Board Meeting Highlights - January 17, 2018
2018 Elections of Board Chair and Vice Chair
The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board re-elected Mayor of the Town of East Gwillimbury Virginia Hackson as Chair of the Board for 2018. Mayor Hackson has served on the Board since 2012 and has also served as its Vice Chair. Mayor Hackson thanked the Board and looks forward to ensuring that public safety and strong police governance continue to be the Board’s priorities.
The Board re-elected Mr. John Molyneaux as its Vice Chair for 2018. Mr. Molyneaux has served on the York Regional Police Services Board since November 2010 and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards. Mr. Molyneaux was appointed Fire Chief of the Town of Newmarket Fire Department in 1994 and was appointed Fire Chief of the Central York Fire Services in 2002. He also served as Regional Fire Coordinator from 1997 until his retirement in 2009.
Three District Police Station in Georgina – Hours of Operation
The Board received a report from the Chief of Police on a review of operational efficiencies at Three District Police Station in the Town of Georgina. The review determined that the redeployment of the front-desk officer to the road at 7:00 pm will enhance community safety and provide better services to the residents of Georgina. The redeployment of the officer to the road will change the hours of operation at Three District station to 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. Members of the public who attend the station after hours will have access to a police dispatcher via a live video and audio between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am. The Community Room at Three District will continue to be available to not-for-profit community partners. York Regional Police will announce the implementation timelines of the new model in its communications strategy.
Report on Police Auxiliary and Volunteers
The Board received a report from the Chief of Police outlining the contributions made by police volunteers and the auxiliary unit of the Service. A member of the auxiliary unit, which receives training and equipment, is required to commit a minimum of 12 hours per month. Duties include special event participation, administrative functions, emergency/disaster response and traffic control among many others. The auxiliary unit donated 22,600 hours to YRP in 2017. YRP also has a volunteer program comprised of citizens who support the work of police, a Chaplain program, District Liaison Committees and Police/Community Advisory Councils. Volunteers contributed over 58,000 hours in 2017.
Implementation of Inquest Recommendations
The Board received a report from the Chief of Police on the implementation of recommendations from the Coroner’s Inquest in the death of John Caleb Ross. On October 11, 2016 the jury rendered its verdict and directed three recommendations to York Regional Police which can be found here. The recommendations have been implemented. In addition, the Chief of Police developed a new procedure to provide direction and responsibilities to all YRP members who are involved in fatal force encounters.
Report on Equity and Inclusion Policy
The Board’s Equity and Inclusion Policy promotes the delivery of policing services in a manner that is respectful, equitable and inclusive of the Region’s many communities. The Board received a report from the Chief of Police which supports the Board’s policy and includes a list of community engagement initiatives, a partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, the development of an internal Gender Equity Strategy and the establishment of a LGBTQ2+ consultative roundtable.
Board Supports Yellow Brick House
The Board approved sponsorship in support of Yellow Brick House Annual Gala to be held on March 2, 2018. The Yellow Brick House is a non-profit charitable organization that provides emergency shelter, counselling and supportive services to abused women and children.
Board Supports Character Community
The Board approved sponsorship in support of the 12th Annual Character Community Awards Celebration to be held on April 25, 2018. The Character Community Foundation of York Region is committed to making York Region a Character Community by nurturing positive character attributes and enhancing York Region as a desirable place to live, learn, work and play.
Next Police Services Board Meeting
Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at 9:00 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
Back to What's New