Annual Report-2007- Inside Pages.indd - York Regional Police

YORK REGIONAL POLICE 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT 

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF 

DETECTIVE CONSTABLE 

ROBERT PLUNKETT 

— A TRUE HERO


VISION AND VALUES 

OUR MISSION 

We will ensure our citizens feel safe and secure 

through excellence in policing 

OUR VISION 

To Make a Difference in Our Community 

OUR VALUES 

Integrity 

We are honest in all we say and do 

Community 

We and the community are one 

Respect 

We respect our citizens, our staff and each other 

Accountability 

We accept responsibility for our actions 

Competence 

We foster a learning environment 

Leadership 

We all take the initiative to lead 

Teamwork 

We are better together 

Making a Difference in our Community

2007 ANNUAL REPORT 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Vision and Values ............................................. Inside Front Cover 

Dedication to Detective Constable Robert Plunkett..................... 2 

Message from the Police Services Board.................................... 4 

Message from the Chief of Police................................................ 6 

Meeting the Needs of Our Community......................................... 8 

Police Districts 

#1 District ........................................................................ 10 

#2 District ........................................................................ 12 

#3 District ........................................................................ 14 

#4 District ........................................................................ 16 

#5 District ........................................................................ 18 

York Regional Police Organizational Structure .......................... 20 

Support Services ....................................................................... 22 

Investigative Services ................................................................ 26 

Community Services Bureau ..................................................... 36 

Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau .................................. 40 

Executive and Administrative Services ....................................... 42 

2007 Business Plan Goals ......................................................... 48 

2007 Statistical Overview ........................................................... 50 

Service Excellence ..................................................................... 54 

In Memoriam ............................................................................... 56 

Code of Professional Ethics ................................ Inside Back Cover 

Deeds Speak 1

DETECTIVE CONSTABLE 

ROBERT PLUNKETT 

1964-2007 

WE REMEMBER 

The tragic loss of Detective Constable Robert 

Plunkett at the age of 43 on August 2, 2007, was 

felt deeply by his family, friends, members of York 

Regional Police and the community. A 22-year 

veteran, Rob was known as a dynamic, committed and 

exceptionally kind individual whose actions each and 

every day brought to life the motto of York Regional 

Police - Deeds Speak. 

Rob was an accomplished police officer, having 

served as a uniform officer in both #2 District in 

Richmond Hill and #5 District in Markham before 

spending eight years in the highly-skilled Emergency 

Response Unit as a Tactical Specialist. He worked the 

last seven years in the Special Services Unit within the 

Intelligence Bureau. 

Born and raised in the Goderich area, 

Rob was a gifted athlete, excelling at golf, hockey 

and triathlons. In 1994, he won gold and the coveted 

title of Toughest Cop Alive in the Ontario Law 

Enforcement Games in Ottawa, setting a Canadian 

record for total points accumulated at 5,982. 

Rob was recognized 25 times in 22 years for going 

above and beyond the call of duty for his work on 

cases involving street racing, credit card fraud and 

robbery, to name just a few. 

For Rob, policing was a way to give back to his 

community and improve the quality of life for its 

citizens. Throughout his career he received numerous 

awards and letters of thanks from a variety of 

community organizations, including the Markham 

and Newmarket Rotary Clubs, the Newmarket Health 

Club, the Special Olympics organization and Base 

Borden. 

2 


He was an enormous supporter of Special Olympics, 

increasing his involvement as he learned about the 

organization and its important work. In the 1990s, he 

took on the mantle of the coordinator for the Law 

Enforcement Torch Run, a nation-wide major police 

fundraising event for Special Olympic athletes. Rob 

then co-chaired the 1997 Special Olympic World 

Winter Games in Toronto and, in 2000, chaired the 

Special Olympic Spring Games held in York Region, 

both monumental efforts that required commitment, 

dedication and hundreds of hours of his personal 

time. 

Police officers are truly pillars of the communities 

they serve. Their dedication and hard work ensures the 

communities we call home are safe places to live and 

raise our families. Each and every day police officers 

across this region, province and country leave their 

homes and families to protect others, having faith they 

will return to their loved ones, faith that is tested daily. 

Rob’s service to his community, both as a police 

officer and a volunteer, stands as a shining example to 

us all. His sacrifice in the line of duty is a tragedy for 

his family, friends, members of York Regional Police 

and to the entire community at large. 

He is survived by his wife Sonja and their children 

Amanda, Jeffrey and Matthew. 

He is missed. 

COMMUNITY COMMENTS 

“Family man, volunteer, police offi cer. This world is a better 

place because of the footprint he left.” 

“We just wanted to say how sorry we were to hear of Detective 

Constable Plunkett’s death. As Special Olympics athletes we 

know he was very dedicated and he will be missed.” 

“Rest in peace. The world is a better place for your having been 

in it.” 

“I would like to offer my condolences to his family and friends as 

well as his police service, although I personally didn’t know him 

I do know he stood for something he believed in and provided a 

service to his community that is respected and valued. When I 

think police offi cer I think HONOUR and for those that have 

fallen...I salute and give my thanks too.” 

“As a long time resident of Markham, I take great pride in the 

men and women that serve in the York Regional Police. This is 

a terrible loss to the community.” 

“The loss of Rob is beyond words. He will be missed by so 

many. His enthusiasm and love of life were contagious and will 

never be forgotten.” 

“Detective Constable Plunkett was clearly an inspiration to all 

of those who knew him, and to the community he served. His 

loss is felt across the nation. Rest in peace.” 

“On behalf of my family, I send my deepest sympathy to the 

Plunkett family. As a long-time resident of Markham, I thank 

Detective Constable Plunkett and the entire York Regional 

Police for all that they do to keep us safe.” 

Duty, Deeds Honour, Speak Valour 

3

DANNY WHEELER, 

CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY 

OF YORK POLICE SERVICES BOARD 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE POLICE 

SERVICES BOARD 

My first year as Chairman was a year of transition and of great policing results for our citizens. We welcomed 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Mr. Sam Herzog, and Ms Joanna Yu, and paid tribute to Mayor David Barrow, Asad Malik 

and Daisy Wai for their dedicated service. 

York Region remains one of the safest places to live and work in Canada and our Board ensures that York Regional 

Police has the resources, equipment and technology to keep it that way. Increasing police visibility is our priority 

and so we appointed 67 new police officers and 22 volunteer auxiliary officers in 2007. It was great news to hear 

that our citizens reported a 90.7 per cent overall satisfaction rate with our dedicated police service. 

We encouraged public participation at our meetings and about 500 people heard first-class policing presentations. 

We consulted with our community, Regional Council and Members of York Regional Police about policing 

priorities going forward. Our new 2008-2010 Business Plan highlights community priorities of violent crime, guns 

and gangs, traffic safety, crimes against property and drug control and enforcement and it is accessible at www. 

yrpsb.ca. 

We called on the judiciary to impose stiffer sentences for criminals who manufacture, traffic, and import and/or 

export illicit drugs and provincial and federal Justice Ministers to increase penalties for these crimes. We doubled 

our rewards to help solve hate crimes and a triple homicide. We donated $53,982 to agencies that support safe 

communities, and in memory of Constable Davis Ahlowalia, we contributed to the York Regional Police Adopt-a- 

Mission Program. We honoured Margaret Williams of MADD with our Civic Leadership Award and presented 

Mr. Robert Whitman with the Volunteer of the Year Award. 

Thanks to the Board, Chief Armand La Barge and all Members of York Regional Police for your hard work in 

combating and preventing crime. And thanks to our citizens and to Regional Council for its tremendous support 

of policing services in York Region. 

Danny Wheeler 

Regional Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Town of Georgina 

Chairman, Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board 

Deeds Speak 

4 


I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you Constable Mike Boris of #5 District Uniform for 

dropping my wallet off. I really appreciate that you actually brought it to me. Thanks again for going out 

of your way to make my day better. 

Italian 

REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK POLICE SERVICES BOARD 

BOARD MEMBERS 

JOE PERSECHINI 

BILL FISCH 

JOANNA YU 

SAM HERZOG 

FRANK SCARPITTI 

BARBARA MUNRO 

VICE-CHAIRMAN 

REGIONAL 

PROVINCIAL 

PROVINCIAL 

REGIONAL 

REGIONAL 

CHAIRMAN 

APPOINTEE 

APPOINTEE 

COUNCIL 

COUNCIL 

APPOINTEE 

APPOINTEE 

MISSION STATEMENT 

The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is committed to keeping York Region safe and secure 

for living and commerce by encouraging and supporting excellence in policing. 

Under the authority of the Police Services Act, the Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is the 

civilian body which governs York Regional Police. The Board consists of: Head of Regional Council (or his or 

her designate), two Members appointed by Regional Council, one person appointed by Regional Council who is 

neither a Council Member nor an employee of the municipality, and three persons appointed by the Lieutenant 

Governor of Ontario. 

DAVID BARROW 

PAST CHAIRMAN 

DAISY WAI 

ASAD M. MALIK 

PAST PROVINCIAL PAST PROVINCIAL 

APPOINTEE 

APPOINTEE 

Deeds Speak 5

ARMAND P. LA BARGE. O.O.M., 

CHIEF OF POLICE 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE 

I am pleased to present the 2007 York Regional Police Annual Report to our community. 

As many of you are aware, 2007 was a challenging year for our members. The tragic deaths of Constable Davis 

Ahlowalia and Detective Constable Robert Plunkett and the loss of long-time civilian member Deborah Young 

had a tremendous impact on all of us. Your support during these difficult times was greatly appreciated by all our 

members. 

As a result of the hard work of our dedicated members and our strong community partnerships, we also achieved 

success in many areas in 2007. As you will read in this report, York Region has the proud distinction of being not 

only one of Canada’s most diverse communities, but thanks to you, one of Canada’s safest communities. 

On behalf of all the men and women of York Regional Police, thank you for making a difference in our 

community. 

Armand P. La Barge. O.O.M., 

Chief of York Regional Police 

FRENCH - Je suis heureux de présenter à notre communauté le Rapport Annuel de la Police Régionale de York 

pour 2007. 

