<< Photo by Daniel Ho
Fo Guang Shan Temple abbess Chueh Chu presents Inspector Brian Cryderman with a souvenir while he presented her with a Community Partner award in the main shrine of the temple earlier today.

Today, Peel police officers are visiting Fo Guang Shan Temple on Millcreek Dr., one of the largest Buddhist temples in the GTA. The visit, which is to last most of the day, includes a tour of the temple and an "appreciation certificate" presentation from police to members of the temple for their support.

Victor Oh, president of the Mississauga Chinese Business Association, which organized the visit, said both police and temple members are learning about each other.

"The police want to introduce new police officers to different cultures. By being here, it gives them education about our culture and live experience of being in our Buddhist temple," said Oh, adding that new immigrants comprise 49 per cent of Peel's population.

Oh said police also want to get the message out that Peel police cater to "all different groups and cultures," and encourage Buddhists to join the police force.