Sheridan and Peel Regional Police collaborate on Youth in Policing Initiative

Peel Regional Police proudly announces its continued collaboration with Sheridan College on the Youth in Policing Initiative (YIPI). 

As part of the program, youth are employed through the summer and part of the year, working alongside police officers and civilian members, and partaking in a wide range of activities and learning modules. The YIPI program is designed to provide youth with opportunities to develop professional, leadership and life skills.

In 2022, Peel Regional Police collaborated with Sheridan College for the YIPI program, and it was a tremendous success. This year we are proud to announce that the number of employment opportunities has increased from 25 to 40 youth between the ages 15 and 18 years from various diverse communities in Peel. 

The increase in capacity for 2023 YIPI is thanks to the continued provincial funding from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services and the Peel Police Services Board.

"We are incredibly proud of the young individuals who have stepped forward to participate in the Youth in Policing Initiative," said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. "This program empowers the next generation to play an important role in fostering stronger and more inclusive communities for all."

“Our Board is pleased to continue supporting the YIPI program,” said Sumeeta Kohli, Vice-Chair of Peel Police Services Board. “We believe this program will familiarize the youth with opportunities in policing, equip them with skills for future success and build positive relationships.”

New program features have been added based on the feedback from past YIPI classes and the community as we continue to strengthen the partnership between Peel Regional Police and Sheridan College. 

“Sheridan’s School of Public Safety is proud to partner with Peel Regional Police to bring the Youth in Policing Initiative to our Davis Campus once again this summer,” said Lee Weare, Associate Dean of the School of Public Safety. “Based on positive feedback, we’re excited to expand the program this year to offer a dual credit opportunity for one college course, as well as presentations by Sheridan faculty on Introduction to Forensics and empathy-based training sessions using VR technology. Youth participants will enjoy first-hand exposure to what a meaningful career in public safety can look like, supported by mentorship and instruction from Sheridan faculty.”

This year, four YIPI graduates from 2022 will return to the program as YIPI team leads. They will be a great peer support for the new YIPI students, continue to develop their leadership skills and build on their experience from last year. 

“Alongside community partners like Sheridan College, Peel Regional Police is committed to engaging and developing strong positive relationships with youth,” said Mark Dapat, Deputy Chief of Peel Regional Police. “The YIPI program provides young people with the opportunity to receive first-class post secondary education, healthy lifestyle training and sightlines into the rewarding careers within policing in order to further develop their skills to be future leaders within Peel Region.” 

The Youth in Policing Initiative kicked off July 4, 2023, at Davis Campus and runs through to August 26, 2023.