Comme vous le savez peut-être déjà, 2007 a présenté de nombreux défis pour nos membres. Le décès tragique du 

constable Davis Ahlowalia, du détective constable Robert Plunkett et la perte d’un membre civil de longue date, 

Deborah Young, ont eu un impact extrême sur nous tous. L’appui que vous nous avez accordé pendant cette 

période difficile a été très apprécié par tous nos membres. 

Grâce au travail ardu de nos membres dévoués et à nos vigoureux partenariats communautaires, nous avons 

également connu des succès dans plusieurs secteurs en 2007. Lorsque vous lirez ce rapport, vous constaterez que la 

Région de York est non seulement l’une des communautés les plus diversifiées au Canada, mais grâce à vous, l’une 

des communautés les plus sûres du Canada. 

Au nom de tous les hommes et de toutes les femmes de la Police Régionale de York, merci, parce que vous faites 

une différence dans notre communauté. 

6 


HINDI HEBREW 

URDU 

CHINESE 

ITALIAN 

Deeds Speak 7

EXECUTIVE COMMAND TEAM 

MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY 

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT 

BRUCE HERRIDGE, M.O.M., DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE 

OPERATIONS 

ARMAND P. LA BARGE, O.O.M., CHIEF OF POLICE 

ERIC JOLLIFFE, M.O.M., DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE 

ADMINISTRATION 

York Regional Police proudly serves our community 

through the hard work and dedication of 1,296 police 

officers and 457 civilian members. Their efforts helped 

keep York Region among the safest communities in 

Canada. 

2007 HIGHLIGHTS 

SAFE COMMUNITY 

According to Statistics Canada, York Region remains 

among the safest communities in the country. In 2007, 

the overall crime rate (total number of criminal and 

federal violations per 100,000 population) decreased 

for the fourth consecutive year, dropping 6.6 per cent 

in 2007 from 2006. Clearance rates in overall crime as 

well as crimes against persons and property increased 

significantly in 2007 as well. The decreasing crime 

rate can be attributed, in part, to the dedication of 

York Regional Police to proactive policing as well as 

the positive community partnerships we enjoy, which 

assist us in educating the community about our law 

enforcement and crime prevention programs. 

2007 COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY 

The 2007 Community Needs Survey was distributed 

to 10,000 households in York Region, inviting 

feedback on issues such as police performance, 

policing priorities and perceptions of crime. Available 

in English, French, Italian, Chinese, Russian and Farsi, 

the survey indicated that 96 per cent of York Region 

residents are proud of the police and 90.7 per cent 

are satisfied overall with policing in their community. 

Citizens identified the following top policing priorities: 

Violent Crime, Guns and Gangs, Traffic Safety, 

Crimes Against Property and Drug Control and 

Enforcement. 

GUNS AND GANGS 

We are continuing to receive positive feedback from 

our policing partners and the community on our 

8 


Thank you Chief Armand La Barge for putting me in touch with Constable Vince Garisto of the Mental 

Health Support Unit and the mental health team. We are fortunate to have officers like Vince Garisto and 

you to help our community work so well together. 

Gujarati 

Guns, Gangs and Youth Violence Strategy. This 

proactive plan was developed with community 

input and identifies the roles and responsibilities 

of a variety of stakeholders to achieve four main 

goals – prevention, intervention, enforcement 

and management. We are proud to advise the 

strategy received international recognition at the 

2007 International Association of Chiefs of Police 

conference, winning the prestigious Webber Seavey 

Award for Quality in Law Enforcement for promoting 

best practices. 

TRAFFIC SAFETY 

Traffic safety remains a top priority for York Regional 

Police and 2007 saw continued success for many 

of our programs and the embracing by the public 

of several new ones. The Safe Roads…Your Call 

campaign was and continues to be a resounding 

success with York Region drivers. The program urges 

motorists to call 9-1-1 if they see a driver they 

suspect is impaired. Between June and December, 

more than 1,164 drivers called 9-1-1, resulting in 

135 arrests. That represents a 60 per cent increase 

in calls and a 104 per cent increase in arrests over 

the same period in 2006 and gives all road users the 

chance to be involved in road safety. 

PROACTIVE POLICING 

Members of York Regional Police are addressing 

residents’ concerns about crime in a number 

of ways, including increasing the number and 

availability of Scenes of Crime Officers, continuing 

to decrease crime rates and improve clearance 

rates, increasing police visibility and expanding 

our intelligence-led policing programs. This report 

details the many successful initiatives undertaken 

by York Regional Police in 2007 to keep our 

community safe. 

Deeds Speak 9


SUPERINTENDENT BRAD LAW 

INSPECTOR MARK GRANT 

#1 DISTRICT 

240 PROSPECT STREET, NEWMARKET 

The 166 sworn officers and eight civilian members of 

#1 District provide policing services to a community 

of more than 180,000 residents living in the Towns of 

Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket as well as 

the northern areas of Whitchurch-Stouffville and the 

Township of King. The area includes a mix of urban 

and rural communities in what is geographically the 

largest of our five district locations. 

In keeping with our commitment to support youth 

in our community in 2007, the Newmarket Youth 

Coalition was established. The program provides 

weekly drop-in recreational activities for youth 

between the ages of seven and 15 at two Newmarket 

locations, T. Nicholas Catholic School and Maple Leaf 

Public School. 

Our members also look forward to community 

events. In 2007, frontline and Community Oriented 

Response (COR) Unit officers participated in more 

than 40 local celebrations and fundraisers, including 

the Kingfest Music Festival, Mount Albert Sports Day, 

Bob Hartwell Runner’s Challenge, Persechini Run/ 

Walkathon, East Gwillimbury Fall Festival and the 

Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike Ride. 

DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS 

Scrap Metal Thefts – The theft of more than 

$50,000 worth of scrap metal in nine separate 

incidents prompted officers in the Property Crime 

Unit to begin a detailed investigation in an attempt to 

identify suspects. After consulting our Information 

Technology staff, digital images from existing security 

cameras were transmitted live to #1 District which 

10 


On behalf of the Aurora Terry Fox Run Committee I would like to thank you again for the support of 

York’s finest for another safe run. Your support continues to allow us to meet with success. 

Macedonian 

provided round-the-clock surveillance of the target 

property. This innovative use of technology led to 

the arrest of three men, who have been charged with 

26 offences including Break and Enter and Possession 

of Stolen Property. Thousands of dollars in stolen 

property was recovered. 

Vehicle Thefts – Throughout the months of 

February and March our Crime Analyst identified an 

increase of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles 

occurring at big-box stores in plazas along the Yonge 

Street corridor. After receiving information from 

United States border officials who seized $25,000 

worth of stolen property, our Property Crime Unit 

officers executed three search warrants resulting in 

the arrest of four individuals. Forty-two offences 

including Theft Over $5,000, Possession Over $5,000, 

Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards and Possession of 

a Prohibited Firearm were laid as well as multiple 

probation and parole violations and the seizure of 

more than $270,000 worth of property. 

Drug Investigation – In response to community 

concerns, Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) 

investigators working with frontline staff and Drugs 

and Vice Enforcement Unit officers dedicated 

time and resources to ridding our neighbourhoods 

of street-level drugs. Seven projects, involving 

surveillance, investigation and the execution of four 

search warrants, resulted in the seizure of more than 

7,200 marihuana plants, a large amount of cocaine and 

marihuana as well as ecstasy and Oxycontin tablets. 

Forty individuals were arrested and charged with 

more than 40 offences related to the possession and 

trafficking of drugs. 

Deeds Speak 11


SUPERINTENDENT RANDY HORNE 

INSPECTOR KIRK MARSHALL 

#2 DISTRICT 

171 MAJOR MACKENZIE DRIVE W. 

RICHMOND HILL 

The 185 sworn members and eight civilian members 

of #2 District Headquarters serve a population of 

more than 270,000 residents living in the Town of 

Richmond Hill and the Thornhill areas of Markham 

and Vaughan. 

Ongoing commitment to our traffic management 

strategy netted solid results in 2007. Focused 

enforcement on initiatives such as Always Be Careful 

(ABC) targeting school zones, Operation Improve, 

providing enforcement at high-collision intersections 

and placing our radar message board in residential 

areas where speed is a concern, improved road 

safety for all drivers in our area. Additional traffic 

enforcement training for new officers resulted in a 

15 per cent increase in motorists stopped for traffic 

violations and more than 25,000 traffic tickets were 

issued by #2 District officers in 2007. Highway 

Truck Interdiction training for all of our Community 

Oriented Response (COR) Unit officers has meant 

officers now do daily inspections of commercial 

motor vehicles traveling on our roadways. 

Participating in community celebrations improves 

the relationships between the District staff and 

the residents we serve. Participation in annual 

celebrations such as the Santa Claus Parade, the 

Festival of India, Chinese New Year, Eid, Iranian 

Forum, and the Mill Pond Winterfest as well as events 

including the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Big Bike 

Ride, McHappy Day and Send a Kid to Camp Day at 

Tim Hortons remains an important part of policing in 

our neighbourhoods. 

12 


We would like to express our appreciation to Constable Rommel Dimatulac of #2 District Uniform for 

coming to our school. Your visit was essential to the learning that occurred in our Community Helpers 

Unit. 

Greek 


Roadwatch – Citizen complaints about aggressive 

driving through the Roadwatch Program helped 

our officers monitor problem areas. Richmond Hill 

boasted the highest number of citizen Roadwatch 

reports in the region for the third year in a row. Poor 

driving behaviour observed by other road users were 

reported through Roadwatch and we responded by 

sending 409 warning letters to the registered owners 

of the vehicles involved. 

Baby Formula Bandits Part 2 – A continuation of 

the 2006 investigation into reports involving the theft 

of large quantities of baby formula from big-box and 

grocery stores throughout York Region, this initiative 

targeted individuals purchasing the stolen baby 

formula. The investigation culminated in the arrest 

of three individuals charged with two counts each of 

Theft and Possession Under $5000, Possession Over 

$5000 and Breach of Probation. Property valued at 

$50,000 was recovered. 

