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Public order and security are not serious
problems in Prince Edward Island. We are fortunate to
have a low crime rate and safe communities. There are
even families, especially in rural households, that never
lock their doors! While we must credit the whole of
Island society for creating such a safe place to live and
raise a family, much recognition should be bestowed on
the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and municipal
police forces. The year 1998 marked the Royal Canadian Mounted Polices 125th year in Canada and the forces 66th year in L Division, Prince Edward Island. The original headquarters for the L Division detachment and its 35 officers were located at 93 Upper Prince Street, in Charlottetown. At that time, the primary activities of the force related to enforcing the Prohibition Act and the Customs Act. Since 1932, the L Division has graduated 251 recruits to postings across Canada. Of the 124 active members of the RCMP in Prince Edward Island today, 29 graduated from this province. Recruits beginning their career on the Island find it a great place to start; it is an enviable posting among many members of the force. One reason for this is the fact that officers have the rare opportunity to get to know their fellow officers on a personal basis. Moreover, serving in Prince Edward Island, a province of friendly and familiar folk, requires RCMP officers to be approachable and to befriend local residents. This relationship, in turn, often leads to help in solving crimes as people witnessing suspicious or criminal acts feel comfortable contacting the authorities. The RCMP engages in partnerships with the local community to battle family violence, drinking and driving, youth crime, vandalism, and various local problems. The RCMP has been a part of many important historic
events in the Islands history and culture. For
example, on August 20, 1941, at the Queens County Jail,
three officers witnessed the last execution on Prince
Edward Island. Official responsibilities of the RCMP
include providing security for visiting dignitaries,
including members of the royal family. The force also
provides police service to numerous towns and communities
across the Island. Fire | Education | Health | Waste Management | Government |