**TIMMINS POLICE NEWS RELEASE**

Once again, it is the kickoff for Police Week in the province of Ontario and the Timmins Police Service is eager to promote programs and services that fall within its areas of responsibility. This year’s Police Week runs from the 12th to the 18th of May.

In the spirit of participation, Chief John Gauthier is quoted as saying “Among our programs and the policing services we offer, community partnerships play a vital role in modern and effective service delivery for the Timmins Police Service. As a public service organization, the Timmins Police Service is continuously held to a high standard of professionalism and accountability. In order to be truly effective, governments, businesses, community groups, and individual residents must work cohesively to identify common community safety issues to enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Northern Ontario.

Deputy Chief Henry Dacosta echoes these sentiments by adding “The rigors of modern policing require police leaders and their personnel to be adaptable, sensitive in their approach and professional in their demeanor. Truly effective and accountable policing increasingly depends on partnering with other community stakeholders, government agencies, business groups, and the community at large. The obligation to deliver services that focuses on solid law enforcement and community safety, while meeting the rightful public expectations of our citizens and guests to our city, is a top priority for the Timmins Police Service”.

With the above in mind, the community is invited to get to know the Timmins Police Service and its police officers at public events during Police Week. Proactive, positive, professional, and accountable policing is vital to building strong and healthy communities.

Groups interested in taking tours of the Timmins Police Service facilities during “Police Week” are invited to make appointments with the Timmins Police – Community Policing Section by contacting either:

– Const. Bill Field at 705-264-1201 ext 8250
– Const. Rick Lemieux at 705-264-1201 ext 8249

Displays with information regarding policing programs and services will be hosted at a Timmins Police Service information booth within the Timmins Square commencing on Thursday, May 16th and operating through to Saturday May 18th.

The Timmins Police Distracted Driving simulator will be set up to help vividly illustrate the dangerous effects of trying to drive safely while distracted by hand held devices.

In addition, the Timmins Police is partnering up with members of the Abitibi Masonic Lodge to take part in a campaign to collect vital child identification details from parents (with their informed consent) as a proactive measure in regards to locating missing children.

Those choosing to allow their children to participate are asked to attend the Timmins Police Information Booth at the Timmins Square on Saturday May 18th between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

See https://www.masonichip.ca/event-list.php?region=Temiskaming%20District#1298
as well as https://www.masonichip.ca/ for further information about this program prior to participation.
The Timmins Police Service is hopeful that as many citizens as possible take in some of these activities that are focused on community service and community interaction.

Filed under: Local News