Tagging Takedown – Responding to community 

complaints about graffiti and trespassing, officers 

increased patrols in parks, high-density residential and 

business areas and the Oak Ridges Moraine. Resulting 

investigations led to the arrest of one individual 

responsible for 30 incidents of tagging. Officers also 

issued trespass notices to owners whose vehicles were 

parked adjacent to the Moraine and delivered public 

education to area youths on trespassing, in partnership 

with Friends of the Environment. 

Deeds Speak 13


SUPERINTENDENT WES BONNER 

INSPECTOR TERRY CREIGHTON 

#3 DISTRICT 

3527 BASELINE ROAD, SUTTON 

The 88 police officers and three civilians at #3 

District, provide community-based policing to more 

than 45,000 residents living in the Town of Georgina, 

which includes the smaller communities of Jackson’s 

Point, Keswick, Pefferlaw and Sutton. 

Situated on the shores of Lake Simcoe, the area is a 

favourite destination for outdoor enthusiasts in both 

summer and winter months. 

Community events reflect the year-round recreational 

opportunities and a surge of visitors attend 

such winter events as the Canadian Ice Fishing 

Championships and Georgina SNO*FEST Winter 

Carnival. Summer sees a flurry of activity on the 

waterfront and Lake Simcoe in addition to annual 

events such as the Sutton Fair and Canada Day 

celebrations. 

Our annual Boater Information Day helps educate 

more than 500 visitors on water safety each year and 

provides boaters with on-site vessel inspections. The 

addition in 2007 of the Dawaabin, a 24-foot Airboat, 

allows Marine Unit officers to conduct patrols on 

ice in the winter and water in the summer. The new 

vessel is equipped to navigate shallow waterways 

where the existing Marine Unit vessels, the Waawaatesi 

and Naawij, cannot manoeuvre. 

14 


I would like to extend our gratitude to Superintendent Wes Bonner of #3 District for your wonderful 

participation at the opening ceremonies of the Georgina Military Museum. It was, and continues to be, all 

about our veterans. 

Ojibiway 


Project Fisher– Investigations into six reported 

assaults on anglers in the Town of Georgina included 

the resources of officers in the Community Oriented 

Response Unit, #2 District Uniform and Criminal 

Investigation Bureau, other district uniform officers, 

as well as the Marine Unit and the Hate Crimes Unit 

of the Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau. 

Three individuals were charged with 11 Criminal 

Code offences including Criminal Negligence Causing 

Bodily Harm, Assault, Aggravated Assault and 

Mischief Under $5,000. 

Project Taggers – The successful two-week 

undercover project identified three youths who were 

arrested in relation to numerous reports of graffiti in 

the Town of Keswick. Eighteen counts of Mischief 

Over $5,000 were laid in response to 17 reported 

incidents. 

Project Helmet– During the summer months, #3 

District officers joined the Region of York Health 

Department, Wal-Mart and Mac’s Convenience stores 

to educate children on the importance of wearing 

their bike helmets. Free helmets were given to 32 

youths in the area. During the summer, if youths 

were found wearing their helmets properly, they were 

then issued positive tickets to enjoy a free drink at 

local Mac’s Convenience stores. The initiative was a 

success, with more than 300 positive tickets issued to 

youths. 

Deeds Speak 15


SUPERINTENDENT 

TONY CUSIMANO 

INSPECTOR LES YOUNG 

#4 DISTRICT 

2700 RUTHERFORD ROAD, VAUGHAN 

The #4 District Command Team, supported by 207 

sworn members and eight civilian members, provides 

policing services to more than 250,000 residents living 

in the City of Vaughan and the southern end of the 

Township of King. 

Complaints about youth issues were addressed in 

2007 through increased enforcement and proactive 

interaction. Officers acted as positive role models 

during the Girls Rock Empowerment Forum. 

Thirty high school-aged girls came together with 

female officers during the day-long program. Their 

discussions related to health, dating, self-esteem and 

relationships and helped foster closer relationships 

with youth in our neighbourhoods. Our partnership 

with Mac’s Convenience stores also helped officers 

recognize young people doing good work in the 

community. More than 3,000 positive tickets, good 

for free drinks at Mac’s stores, were given to kids 

during the year and the contact with youth helped 

build respect between officers and students. 

Frontline members also participated in a variety 

of local celebrations. Events like Maplefest, the 

Woodbridge Fair, the Pine Valley Festival, the Great 

Maple Cart Derby Race, the Community Living York 

South car wash, the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s 

Big Bike Ride, our Menorah Lighting ceremony with 

the Jewish community and Kwanza celebrations with 

citizens of West African descent, help our officers 

connect with and understand the community we serve. 

16 


Many thanks to Kelly Pearce of the Firearms Unit for your persistence on this one. It’s reassuring to find 

someone in the system who cares. 

Dutch 


Operation Sticky Fingers – Information from 

the District Crime Analyst on a rash of thefts from 

vehicles prompted Property Crime Unit officers to 

conduct surveillance in retail parking lots in the City 

of Vaughan. This surveillance led to a much larger 

criminal enterprise after three men were found in 

possession of 49 kilograms of cocaine, more than 

700,000 tablets of ecstasy and over $200,000 in 

Canadian currency. These arrests prompted Drugs 

and Vice Enforcement Unit and members of the #4 

District Criminal Investigation Bureau to execute a 

search warrant at a Vaughan home where an additional 

105 grams of cocaine, 1,200 ecstasy tablets, $95,000 in 

Canadian currency were seized along with one Taser 

gun, two handguns and two police-style raid jackets. 

Operation Nashville – Targeting speeding and 

impaired driving along Nashville Road between 

Highways 27 and 50, the four-day Operation Nashville 

resulted in 90 speeding tickets and five 12-hour driving 

suspensions being issued, in addition to the arrest of 

five individuals for racing offences and one person for 

Careless Driving. Officers also arrested three people 

for drug-related charges. 

Round Up 2 – Officers were assigned to identify, 

investigate and locate individuals living within the #4 

District boundaries wanted on outstanding warrants 

by York Regional Police or other police agencies. 

The 13-day initiative conducted by the Community 

Oriented Response (COR) Unit was a success. In 

total, seven individuals were arrested for outstanding 

Criminal Warrants, two for Ministry of Finance 

Warrants and one person for a Family Law Act 

Warrant. 

Deeds Speak 17



WAYNE KALINSKI 

INSPECTOR 

ROBERTSON ROUSE 

#5 DISTRICT 

8700 MCCOWAN ROAD, MARKHAM 

The 189 police officers and eight civilian members 

working from #5 District Headquarters serve a 

population of more than 250,000 in the Town 

of Markham and the south end of the Town of 

Whitchurch-Stouffville. 

Responding to resident concerns related to 

vandalism, graffiti, drugs and public drunkenness, 

police increased visibility by conducting 400 hours 

of dedicated foot patrols on the main streets in 

Markham, Stouffville and Unionville. This approach 

reassured residents and resulted in the arrest of 25 

people for drug and liquor-related offences. 

Road safety is another top priority for our citizens 

and officers alike. In 2007, officers conducted an 

additional 572 hours of traffic enforcement at 130 

locations where safety was identified as a concern. 

Their efforts resulted in 1,141 Provincial Offences 

Notices and 283 verbal cautions being issued. 

Throughout 2007, #5 District staff issued more than 

32,000 traffic tickets. 

Our officers continue their work with community 

partners such as our District Liaison Committee. 

Representatives from the Markham African Caribbean 

Association, Federation of Chinese Canadians, 

Islamic Society of Markham and local youth help 

police understand the needs and concerns of all our 

communities. We also gave more than 50 community 

presentations in 2007, and provided education to 

local groups such as the Musselman’s Lake Ratepayers 

Association, Evergreen Hospice for Markham 

Stouffville Hospital, Community Living of York 

Region, Markham Board of Trade and Asian Heritage 

Association. 

18 


We recently needed the services of the police and I would like to commend Constable Paul 

Marisette of #5 District Uniform. The officer was extremely kind and compassionate and 

dealt with the situation effectively. 

Tagalog 


Gang Suppression – Frontline officers conducted 

a three-week investigation into local gang activity. 

The investigation targeted individuals belonging to 

or associating with four identified street gangs and 

included surveillance, traffic stops and increased foot 

patrols in areas where gang members were known 

to frequent. The officers’ hard work resulted in 

the arrest of 50 people who were charged with 28 

criminal offences including Possession of a Controlled 

Substance, Mischief, Breach of Recognizance, and 

numerous Liquor Licence Act violations. 

Project Shattered – This initiative addressed the 

increase in commercial break and enters in the Town 

of Markham. The investigation involved the use of 

mobile surveillance, enforcing conditions of known 

offenders and cultivating information from street-level 

contacts as well as our own Crime Analysts. Frontline 

officers and those working in the Property Crime 

Unit and Community Oriented Response (COR) 

Units arrested 16 individuals on 20 Criminal Code and 

three Controlled Drug and Substances Act offences. 

Charges included Break and Enter, Possession of 

Break-In Instruments, Possession of Stolen Property, 

Obstruct Police and Mischief to Property. 

Project Dressed for Drinks (D4D) – The goal of 

the initiative was to continue aggressive enforcement 

of all licensed premises. Officers targeted specific 

problem establishments and provided bar owners with 

information on their responsibilities under the Liquor 

Licence Act. The six-day blitz, in partnership with 

the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, 

involved the inspection of 64 licenced premises and 

resulted in 23 charges against bar owners including 

Breaching Terms or Conditions of their Liquor 

Licence, Permitting the Sale of Illegal Liquor, Serving 

Alcohol to Minors and Permitting Drunkenness. 

Owners at 17 establishments were given verbal 

cautions. 

