Board Meeting Highlights - January 22, 2020
Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Mayor Virginia Hackson was re-elected as Chair of the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board. Mayor Hackson has served on the Board since 2012 and as Chair since 2017. Under her leadership, the Board has supported important decisions on community safety, advocacy and policing priorities. Mayor Hackson looks forward to ensuring that strong and safe communities and good police governance continue to be the Board’s priorities.
The Board re-elected Mr. John Molyneaux as its Vice Chair. Mr. Molyneaux has served on the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board since November 2010 as a provincial appointee and more recently as a citizen appointment by York Regional Council. Mr. Molyneaux has also served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards and is committed to advancing community safety in York Region.
Report on Police Auxiliary and Volunteers
The Board received a report from the Chief of Police outlining the contributions made by York Regional Police volunteers and auxiliary members. Members of the auxiliary unit are required to commit at least 12 hours per month. Some of their duties include participation at special events, administrative functions, emergency/disaster response and traffic control. The auxiliary unit donated over 24,100 hours in 2019. YRP also has a volunteer program comprised of citizens who support the work of the police. The program includes a Chaplain program, District Liaison Committees and Police/Community Advisory Councils.
Annual Report on Equity and Inclusion Strategy
The Board Policy on Equity and Inclusion requires that the Chief develop a strategy and procedures which aim to promote equity, inclusion and diversity across York Regional Police and at all levels of leadership and which will aim to prevent discrimination and harassment in the delivery of its services to the public and in the workplace. Some of the components of the YRP strategy include:
Mental Health Strategy
In recognition of the central role mental health plays in the wellbeing and effectiveness of its members, YRP continues to expand and improve its programs, policies, and services in accordance with its mental health strategy. Based on a biopsychosocial spiritual stepped care model, YRP provides education, support, and intervention for members and their families via a variety of internal and external resources, including the Psychological Services Unit, the Peer Support Unit, and the Chaplaincy service.
Mental Health Week from May 6 to 12, 2019 saw nearly 50 members who have lived through difficult experiences step up to be part of an active Peer Support Team, ready to assist colleagues facing their own challenges.
Project Vanguard
This initiative examines equity and inclusion through the lens of gender. Project members are examining recruiting, retention and professional development systems and processes. Project leads interviewed all sworn Senior Officers and met with over 300 sworn members of YRP as part of their internal research.
In Spring 2019, the Chief of Police was provided with recommendations based on the results from the research for Project Vanguard. All recommendations were approved. A Harassment Sub-committee was formed from one of the recommendations, with the intent to research and examine systems and processes related to harassment, civility and respect.
Board Supports Cedar Centre
The Board approved sponsorship in support of the Cedar Centre Hand in Hand Gala to be held on May 9, 2020 in Aurora. The funds assist in providing free assessments and counselling services to children, youth, adults and seniors who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and all forms of interpersonal violence.
Board Supports Clarico Place of York Region
The Board approved sponsorship in support of Clarico Place of York Region which provides resources and programs to respond to the unique needs of people with developmental disabilities, as well as supporting families and caregivers.
Board Supports Women’s Centre of York Region
The Board approved sponsorship in support of the Women’s Centre of York Region Annual Spring Luncheon taking place May 3, 2020 in Richmond Hill. The Centre assists women in achieving a sustainable livelihood. The Centre offers unique programming and services that address a range of circumstances at little or no cost.
Next Police Services Board Meeting
Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Location: Committee Room A, York Region Administrative Centre, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, Ontario.
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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