Crime prevention seminars mark 11 th NCPW observance

A series of crime and drug abuse prevention seminars will be conducted soon in the different schools and districts of this city. This is in line with the forthcoming observance of the 11 th National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) slated September 1-7, 2005.

National Police Commission 6 (NAPOLCOM 6) and NCPW Regional Over-all Working Committee Chairperson Honey Paredes said the seminars are just among the many activities being lined up by the committee, which is composed of the different agencies representing the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) and the Regional Peace and Order Council 6 (RPOC 6).

Paredes said they are hoping that through these seminars the communities will be more informed and shall participate actively in crime prevention. Through an empowered capability, they will find better solutions to criminality.

“Awareness and the participation of the community are very essential in the fight against crime. Crime prevention is not only the responsibility of the government or our police authorities but also of each member of the community”, Paredes said.  She also added that the seminars intend to emphasize the major roles of the witnesses in crime solution.

Invited resource persons are expected to discuss the roles and functions of the criminal justice system, the new laws passed, such as on human trafficking and violence against women, drug abuse and other related topics.

The Criminal Justice System (CJS) is the machinery of the government for the prevention of crime and for the rehabilitation of offenders. This includes the law enforcers, the prosecution, the courts, the correctional system and the community.

Recently, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has ordered a review of the country's justice system to see how it could better help prevent crimes.

Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461 issued by former President Fidel Ramos in August 31, 1994, the National Crime Prevention Week is being observed annually in the country every first week of September. This year's observance carries the theme “Barangay at Mamamayan Magkaisa: Hadlangan ang Krimen”. (PIA 6)