Deeds Speak 19

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 


POLICE SERVICES 

BOARD 

CHIEF OF 

POLICE 

CORPORATE 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Hate Crimes 

DIVERSITY & 

CULTURAL 

RESOURCES 

DUTY 

INSPECTORS 

HEALTH & SAFETY 

INTEGRATED 

ANALYSIS 

DEPUTY CHIEF 

OPERATIONS 

1 DISTRICT 

Community Oriented 

Response 

Criminal Investigations 

Patrol 

SUPPORT 

SERVICES 

INVESTIGATIVE 

SERVICES 

2 DISTRICT 


Response 


Patrol 

3 DISTRICT 


Response 


Patrol 

Marine 

Underwater Recovery 

4 DISTRICT 


Response 


Patrol 

5 DISTRICT 


Response 


Patrol 

EMERGENCY 

SUPPORT 

Critical Incident 

Management 

Emergency Response 

Explosives Disposal 

OPERATIONAL 

SUPPORT 

Air Support 

Canine 

Firearms 

Incident Response 

Emergency Preparedness 

Industrial Relations 

Public Order 

Search & Rescue 

TRAFFIC 

Collision Reconstruction 

Enforcement 

Safety Programs 

MAJOR CRIMES 

Homicide 

Cold Case 

Major Case Management 

ViCLAS 

Sexual Assault & 

Crimes Against Children 

Crimes Against Children 

Internet Child Exploitation 

Sexual Assault 

ORGANIZED 

CRIME 

Drugs & Vice 

Intelligence 

Special Services 

Guns & Gangs 

SPECIAL 

INVESTIGATIONS 

& SUPPORT 

Auto/Cargo Theft 

Central Fraud 

Coroner’s Liaison 

Forensic Identification 

Archaeological Recovery 

Tech Crimes 

Video Support 

High Risk Offenders 

Hold Up 

Polygraph 

20 


We really appreciate Constable Dovelin Hawthorne of the Traffic Bureau for helping with our car problem. 

You were off duty when you stopped. I could see you were on your way to a function. We wish there were 

more good people like you. 

Romanian 

EXECUTIVE 

DIRECTOR 

Chaplains 

Protocol Officers 

Statistics 

PLANNING & 

RESEARCH 

PROFESSIONAL 

STANDARDS 

QUALITY 

ASSURANCE 

Audit 

Directives Management 

EXECUTIVE 

OFFICER 

HEARING 

OFFICERS 

Freedom of Information 

LEGAL 

CAPITAL PROJECTS 

DEPUTY CHIEF 

ADMINISTRATION 

PROPERTY/EVIDENCE 

MANAGEMENT 

INFORMATION 

SERVICES 

FINANCIAL 

SERVICES 

STAFF 

SERVICES 

COMMUNITY 

SERVICES 

COURT 

SERVICES 

COMMUNITY 

SUPPORT 

Case Management 

Court Security 

COMMUNICATIONS 

Call Centre 

Community Resource 

Centre 

Technical Support 

INFORMATION 

MANAGEMENT 

Customer Service 

Documents/Quality 

Control 

Transcription/ Validation 

INFORMATION 

TECHNOLOGY 

Application Support 

Business Continuity 

Network Support 

TECHNOLOGY 

TRAINING 

BUDGET & 

CONTROL 

Accounting 

Alarms 

Budget 

Paid Duty 

Administration 

MAINTENANCE & 

PROCUREMENT 

Facilities 

Management 

Facility Operations 

Fleet 

Purchasing 

Stores 

HUMAN 

RESOURCES 

Civilian Recruiting 

Compensation & 

Benefits 

Employee Relations 

PROFESSIONAL 

DEVELOPMENT 

Staff Development 

Training & Education 

Uniform Recruiting 

Community 

Partnerships 

Auxiliary 

Community 

Events 

Crime Stoppers 

Mental Health 

Support 

Volunteers 

Vulnerable 

Persons Support 

COMMUNITY 

MOBILIZATION 

Domestic Violence 

Personal Safety 

Senior’s Liaison 

Victim’s Assistance 

Crime Prevention 

Community Programs 

CPTED 

Guns & Gangs 

Youth Programs 

Community Liaison 

School Liaison 

Youth Education 

Community Safety Village 

Document Service 

Prisoner Transportation 

Victim Notification 

Witness Management 

Deeds Speak 21



GORD SMYTH 

INSPECTOR 

CRAIG ROGERS 

SUPPORT SERVICES 

The 85 officers who work in the units and bureaus of 

Support Services provide frontline and investigative 

officers with emergency and operational support 

in the form of air and canine support and critical 

incident management. Members of Support Services 

also operate the firearms registration program and our 

Traffic Enforcement Bureau. 

OPERATIONAL SUPPORT 

AIR SUPPORT UNIT 

The Air Support Unit consists of three full-time 

Tactical Flight Officers and two civilian pilots who 

enhance public and officer safety by providing direct 

aerial support in Air2, the York Regional Police 

helicopter. Air2 actively supports officers on the 

ground with criminal apprehension, vehicle pursuits, 

searches for lost persons, traffic enforcement and, 

through its thermal imaging system, the identification 

of marihuana grow operations. 

Air2 responded to 1,609 calls in 2007, representing 

919 hours of flying time. The assistance provided to 

frontline and investigative officers by Air2 resulted 

in 130 arrests and the location of 45 suspects or 

missing people. Members of the Air Support Unit 

also helped to educate and inform the community 

through the delivery of 25 public awareness displays 

and presentations. 

CANINE UNIT 

In 2007, the Canine Unit grew by two teams, bringing 

the complement of Police Service Dogs and their 

handlers to 10. The unit assisted frontline officers on 

2,124 calls for service in 2007, a 17 per cent increase 

over 2006. Canine Unit members assisted in locating 

22 


Constable Mike Lacroix of the Traffic Bureau came by the office to speak with me and I felt I should send 

you an email of appreciation. I wanted you to know it was very effective and I appreciate the professional 

manner in which you dealt with the aggressive driving complaint. 

Spanish 

85 individuals in 2007, including eight missing persons 

and 77 suspects, who now face serious criminal 

charges including Armed Robbery, Break and Enter 

and Possession of Controlled Substances. 

For the first time in Ontario, the York Regional Police 

Canine Unit hosted the Iron Dog Challenge in King 

Township. Constable Bill Charnock and PSD Basco 

were the overall winners of the event that included 

an obstacle course of hurdles, water crossings, and a 

mock-suspect apprehension. 

INCIDENT RESPONSE UNIT 

The Incident Response Unit includes the Search and 

Rescue, Industrial Relations, Emergency Preparedness 

and the Public Order Units. The Search and Rescue 

Unit continued to grow with 127 officers trained in 

basic Search and Rescue with 54 officers who act as 

team leaders and search managers. 

The Public Order Unit was called out twice in 2007 to 

assist other services with crowd management, while 

the Industrial Relations Unit acted as a resource at 

labour disputes to ensure the orderly flow of traffic 

and the safety of all persons. 

2007 was also a busy year for the Emergency 

Preparedness team, who updated evacuation plans 

and participated in a variety of mock emergencies to 

ensure the community is prepared in an emergency. 

EMERGENCY SUPPORT 

CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT UNIT 

The 17 members of this on-call unit are specially 

trained to respond, with assistance from the 

Emergency Response Unit, to serious incidents such 

as hostage-takings or armed or barricaded people. 

These highly-skilled professionals are responsible for 

de-escalating serious situations and negotiating with 

Deeds Speak 23

YORK REGIONAL POLICE TRAFFIC PROGRAMS 

suspects to resolve incidents as safely as possible, 

minimizing the risk to the public and the officers 

involved. 

EMERGENCY RESPONSE UNIT AND 

EXPLOSIVE DISPOSAL UNIT 

Members of the Emergency Response Unit and the 

Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) apply their specialized 

skills to high-risk situations that go beyond the normal 

training and equipment limits of frontline officers. 

In 2007, the unit’s 20 team members responded to 

730 calls for service, including 20 incidents relating to 

explosive disposal. 

In June, 2007, members of the EDU safely seized 

two live World War II explosive devices that had 

been accidentally uncovered by a group of youths 

in Vaughan. In addition, the unit played host for 

the second year in a row to the Explosive Disposal 

Conference, an event that brings together nearly 100 

police explosive technicians from across Canada and 

the United States. 

THE TRAFFIC BUREAU 

The 39 members of the Traffic Enforcement Bureau 

identify trends and issues affecting traffic safety and 

improve poor driver behaviour through education, 

enforcement and collision investigation. 

COLLISION RECONSTRUCTION UNIT 

Collision Reconstruction Unit officers use cuttingedge 

technology in the investigation of serious and 

fatal collisions in York Region. Investigators are 

highly skilled at measuring, identifying, interpreting, 

electronically mapping and diagramming evidence 

unique to collision investigation. In 2007, 26 people 

were killed in 23 collisions, including four pedestrians. 

Eight fatalities were attributed to speed, four to 

alcohol and six to the misuse or non-use of seatbelts. 

24 


Thank you to your staff for the wonderful police work which your officers did in finding my aunt. I have to 

say I was impressed with their work. Thanks for another job well done by our York Regional Police. 

Tamil 

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT 

Using the latest technology, the Traffic Enforcement 

Unit is dedicated to improving the quality of life for 

the citizens of York Region through excellence in road 

safety. In 2007, 132,236 Provincial Offences tickets 

were issued, compared with 117,573 in 2006. Of those 

tickets issued, 53.6 per cent were for speeding, 4.6 per 

cent were for Failure to Stop and 2.96 per cent were 

for not wearing seatbelts. 

SAFETY PROGRAMS 

The success of Operation Disqualified, a program 

that alerts police when motorists are disqualified 

or have had their licenses suspended, resulted 

in the development of a sub-program targeting 

repeat offenders in 2007. Officers conducted active 

surveillance on individuals who were prohibited from 

driving as a result of one or more Criminal Code 

convictions and charged them if they were found 

driving. 

York Regional Police’s RIDE program was out in 

full-force in 2007 and stopped a total of 111,457 

vehicles. Over the course of the year, 12-hour license 

suspensions were issued to 265 drivers and 114 

charges for Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle 

were laid, up 41 per cent over 2006. 

