Minister’s statement about National Police Week

VICTORIA - Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has released the following statement in celebration of National Police Week:

"Sunday, May 10, 2026, marks National Police Week, a time to recognize and thank law enforcement officers in our province and across the country for their dedication and service to keeping our communities safe.

"Every day, police officers put themselves in harm's way to protect our communities, working to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and well-being of people in British Columbia. Their work is often carried out under challenging and complex circumstances, requiring not only special skills and training, but also compassion, integrity and quick judgment.

"National Police Week is an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of policing in our province. Policing is not the same as it was 30 years ago. This week reminds us of the importance of building trust, strengthening relationships between police and community, and supporting approaches that are responsive, inclusive and make a real difference.

"Our government continues to make historic investments in policing to strengthen public safety, such as a $230-million investment in the BC RCMP that has supported the hiring of 256 positions, which are now filled. We have increased police-training capacity at the Justice Institute of B.C. by 50% and approved the Vancouver and Victoria police departments to establish temporary training sites, allowing more municipal officers to be trained quicker.

"We are also continuing to provide targeted funding that enhances police capacity to address repeat violent offending, street disorder and property crime. We are laser-focused on addressing the extortion crisis in B.C., through the B.C. Extortion Task Force and the expansion of the Provincial Forensics Firearms Lab, which supports police investigations related to organized crime, gangs and gun-related violence.

"Our work doesn't stop there. We continue to make meaningful investments in mental-health and addiction supports to better equip officers responding to these complex situations. In partnership with the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, HealthIM will be implemented throughout the province by the end of 2026. The Province is funding a pilot project that brings police and scientists together to use advanced technology and lab robotics to analyze and track the movement of illicit drugs in B.C., a first-of-its-kind in Canada.

"We remember and honour those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. We stand with their families, colleagues and communities who continue to live in their memory.

"To all police officers from coast to coast to coast, thank you for your service, your commitment, your sacrifice and your continued efforts to keep our communities safe."