NCPC Recognizes Important Role of Law Enforcement in Public Safety

2010 Police Week Honors Fallen Officers and Law Enforcement Personnel

ARLINGTON, Va., May 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), home of McGruff the Crime Dog, issued a statement today to recognize the nation's law enforcement officers and agencies for their service and sacrifice in making our communities safer places to live. Last year, 133 officers lost their lives in the line of duty – leaving their families, co-workers, and communities behind to deal with the tragic loss. The 2010 National Police Week runs from May 9-15, 2010 in Washington, D.C. and strives to honor those who protect our public safety.

"National Police Week is a time when we honor the memory of American law enforcement officers who gave their lives in service to the public," said Ann M. Harkins, NCPC President and CEO. "Few things are more important to our communities and to our quality of life than a sense of safety and security and it's our law enforcement officers who make safer communities possible through partnerships and effective crime prevention programs. I applaud and pay tribute to those law enforcement officers who protect our neighborhoods; who portray McGruff and his nephew Scruff in schools and at community events; and to the crime prevention practitioners who have used NCPC's McGruff campaign resources to advance crime prevention in their communities."

Numerous celebrations will mark this special week.  Ms. Harkins attended this year's Sixteenth Annual Blue Mass at the St. Patrick Church in Washington. The service honored the law enforcement officers who were lost in the line of duty this year.  During the Blue Mass, Chief Cathy Lanier recognized NCPC for its contributions to supporting public safety and law enforcement in the national capital area.

The history of Police Week dates back to 1962, when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day.  This week thousands of law enforcement from around the world have gathered in Washington, D.C. to participate in a series of events to celebrate the law enforcement officers who play a vital role in our communities and to honor those who have lost their lives while protecting our citizens.

About the National Crime Prevention Council

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is the nonprofit leader in crime prevention. For 29 years, our safety expert McGruff the Crime Dog has delivered easy-to-use crime prevention tips that protect what matters most—you, your family, and your community. Law enforcement agencies nationwide rely on our expertise to make an impact on personal safety and crime every day. For more information on how NCPC can help you "Take a Bite Out of Crime," visit www.ncpc.org.

SOURCE National Crime Prevention Council