Other successful educational campaigns operating 

in 2007 included Operation Winter Blitz, warning 

drivers to adjust their habits to weather conditions and 

new in 2007, Safe Roads…Your Call. This program 

urges drivers to call 9-1-1 if they see a driver they 

suspect is impaired. Between the June 2007 launch and 

year-end, 1,164 calls were received, resulting in 135 

arrests. York Regional Police received a national award 

from Mothers Against Drug Driving Canada for this 

innovative and successful program. 

Deeds Speak 25


SUPERINTENDENT EUGENE KERRIGAN 

INSPECTOR TOM CARRIQUE 

INSPECTOR MIKE FLEMING 

INSPECTOR BILL FAULKNER 

INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES 

Investigative Services operates three separate bureaus 

investigating the most serious criminal offences. These 

bureaus include Major Crimes, Organized Crime and 

Special Investigations and Support. 

MAJOR CRIMES 

HOMICIDE AND MISSING PERSONS BUREAU 

The 21 members of the Homicide and Missing 

Persons Bureau investigate sudden or unexpected 

deaths where foul play is suspected; missing, abducted 

or kidnapped persons where the circumstances 

indicate a strong possibility of foul play; assaults 

where death is imminent; and unidentified bodies 

where the manner of death is unknown or suspected 

to be homicide. 

There were five homicides in 2007 involving eight 

victims, compared to nine in 2006 involving 12 

victims. Of the five incidents in 2007, only one case 

remains unsolved. Tragically, one homicide was the 

death of York Regional Police officer, Detective 

Constable Robert Plunkett. 

Officers in the Cold Case Unit actively investigate 

unsolved homicides and continue to solicit and 

investigate information on cases dating back as far as 

1956. 

MAJOR CASE MANAGEMENT BUREAU 

The Major Case Management Bureau provides 

members of York Regional Police with operational 

and administrative support for major cases that are 

investigated at the District level or under the umbrella 

of Investigative Services. 

26 


This letter is in regards to the generosity and time Detective Sergeant Bill Sadler, Homicide and Missing 

Persons Bureau, committed to this case. Thank you so much for your time, presence, effort, commitment 

and determination. 

Urdu 

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CRIMES AGAINST 

CHILDREN UNITS 

CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN UNIT 

The 18 members of the Crimes Against Children 

Unit investigate all allegations of physical assault, 

sexual assault, sexual interference, invitation to sexual 

touching, sexual exploitation and attempts, where 

at the time of the offence the victim was under 16 

years of age and the suspect is in a position of trust 

or authority, including incidents that are intra-familial 

in nature. In 2007, the unit drafted the Shaken Baby 

Protocol in order to provide investigators with 

guidelines surrounding the investigation of suspected 

cases of Shaken Baby Syndrome. 

INTERNET CHILD EXPLOITATION UNIT 

Formed in 2007, the dedicated Internet Child 

Exploitation Unit investigates all reports and incidents 

of child pornography and provides assistance 

and guidance to officers on issues regarding the 

interviewing of children and the seizure of evidence, 

computers or computer-related equipment. 

An extensive investigation by the unit in 2007 led to 

the arrest of a Richmond Hill man and the seizure 

of a large quantity of Internet child pornography. 

In addition, two investigators from the unit received 

peer-to-peer training on the proactive tracking of child 

pornography offenders. 

Deeds Speak 27

THE SEXUAL ASSAULT UNIT 

The eight officers of the Sexual Assault Unit support 

or conduct investigations of all sexual assaults, 

sexual interference, sexual exploitation, invitation to 

sexual touching and attempts, where the offender is 

known or unknown to the victim or if known, has a 

criminal history suggesting repetitive behaviour. The 

unit reviews all sexual assault cases reported in York 

Region and investigates the actions or activities of 

suspected pedophiles. In addition, officers from the 

unit provide training and education on sexual assault 

investigations to police officers, support agencies and 

community members. 

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND 

SUPPORT 

AUTO RECOVERY AND CARGO THEFT UNIT 

Members of the Auto Recovery and Cargo Theft 

Unit investigate organized vehicle or cargo theft rings, 

including “chop shops,” auto wreckers, dealerships, 

tow companies and incidents involving the theft of 

heavy construction equipment and vehicles. The 

11 members of the unit liaise with other police 

organizations to share data and information on auto 

and cargo theft-related crimes. In 2007, the unit 

recovered 83 vehicles, 195 engines and 11 pieces of 

heavy equipment, resulting in a total recovery value of 

$3.7 million. 

28 


The advice of Detective Sergeant Richard Crabtree of the Drugs and Vice Enforcement Unit has 

enhanced my knowledge and vision in my real estate profession, and I believe York Regional Police is 

among the most efficient in the Province of Ontario. 

Hungarian 

2007 highlights included an investigation into the theft 

of two shipping containers of imported granite from 

a Vaughan business. A successful investigation by the 

unit led to the arrest of two individuals, one a known 

distributor of stolen cargo in the GTA, and the 

recovery of the granite valued at $125,000. 

CENTRAL FRAUD BUREAU 

The 23 members of the Central Fraud Bureau 

investigate complex fraud occurrences that fall outside 

the mandate of District-based fraud investigators. A 

2007 highlight for the bureau was the discovery of a 

large debit card manufacturing lab. The execution of a 

search warrant led to the seizure of 3,000 forged debit 

cards in various stages of manufacture, along with 

hundreds of stolen point-of-sale terminals that were 

in the process of having skimming devices installed in 

them. Approximately $200,000 in forgery equipment, 

thermal printers, embossers and computers were also 

seized. 

FORENSIC IDENTIFICATION BUREAU 

The Forensic Identification Bureau’s 33 members 

document, collect and preserve forensic evidence 

from crime scenes utilizing digital imaging, 

videotaping, latent print examination, tool mark 

examination and footwear identification technologies. 

In 2007, the bureau investigated 6,280 incidents, 

fingerprinted 8,687 individuals and enforced 167 

Judges Orders for DNA. The Forensic Identification 

Bureau also includes the Archaeological Forensic 

Recovery Team, the Technology Crimes Unit and the 

Video Support Services Unit. 

Deeds Speak 29

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FORENSIC RECOVERY 

TEAM 

The Archaeological Forensic Recovery Team (AFRT) 

investigates cases involving shallow graves, found 

bones, skeletal remains, bone fragments and any 

serious criminal occurrence where a systematic ground 

search is required to locate evidence. In 2007, the unit 

attended 10 calls in response to found bones. 

THE TECHNOLOGY CRIMES UNIT 

The Technology Crimes Unit is responsible for 

conducting forensic examinations of computers 

and computer-related devices, providing educational 

resources relating to investigations where computer 

technology is involved and educating the public on 

Internet crime and online crime prevention. The 

unit saw a 23 per cent increase over 2006 in the 

incidents of technology crimes and assisted in Project 

Document Factory, an investigation into a large 

document forgery ring operating in #5 District. 

VIDEO SUPPORT UNIT 

The five-member Video Support Unit supports 

members with forensic analysis and on-location 

extraction of closed-circuit camera technology 

for investigative units in addition to providing 

audio, video and digital tape products for training, 

presentations, investigative and court purposes. Video 

Services Unit members handled 2,423 requests for 

analysis and production in 2007. 

THE HIGH-RISK OFFENDERS UNIT 

The High-Risk Offenders Unit functions as an 

intelligence-gathering unit as well as a proactive 

crime prevention team. The unit gathers and analyzes 

intelligence in relation to convicted offenders and 

develops a management strategy with the goal of 

preventing further incidents of violence. Members of 

the High-Risk Offenders Unit also play a support role 

by disseminating intelligence and sharing information 

with districts and units. 

30 


This letter is to express our appreciation to Constables Mark Lau and Greg Kydd of the #5 District 

Community Oriented Response Unit who were guest speakers at our workshop on Drugs and Teenagers 

sharing issues with Chinese parents. Their detailed and informative approach helped make the workshop 

a great success. 

Swedish 

THE HOLD-UP UNIT 

The 17 members of the Hold-Up Unit are 

responsible for investigating serious or violent 

robberies of financial institutions, commercial and 

retail institutions, carjackings and home invasions, 

Automated Teller Machines, and serious personal 

robberies. The unit investigated a total of 439 

occurrences in 2007, compared to 444 in 2006. 

In 2007, the Hold-Up Unit was the lead agency in 

an investigation into numerous convenience store 

robberies in southern York Region and Toronto. Five 

suspects were arrested after a successful investigation 

and are currently facing 120 criminal code offences, 

including eight robberies in York Region. The 

continuing investigation of these robberies led to the 

subsequent arrest of one of the accused for Attempt 

Murder and Robbery in an unrelated incident. 

POLYGRAPH UNIT 

Our highly-skilled and trained Polygraph experts 

are called in to assist in the investigation of serious 

offences where the facts of the case may be in dispute. 

ORGANIZED CRIME BUREAU 

DRUGS AND VICE ENFORCEMENT UNIT 

The 36 members of the Drugs and Vice Enforcement 

Unit are responsible for investigating the trafficking, 

distribution, supply, cultivation and manufacturing 

of controlled substances. In addition, the bureau 

investigates street-level and youth-oriented drug 

trafficking, prescription fraud, prostitution and adultentertainment 

investigations, liquor license violations 

and illegal gambling. The unit is made up of four 

separate units – The Grow and Investigative Grow 

Team, the Street Team, the Vice Team and the Asset 

Forfeiture Unit. 

Deeds Speak 31

A national leader in the fight against marihuana grow 

operations, in 2007 the Grow and Investigative Grow 

Team executed 111 search warrants in relation to 83 

indoor grow operations, seized 36,844 marihuana 

plants – worth more than $3.6 million - $519,087 

in cash and charged 153 people with 371 criminal 

offences. The team located 29 children in marihuana 

grow operations that were given to the care of the 

Children’s Aid Society. 

The Street Team, whose members focus on streetlevel 

and youth-oriented drug trafficking, were 

involved in street-level drug trafficking investigations 

and throughout the year executed 177 search warrants 

and charged 330 people with 774 criminal offences. 

