Rankin Inlet (May 16/05) - Members of the RCMP detachment in Rankin Inlet have a theme to their priority list this month.

The Rankin force is joining detachments across Canada in promoting police week from May 15-21.

Police week began in 1970 as a vehicle to promote a community and its police force working together to enhance public safety and security.

The Rankin detachment has named its 2005 activities, "safe roads, safe communities."

Cpl. Mike Lokken says police often rely on the community to assist them in their day-to-day duties.

He says the building of that relationship helps keep streets safe.

"There's no doubt when we know our community and have the support of the people living here, we're more efficient in our job," says Lokken.

"By becoming involved with the people of Rankin, we learn what their concerns are and what they expect from the police."

Recently, concerns have been raised in the community regarding ATV and snowmobile usage.

In response to those concerns, the Rankin RCMP are reminding people that helmets must be worn by all ATV drivers and passengers

And, drivers must be at least 14 years of age and can only carry one passenger.

Lokken says the RCMP will be talking about vehicle safety during their upcoming school visits.

He says both the RCMP and local bylaw officers are also stepping up their efforts to enforce road safety.

"Another area of concern is people thinking if they outrun the police, they get away with the violation and that's simply not the case.

"Rankin's a small town and the officers know just about everybody.

"If we don't get them at the time of the violation, we'll get them later and the consequences will be more severe."

Lokken says while police will sometimes issue a warning to compliant drivers, no breaks are given to those who run.

He says too many drivers think it's a game to get away from police and bylaw officers. "They quickly realize, however, it's no game once we catch up with them and charges are laid."