time for everyone. While it's never easy to sacrifice the special moments with our family and friends this time of the year, it helps to know how much our efforts are appreciated.
As always, the RCMP is asking the public to take the time to consider their actions, and do what they can to make the holidays safe for everyone. Always plan ahead when attending holiday parties or celebrating with friends, and never drive impaired. Those who make that terrible decision not only puts their own lives in danger, they are risks to every single other person on the road. Every year, our members have the sad and difficult task of informing families that their loved ones won't be coming home because of crashes related to impaired driving. It's devastating news any time of the year, but especially difficult when everyone should be celebrating and enjoying time with their family and friends. Please help us keep our province safe this holiday season and ensure you always have a safe way home.
We know many people travel over the holidays, but Maritime weather is also unpredictable. You never know when a snowstorm may come up, or when black ice may form on the roads. Be sure to give yourself lots of time to get to your destination, reduce your speed and consider road conditions – it's always better to arrive late than to never arrive at all.
This time of year is also unfortunately when we often see a spike in thefts, especially from vehicles. These are often crimes of opportunity, and there are precautions shoppers can take to reduce their risk of becoming a victim. Always store valuables, shopping bags and packages out of sight, make sure you lock your cars, and try to park in well-lit areas. If you experience a theft, please be sure to report it to your local police.
As we look ahead to the new year, the New Brunswick RCMP remains committed to providing the best service possible. We will continue to work on the areas of public safety that have the biggest impact on the quality of life in the communities we serve, including crime prevention, road safety, domestic violence prevention and intervention, diverting vulnerable people away from the criminal justice system, and preventing the spread of illicit opioids in our province. We are also continuing to ensure our front-line police have all the resources they need to best serve their communities.
Thank you again for your trust in the New Brunswick RCMP. I wish you all a warm and safe holiday season, and the very best in 2018.
A/Commr. Larry Tremblay M.O.M.
New Brunswick RCMP Commanding Officer