Focused on illegal body-rub parlours and other 

prostitution-related offences, the Vice Team saw a 

39 per cent reduction over 2006 in the number of 

identified massage parlours in York Region - in large 

part a result of increased enforcement. In 2007, 86 

Vice Team inspections and warrants resulted in 116 

people being charged with 54 criminal offences and 

106 bylaw infractions. The unit also conducted 126 

liquor license inspections and laid a total of 153 

related charges in 40 locations. 

In 2007, the Asset Forfeiture Unit continued to 

aggressively seek the forfeiture of offence-related 

property. As a result of several investigations, the unit 

seized four residences, one aircraft, eight vehicles and 

a large amount of cash in 2007. 

INTELLIGENCE UNIT 

The 21-member Intelligence Unit, which includes the 

Guns and Gangs Unit and Special Services, gather, 

develop, analyze and disseminate timely and relevant 

information related to organized crime, terrorism, 

extremism, outlaw motorcycle gangs and gun crimes 

to Districts, internal police units and external agencies. 

32 


I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you Inspector Craig Rogers of Support Services for your 

attendance at the unveiling ceremonies of Ontario’s first roadside memorial sign for victims of impaired 

driving by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Thank you for your support. 

Polish 

SPECIAL SERVICES 

Special Services officers conduct threat assessments 

and handle witness protection, witness relocation 

and VIP security. New in 2007 was the introduction 

of the Behavioural Threat Assessment Section 

which was developed to assist investigators with 

case management and provide support in assessing 

the risk for violence. The goal of threat assessment 

is to provide relevant threat information so that an 

informed decision can be made with reference to case 

strategies and court proceedings. 

THE GUNS AND GANGS UNIT 

In 2007, York Regional Police received the 

prestigious Webber Seavey Award for Quality in 

Law Enforcement for its Guns, Gangs and Youth 

Violence Strategy. As a result of the Guns and Gangs 

provincial government grant, the Intelligence Bureau 

received three new officers to the Guns and Gangs 

Unit. 

With a focus on gang prevention and enforcement 

the unit’s strategy is implemented by Gang and 

Crime Prevention Officers, Youth Coordinators and 

School Liaison Officers. The unit works to identify 

at-risk youth and works closely with parents and the 

community to build prevention strategies that will 

make York Region an even safer place to live and 

work. 

JOINT-FORCES OPERATIONS 

Project BA –A nine-month long joint-forces 

operation involving members from York Regional 

Police, the Toronto Police Service and Criminal 

Intelligence Service Ontario culminated in 2007 

after an investigation into the illegal importation, 

exportation and domestic trafficking of controlled 

substances in the Greater Toronto Area. The 

culmination of this investigation resulted in 48 people 

being arrested and charged, 83 Controlled Drugs and 

Substance Act charges laid, 92 Criminal Code charges 

laid, 22 search warrants executed, 11 firearms seized 

and drugs estimated at a value of $4 million taken off 

the streets. Project cost: $93,691.97 

Deeds Speak 33

Project X5 – A full-time York Regional Police auto 

theft investigator joined with the Ontario Provincial 

Police in an undercover operation related to auto 

theft. The officers set up a safe house and warehouse, 

enabling an undercover officer to make purchases and 

make delivery of large amounts of stolen property 

and vehicles. The investigation led to several search 

warrants being executed and in total 130 charges were 

laid and property seized included 14 high-end vehicles, 

11 boats, several firearms, and cash, with a total value 

of over $1.5 million. The cost of participation in 

this JFO was covered through the approved annual 

operating budget. 

Project Kuramae – Members of the Guns and 

Gangs Unit, along with the Provincial Weapons 

Enforcement Unit and investigators from the 

Canada Border Services Agency, conducted an 

investigation into replica firearms – defined as 

prohibited devices by the Criminal Code – that were 

being imported, possessed and sold at a Markham 

business. A three-month investigation concluded in 

search warrants being issued and 60 replica firearms 

being seized. Three suspects were arrested and 

charged with Possession of a Prohibited Device, 

Unauthorized Transfer of a Prohibited Device and 

Import Unauthorized Prohibited Device. The cost 

of participation in this JFO was covered through the 

approved annual operating budget. 

Project Lynx – Members of the York Regional Police 

Intelligence Bureau, Durham Regional Police and the 

Provincial Biker Enforcement Unit were engaged in a 

five-month Criminal Intelligence Service of Ontariofunded 

investigation into illicit drug trafficking in the 

34 


I wish to thank you for the time Sergeant Mark Altermann of the Crime Prevention Unit recently gave me 

at the Newmarket Courthouse. I was grateful for the information and discussions we had with Constable 

Sarah Riddell of Youth Programs. I learned a great deal. 

Punjabi 

northern part of Durham Region. Suspects included 

two individuals associated to the Hells Angels, 

Keswick Chapter. In September, 2007 a total of 32 

charges were laid, including Unlawful Possession 

of Firearms, Possession of a Controlled Substance 

for the Purpose of Trafficking and Possession of 

the Proceeds of Crime. More than $5.5 million in 

drugs and several firearms were seized. The cost of 

participation in this JFO was covered through the 

approved annual operating budget. 

Project Ouroborous – In April, 2006, members of 

the Grow and Investigative Grow Team were assigned 

to Project Ouroborous, a joint-forces investigation 

between the York Regional Police Drugs and Vice 

Enforcement Unit and the RCMP Combined Forces 

Special Enforcement Unit. The investigation began 

in 2006 and involved the production and exportation 

of marihuana and ecstasy and culminated in the arrest 

of 24 individuals, the laying of 30 criminal charges, 

the execution of 12 search warrants and the seizure 

of large amounts of drugs and cash. Project cost: 

$7,434.70 

Project Osquad – Based on intelligence provided by 

York Regional Police into the illegal sale of counterfeit 

DVDs, Project Osquad was a Royal Canadian 

Mounted Police-led investigation. Members of the 

Intelligence Unit assisted the RCMP throughout 

the project which resulted in 12 search warrants 

being executed, primarily within the Markham area. 

Over 20,000 counterfeit DVDs were seized and six 

individuals were charged with 48 counts of fraud and 

other criminal offences. The cost of participation in 

this JFO was covered through the approved annual 

operating budget. 

OUR PROVINCIAL WEAPONS ENFORCEMENT UNIT PARTNERS 

Deeds Speak 35

INSPECTOR PAUL PEDERSEN 

COMMUNITY SERVICES 

The 59 officers in our Community Services Bureau 

engage our community partners in a variety of 

innovative programs and initiatives to create a 

seamless bridge between police and the community. 

The bureau creates and implements programs 

addressing youth, seniors and crime prevention. 

Community Services also oversees a comprehensive 

response to victims and their families in the 

Vulnerable Persons Support Unit. 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT UNIT 

The Community Support Unit, which includes the 

Community Partnership Unit and the Vulnerable 

Persons Support Unit, focuses on building community 

partnerships, supporting and empowering vulnerable 

persons and capitalizing on the spirit of volunteerism 

to make a positive impact on the community. 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS UNIT 

Establishing and maintaining partnerships with the 

community is an integral part of our vision and values. 

More than 200 volunteers who are members of Male 

Chorus, Pipes and Drums, Keswick and Stouffville 

Community Policing Centers and Rover and Venturer 

groups, as well as auxiliary officers, are highly visible at 

parades, fairs and other community events. Auxiliary 

officers are also trained to assist in emergency 

situations such as natural disasters and searches for 

missing persons or evidence. 

In addition to our community events and volunteers, 

the Community Partnership Unit also includes our 

Mental Health Support Team. The team allows us 

to offer a coordinated response to individuals in 

36 


Our club had the pleasure of having the York Regional Police Male Chorus perform on behalf of the 

Lions Clubs International. We raised over $3,000. We thank the Male Chorus for their participation and 

excellent performance. 

Russian 

crisis. Working with community crisis workers and 

hospital staff, the team responds to incidents involving 

mental health issues to decrease the likelihood of 

hospitalization and/or apprehension of mentally ill 

individuals. 

VULNERABLE PERSONS SUPPORT UNIT 

New in 2007, the Vulnerable Persons Support 

Unit offers an organized response to crime and 

comprehensive support to victims and their families. 

Within the unit, officers from the Domestic Violence, 

Victim’s Assistance, Personal Safety and Seniors 

Liaison Units ensure that members of the community 

touched by crime receive education, crisis support and 

safety information. 

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION UNIT 

With a two-pronged focus on crime prevention and 

youth partnerships, the Community Mobilization 

Bureau includes the Community Safety Village and the 

Crime Prevention and Youth Programs units. 

CRIME PREVENTION UNIT 

The Crime Prevention Unit includes Community 

Programs, the Guns and Gangs Prevention Unit and 

our Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design 

(CPTED) Program. Community programs include 

our Police and Community Education Seminars 

(P.A.C.E.S) now called the Citizens Police Academy, 

and Project Lifesaver, a program that uses state-ofthe-art 

technology to locate lost or missing vulnerable 

people. 

Deeds Speak 37

The five members of the Guns and Gangs Crime 

Prevention Unit are tasked with bringing to 

life the award-winning York Region Guns and 

Gangs and Youth Violence Strategy, focusing on 

reducing violence through proactive education and 

enforcement. 

The Crime Prevention Unit also includes designated 

CPTED officers who educate local business owners 

and the public on how to reduce their chances of 

becoming victims of crime through the safer design 

of buildings and landscapes. 

New in 2007 was the introduction of two Chineselanguage 

YRP Citizens Academy programs, a 

community education initiative designed to provide 

the public with a working knowledge of York 

Regional Police. The program is offered directly to the 

Chinese community in both Cantonese and Mandarin 

and provides an opportunity for individuals to learn 

about police practices and operations and discuss key 

safety issues. The program will be offered in other 

languages in 2008. 

YOUTH PROGRAMS UNIT 

Building partnerships and positive relationships with 

youth are at the heart of our community programs 

and Community Services officers are particularly 

proud of the work they do every day to support and 

educate young people within York Region. 

In 2007, Youth Program officers, in partnership with 

the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation, 

developed the Future Aces Positive Ticket Program. 

