Board Meeting Highlights - April 25, 2018

Moment of Silence for Victims of Tragedy

A moment of silence was observed in recognition of the victims that lost their lives and those that were injured in the tragic event which took place in Toronto on April 23, 2018. The police, EMS and other first responders were also recognized for their professionalism and response.

Volunteer of the Year Award

Auxiliary Police Constable James “Rob” Johnson was selected as the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2018. Rob joined the York Regional Police Auxiliary Unit in December 2016 and provides a wide range of duties, participating in numerous initiatives such as the Canadian Peace Officers Memorial, Wounded Warriors Canada, the Ride for Karen, the Lake Ride for Southlake Regional Health Centre and the Ride 4 Styles. Rob Johnson is recognized for his exemplary commitment to York Regional Police and the citizens of York Region.

Rob was a volunteer photographer at the 2013 Ontario Special Olympics, working alongside the York Regional Police which led to his role as a volunteer member for the York Regional Police special events team. Rob has volunteered with 360 kids, Victim Services of York Region, the York Regional Police Male Chorus and the United Way of Northumberland County providing photography and support for numerous special events.

2017 Use of Force Report

When an officer uses a Use of Force option in the course of his or her duties including when a firearm is drawn in the presence of a member of the public, pointed at a person, when a firearm is discharged, or when any other weapon is used by a police officer, a Use of Force report must be completed.  A report is also required when a Conducted Energy Weapon is unholstered and displayed in the demonstrated force presence mode, pointed or discharged at a person, or when physical force is used causing injury which requires medical attention.  The report is submitted to a Review Committee and to the Chief of Police.

The Use of Force report is a province-wide standardized method of collecting information by individual police services.  The statistics for York Regional Police show a decrease of 4.27 percent in the number of use of force reports from 2016 to 2017.  Some of the figures in the report are:

  • 224 calls for police service resulting in a Use of Force report

  • Firearms were pointed at a person 206 times in 2017 compared with 178 times in 2016

  • 43 percent of use of force incidents occurred on a roadway and 58.3 percent occurred between 6:00pm and 6:00am.

The YRP Training and Education Bureau monitors information provided by the Use of Force Review Committee in order to adapt practical skills training where required. This is often conducted through firearms skills, defensive tactics and scenario-based training exercises that emphasize de-escalation and communication. This skills-based training is delivered at the Annual Uniform Requalification Training Program.

2017 Annual Crime Statistics

The overall crime rate in York Region increased by 3.9 percent in 2017.  The property crime rate increased by 2.5 percent and violent crime rate went up by 6.7 percent.  Robbery violations increased by 27.2 percent, and the rate of sexual violations increased by 7.2 percent in 2017 with 52 more reported cases than in the previous year.  Reported hate crimes occurrences increased by 59.3 percent in 2017 with 51 more incidents.  9-1-1 calls also increased by 3.6 percent in 2017. Although we have seen increases in crime in the last few years, York Region still remains one of the safest communities in Canada.  For a full copy of the report including crime rates by municipality, please visit the Board’s website.

Annual Ontario Police Memorial Golf Tournament

The Board approved sponsorship for the 9th Annual Ontario Police Memorial golf tournament which is being hosted by the Durham Regional Police Association, taking place August 22, 2018 in Ajax, ON. This event raises funds for the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation, which is a charitable foundation responsible for the management of the Memorial.

MADD York Region Golf Tournament

The Board approved sponsorship for the Annual MADD York Region Golf Tournament to be held on August 17, 2018 in King, ON. MADD is a charitable grassroots organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving.

York Regional Police Golf Tournament

The Board approved sponsorship for the 13th Annual Golf Tournament taking place June 29, 2018 in Markham, ON. The tournament supports the Community Safety Village, Big Brothers Big Sisters of York Region, Victim Services of York Region and Community Living Aurora/Newmarket.

Next Police Services Board Meeting

Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.  Location: Committee Room A, York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket.

Media Contact:  Mafalda Avellino, Executive Director, psb@yrp.ca  or 1-877-464-9675 ext. 77906.

The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is a seven-member civilian Board that oversees and governs the York Regional Police and is comprised of one member as Head of Municipal Council, three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Accessible formats or communication supports are available upon request.

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