Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Simon Corbell and Chief Police Officer for the ACT, Rudi Lammers, launched the 2013-14 ‘Safe Summer’ campaign today which encourages Canberrans to enjoy the many events over the summer period by behaving responsibly and thinking of others. The campaign focuses on alcohol and responsible drinking, the issue of party drugs, how to help yourself and others stay safe, as well as traffic and road safety messaging.
“Canberra remains one of Australia’s safest capital cities, but it’s also a busy and cosmopolitan city, with celebrations, parties and get-togethers right through the lead-up to Christmas. We would urge people not to ruin their Christmas by alcohol-related risky behaviour. It is proven that an intoxicated person becomes more vulnerable to either committing a crime, or becoming a victim of crime,” Mr Corbell said.
Mr Corbell said the holiday period was a busy time for everyone, with school formals and Christmas parties currently underway and upcoming events such as New Year’s Eve, Australia Day celebrations and Summernats certain to attract large crowds.
“The establishment of the Regional Targeting Team (RTT) in September this year in readiness for the busy 2013-14 summer period marks the next phase in our approach of education, engagement and enforcement, placing more resources under the RTT and attaching a dedicated intelligence officer to the team to provide an intelligence-led focus and targeting to their activity.” Chief Lammers commented.
Chief Lammers explained that police will maintain a highly visible presence on our roads throughout the summer, with a strong focus on removing speeding, impaired and high-risk drivers.