The program rewards young people for displaying 

positive behaviour and making good decisions. The 

38 


I wanted to send a brief note on behalf of The War Amps to Constable Craig Hazlett, of Youth Education 

and #1 District, for your enthusiasm and support in spreading our safety message. Craig, your enthusiasm 

and dedication to increasing child safety is to be commended. 

Persian 

ticket outlines their good deeds and includes a small 

reward that can be redeemed at local retailers. 

Our Youth Education Officers regularly visit 

elementary schools in York Region to deliver the 

Values, Influences and Peers program to Grade 6, 7 

and 8 students. The VIP program addresses topics 

such as theft, drugs, vandalism and bullying. 

In our secondary schools, School Liaison Officers 

are highly visible through regularly-scheduled visits 

with both students and faculty. School Liaison 

Officers actively participate in school events and are 

responsible for responding to calls for police from the 

schools. 

Our four Community Liaison Officers act as a direct 

connection between York Regional Police and the 

community. The officers are also responsible for 

the implementation and management of the Youth 

Referral Program, an alternative measures program for 

young people arrested for minor crimes. 

COMMUNITY SAFETY VILLAGE 

In 2007, 34,000 young people visited the Community 

Safety Village located within Bruce’s Mill Conservation 

Area in Whitchurch-Stouffville. Highlights included 

a successful Police Week Open House, the second 

annual Youth Leadership Camp and the third annual 

Holidays in the Village and Halloween in the Village 

celebrations. Construction also began on the Picnic 

Pavilion and Peace Tree Garden which is expected to 

be open to the public by June, 2008. 

Deeds Speak 39

STAFF SERGEANT 

RICKY VEERAPPAN 

DIVERSITY & CULTURAL RESOURCES BUREAU 

Our culturally-rich communities make York Region 

one of the most vibrant and tolerant communities in 

Canada. The four dedicated officers of the Diversity 

and Cultural Resources Bureau are actively engaged 

in building strong partnerships with the thriving 

religious and ethnic communities and organizations 

to ensure the needs and concerns of our multicultural 

communities are met. 

In 2007, the bureau partnered with more than 50 local 

organizations, including the Islamic Society of York 

Region, Black Leadership and Empowerment for 

Youth, Canadian Jewish Congress and the Federation 

of Chinese Canadians in Markham. In addition, they 

conducted more than 100 diversity outreach initiatives 

aimed at creating a two-way dialogue around crime 

prevention and community safety issues. 

Our members continually work to connect with new 

communities in the region and address issues related 

to police services, while actively promoting inclusivity 

and tolerance. 

DESIGNATED HATE CRIME INVESTIGATION 

TEAM 

Throughout 2007, York Regional Police continued 

to grow and enhance the Designated Hate Crime 

Investigation Team. Each of the region’s five districts 

now has two designated hate crime investigators 

that oversee all hate crime and extremism-related 

occurrences, in partnership with the members of the 

Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau. The team 

meets five times a year to share information and 

receive training on topics related to hate crime. 

COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS 

In December, 2007, York Regional Police, in 

partnership with the Welcome Immigrant Services 

of Vaughan, the York District Catholic School Board 

and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, held its 

fifth annual Citizen Ceremony. The widely-attended 

40 


It is truly inspiring for the Missionaries of the Poor brothers and myself having you and your team of 

police visit and live with us for a week. It was the first time men and women in police uniform actually 

lived and worked with us at our various residences caring for the poor. 

Hebrew 

event celebrated the swearing in of 81 new Canadians 

from 34 countries and enabled officers to personally 

welcome new citizens to our growing community. 

Members of the bureau attended more than 30 special 

events and proudly celebrated the contributions 

and milestones of various cultural groups. 2007 

commemorations included Black History Month, 

Asian Heritage Month, Multicultural Day in Canada, 

International Day for the Elimination of Racial 

Discrimination and York PRIDE Fest 2007, which 

was held in partnership with The LGBT (Lesbian, 

Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) York Region. 

PRAYER/MEDITATION ROOMS 

In 2007, York Regional Police opened two more 

prayer/meditation rooms in #3 District and #1 

District Headquarters, giving members working 

in each district a space where they can practice 

their spiritual traditions. The addition of nondenominational 

prayer rooms began in 2006. 

PLACES OF WORSHIP TOUR 

The Diversity and Cultural Resources Bureau is also 

responsible for increasing cultural awareness within 

York Regional Police through the Places of Worship 

Tour program. Once a year, Senior Command staff 

visit places of worship throughout the region where 

they engage with religious leaders and discuss ways to 

improve communication across cultures and religions. 

The bureau also conducts the Places of Worship Tour 

for all new recruit classes to increase awareness of the 

different cultures within the region and experience the 

cultural richness of our various religious centres for 

the newest members of York Regional Police. 

Deeds Speak 41


JENNIFER GUNNING, ASSOCIATE COUNSEL, LEGAL SERVICES 

KATHLEEN GRIFFIN, MANAGER, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

JASON FRASER, MANAGER, LEGAL SERVICES 

INSPECTOR KAREN NOAKES, EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

BERNADETTE SEARLE, MANAGER, CAPITAL PROJECTS 

DARWIN TROJAN, MANAGER, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 

EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE 

SERVICES 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

Inspector Karen Noakes is the York Regional Police 

Executive Officer and acts as a liaison to the Regional 

Municipality of York Police Services Board in addition 

to overseeing the Quality Assurance Bureau, the 

Professional Standards Bureau and the Planning and 

Research Bureau. 

QUALITY ASSURANCE BUREAU 

Members of the Quality Assurance Bureau provide 

direction to the members of York Regional Police 

through the review and management of Command 

Directives and Regulations. The bureau also conducts 

internal audits to ensure members are in compliance 

with all applicable legislation, Command Directives 

and Regulations. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BUREAU 

The 12 members of the Professional Standards 

Bureau investigate public complaints and possible 

breaches of the Police Services Act and York Regional 

Police Regulations and Procedures. 

PLANNING AND RESEARCH BUREAU 

Planning and Research Bureau staff are responsible 

for strategic and operational planning, organizational 

effectiveness, the compiling and analysis of statistics 

and the implementation and monitoring of successive 

three-year business plans. 

In conjunction with the Police Services Board and 

the Executive Command Team, staff developed the 

2008-2010 Business Plan in 2007, which identifies 

specific operational and organizational goals to meet 

public safety and police challenges, regional trends and 

demographics and local crime trends. 

42 


I am writing on behalf of our family to express our deep gratitude and appreciation for the fine work of 

Constables Robert Robinson and Andre Boteju of #5 District Uniform. These two officers responded to 

our 9-1-1 call and played a big role in saving my mother-in-law’s life. 

German 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Our two-member Occupational Health and Safety 

Bureau promotes a safe and healthy work environment 

by reducing the impact of workplace injuries and 

disease. The bureau has established procedures and 

educated members on issues ranging from ergonomics 

and environmental hazards to communicable diseases 

and pandemic preparedness. 

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS 

The six members of the Corporate Communications 

Bureau are the public voice of York Regional Police. 

In 2007, the bureau’s two Media Relations Officers 

issued 840 media releases on subjects ranging from 

police activities to crime prevention and safety 

messages. 

The team works to improve internal communication 

and awareness through the production of the YRP 

noteBOOK newsletter, the annual report, our Internet 

and Intranet sites and, new in 2007, the pilot of 

YRP TV, an internal communications vehicle aimed 

at increasing officer safety and incident awareness 

through in-house television broadcasts. 

LEGAL SERVICES 

The six members of Legal Services manage the risk 

and liability of York Regional Police by providing 

expertise and advice on a broad range of legal issues 

to the Chief of Police and members of York Regional 

Police. The bureau also provides counsel on matters 

regarding the deployment of police resources and 

acts as a liaison with the Crown Attorney’s Office and 

other legal agencies as required. 

The Freedom of Information Unit falls under Legal 

Services and in 2007 received 1,529 formal and 

informal requests for information. 

Deeds Speak 43


SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD FINN, INFORMATION SERVICES 

LISE BRISSON, MANAGER, INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 

INSPECTOR HEIDI SCHELLHORN, COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU 

CAPITAL PROJECTS BUREAU 

The Capital Projects Bureau is responsible for the 

overall management of capital improvement projects, 

including investments made by the organization 

in response to changing needs. In 2007, the Police 

Services Board approved the new Investigative and 

Support Services building which became necessary to 

meet the organization’s growth. The 237,000-squarefoot 

facility will be built south of Wellington Street on 

the east side of Leslie Street in Aurora. 

INFORMATION SERVICES 

COMMUNICATIONS BUREAU 

The 98 uniform and civilian members of the 

Communications Bureau comprise the team which 

supports the Communications Centre, the Technical 

Support Unit and the Community Resource Centre. 

The Communications Centre received 308,258 

emergency and non-emergency demands for service 

in 2007. The Technical Support Unit provides 

essential resources and maintenance to infrastructure 

such as telephone and tape support and tower sites 

and are responsible for the maintenance of mobile 

workstations, global positioning systems and police 

radios. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE 

The goal of the Community Resource Centre is to 

provide citizens with a convenient way to report 

motor vehicle collisions, obtain clearance and 

screening letters and other police related information. 

44 



RON HUBER, MANAGER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

NICK MOHAMED, ASSISTANT MANAGER, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

INFORMATION MANAGEMENT BUREAU 

The Information Management Bureau includes 

70 civilian members who manage the collection, 

maintenance and dissemination of information 

relevant to policing issues in compliance with 

legislation, policies and procedures. Highlights from 

2007 included the installation of a new Point-of-Sale 

system at Police Headquarters and the Community 

Resource Centre at Hillcrest Mall, which allows for 

a more efficient delivery of Clearance Letters and 

Vulnerable Sector Screening Letters. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BUREAU 

Responsible for maximizing the access and availability 

of electronic information and applications, the 30 

members of IT provide technology support for 

frontline officers and office staff. 

