29/9/2009

Remembering fallen Police Officers

“...Tweed officers at particular risk...”

Tweed Nationals, MP Geoff Provest has continued his vocal support for Tweed police officers, on Tuesday laying a wreath in Kingscliff to mark Police Remembrance Day.

“Our cops serve in the face of considerable danger and it is a great tragedy each time one falls in the line of duty,” Mr Provest said.

“Since the formation of the Force, 249 NSW Police officers have been killed while serving.”

Mr Provest said Tweed officers were at particular risk because of their low numbers.

“That is why I met NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione in his Sydney offices last week to press the case for more officers and resources to be allocated to the Tweed.”

“The usual encounters we have with the police tend to be for traffic offences, and it can be tempting to blame them for fines and demerit points.”

“However, we need to realize that the primary role of the police is the safety of the community, not revenue raising”.

“Having worked with police on a Friday night, I am very appreciative of the men and women in blue who often put their lives at risk for the safety of the community,” Mr Provest said.

Mr Provest also paid tribute to the families of local police officers as they bear the stress of having the their loved ones put at risk.