Highlights from 2007 include the introduction of new 

technologies that support the organization’s greening 

strategy by reducing the air conditioning and electrical 


MARK HOLLAND, MANAGER, FINANCE 

JEFF CHANNELL, ASSISTANT MANAGER, FINANCE 

power requirements. The busy IT Help Desk received 

21,507 calls for service in 2007 and completed 7,918 

work orders. 

TECHNOLOGY TRAINING UNIT 

The eight members of the Technology Training 

Unit provide training on all of the technologies 

employed throughout York Regional Police, including 

Communications, Information Management, Versadex 

upgrade training, office automation tools, desktop and 

mobile work stations and our Records Management 

Systems. The unit conducted more than 2,965 hours 

of training in 2007 for uniform and civilian staff. 

FINANCIAL SERVICES 

The 38 members of our Financial Services team 

support the administrative areas of Accounting and 

Budgets, Paid Duty Administration and Alarms. 

The Maintenance and Procurement section oversees 

Facilities Management, Fleet and Purchasing. In 2007, 

the bureau added two new civilian employees in Fleet 

and Purchasing respectively. 

Deeds Speak 45


SUPERINTENDENT CHRISTOPHER BARRATT, STAFF SERVICES 

INSPECTOR STAN COLLEY, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

GILDA SUTTON, MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES 

JULIE MAZZOTTA, ASSISTANT MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES 

GLENN ASSELIN, ASSISTANT MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES 

STAFF SERVICES 

Staff Services includes the Human Resources Bureau 

and the Professional Development Bureau, which 

oversees the Staff Development, Training and 

Education and Uniform Recruiting units. 

HUMAN RESOURCES BUREAU 

As York Region continues to experience dramatic 

growth, our Human Resources staff has risen to the 

challenge of building a highly-skilled and diverse team 

of employees. The 10-member unit reviewed in excess 

of 2,000 resumes and held interviews for 35 newlycreated 

civilian positions in 2007. 

In 2007, Human Resources staff took pride in going 

green by transferring 5,000 paper personnel files into 

an online database, eliminating an enormous amount 

of paper waste and enabling members to more easily 

access their information. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BUREAU 

With a commitment to supporting York Regional 

Police officers throughout their careers, the 

Professional Development Bureau develops and 

implements educational programs that increase the 

skills and capabilities of police officers. The Bureau 

oversees Staff Development, Training and Education 

and Uniform Recruiting. 

TRAINING AND EDUCATION UNIT 

The 24-member Training and Education Unit is 

responsible for providing ongoing education to 

all members of York Regional Police on changes 

to legislation, emerging issues and trends as well 

as annual requalification for officers. Members are 

dedicated to instilling the highest level of knowledge, 

skill and professionalism. 

In 2007, the unit released a three-year Skills 

Development and Learning Plan which addresses the 

significant and changing training needs facing frontline 

officers, supervisors, investigative support personnel, 

major incident commanders and criminal investigators. 

STAFF DEVELOPMENT UNIT 

The Staff Development Unit is responsible for testing 

and interviewing members for internal promotion. 

In 2007, the unit coordinated the Promotional 

46 


LEFT 

INSPECTOR RICK MCCABE 

COURT SERVICES 

RIGHT 

DUTY OFFICE 


INSPECTOR MARK BROWN 

INSPECTOR NORN MILES 

INSPECTOR JOHN BURNESS 

INSPECTOR GARY MINER 

Examinations, held annually by the Ontario Police 

College. More than 100 York Regional Police officers 

registered to write the promotional exams, making 

them eligible for promotion to supervisory positions. 

UNIFORM RECRUITING UNIT 

The nine members of our Uniform Recruiting Unit 

received and processed more than 1,000 resumes 

from potential Cadets for the 78 officers hired by 

the Police Services Board in 2007. Officers hired in 

2007 represent diverse backgrounds and speak over 

25 languages, including Mandarin, Punjabi, Tagalog, 

Russian, French and Farsi. 

In 2007, the unit visited 12 high schools and 13 

universities, hosted 13 information sessions and 

attended 90 job fairs and community events including 

South Asian Day, International Women’s Day and 

Chinese New Year celebrations. 

COURT SERVICES 

Members of Court Services oversee three York 

Region court locations The Ontario Court of 

Justice, the criminal court in Newmarket, as well 

as two Traffic Court locations, one in Newmarket 

and one Richmond Hill. The 48 members of Court 

Services provide court security and transportation 

services, while the 14 sworn police officers and four 

civilian staff are responsible for witness and case 

management, victim notification and document 

services. 

Court Services once again gave back to the 

community by volunteering their off-duty time for 

their eighth annual Jump on The Wagon Christmas 

Food Drive and the Quiet Food Drive. The event 

helped provide food for those less fortunate through 

23 agencies across York Region. 

DUTY OFFICE 

Duty Inspectors are responsible for directing 

resources to manage major incidents and providing 

leadership and support during high-risk incidents. 

Regular duties include ensuring all staffing and 

equipment requirements are met each shift and 

providing support to frontline members and their 

supervisors. 

Deeds Speak 47

2005 - 2007 BUSINESS PLAN 

The 2005-2007 Business Plan, developed in consultation with 

our community and members of York Regional Police, set 

forth our organizational direction and priorities. It contained 

strategies that have ensured our neighbourhoods, roads and 

schools remain safe for everyone. Our efforts were dedicated 

to four key areas: 

Community Focus 

Operational Excellence 

Preferred Place of Employment 

Superior Quality Service. 

The Business Plan contained 33 goals and 127 related 

strategies, with the majority implemented in 2005 and 2006. 

In 2007, many of the projects and initiatives that were started 

in the previous two years were completed or became part of 

ongoing operations. 

Listening to Our Citizens 

In May, 2007, a Community Needs 

Survey was randomly distributed to 

10,000 households in York Region. 

It included questions about police 

performance, policing priorities and 

perceptions of crime. 

The top policing priorities were 

identified by respondents as: 

Violent Crime 

Guns and Gangs 

Traffic Safety 

Crimes Against Property 

Drug Control and 

Enforcement 

48 


Recently Sergeant Brad Bulmer and Sergeant Jim Slykhuis of the Traffic Bureau provided King Fire and 

Emergency Services with a training seminar on the Highway Traffic Act. The presence of your officers 

greatly enhanced the level of our training on this important subject. 

Croatian 

2007 BUSINESS PLAN GOALS 

GOAL 

To improve our policing capabilities by better utilizing technology 

STRATEGY 

Develop an Information Technology Plan which includes a disaster 

recovery component. 

ACHIEVED 

GOAL 

To provide education, training and development opportunities to optimize the capabilities of our staff 

STRATEGY 

Participate in job exchanges and training opportunities with the private 

sector, government and police agencies. 

ACHIEVED 

GOAL 

To ensure we deliver quality police services. 

STRATEGY 

Conduct a comprehensive Community Needs/Satisfaction Survey 

every three years. 

ACHIEVED 

GOAL 

To ensure that police operations are conducted in a fi scally, socially and environmentally responsible manner. 

STRATEGY 

Identify opportunities to apply for funding through Provincial 

and National grants. 

ACHIEVED 

Deeds Speak 49

2007 STATISTICAL OVERVIEW 

YORK REGIONAL POLICE 2007 COST OF POLICING 

Wage Costs 

Administrative Expense 

Program Related Expense 

Professional Services Expense 

Occupancy Expense 

Repairs and Maintenance Expense 

Financial Items 

Contributions to Reserves 

Internal Charges 

Asset Acquisitions 

Total Expenditures 

Total Revenues 

Net Position 

Budget 

$158,578,400 

$8,945,278 

$4,579,000 

$348,100 

$6,957,380 

$2,640,603 

$4,681,400 

$7,428,200 

$2,087,392 

$575,700 

$196,821,453 

-$12,673,000 

$184,148,453 

Actual 

$159,050,033 

$8,851,505 

$4,749,742 

$267,615 

$7,406,560 

$3,005,848 

$4,535,740 

$7,818,930 

$1,882,794 

$721,268 

$198,290,034 

-$14,225,737 

$184,064,297 

50 


I wish to commend Constable Peter Bezemer of #1 District Uniform for his kind assistance when my car 

broke down. He stayed with me until help arrived. My personal thanks for his unselfish assistance. 

Arabic 

PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND BENCHMARKS 

YORK REGIONAL POLICE 5-YEAR STATISTICAL COMPARISON 

5-YEAR CALLS FOR SERVICE 

NUMBER OF CALLS 

1000 

800 

600 

653 

Cost per Capita 

875 

625 

Member to Population 

867 

786 

577 

Police to Population 

775 

577 

561 

759 

300000 

250000 

200000 

150000 

266,793 

257,292 

242,028 

224,992 

227,949 

400 

100000 

200 

149 

163 

177 

188 

200 

50000 

0 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 

2007 

0 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 


The Cost per Capita represents expenditures divided by the 

population of the area serviced by York Regional Police, 

rounded to the nearest dollar. Members to Population counts 

represent the population divided by the number of police officers 

and civilian staff. Police to Population counts represent 

the population divided by the number of police officers. 

Calls for Service increased 1.3 per cent in 2007, from 

224,992 in 2006 to 227,949 in 2007. 

Deeds Speak 51

P 

PROVINCIAL OFFENCE NOTICES 

ALL DISTRICTS 

MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS 

REPORTABLE 

PUBLIC COMPLAINTS 2006-2007 

140000 

120000 

100000 

112,094 

117,573 

132,236 

2000 

1500 

20000 

15000 

16,755 

17,045 

16,711 

Number of Complaints 116 

Involved Officers 

2006 2007 Variance 

06/07 

232 

131 

268 

12.93% 

15.51% 

80000 

60000 

1000 

10000 

Formal Resolution - Action 

Frivolous, Vexatious, Bad Faith 

0 

5 

1 

5 

100.0% 

0.0% 

40000 

20000 

500 

5000 

Over six months 

Withdrawn 

6 

21 

4 

10 

-33.33% 

-52.38% 

0 

2005 

2006 


0 

2005 

2006 


Not Directly Affected 

Unsubstantiated 

1 

11 

1 

9 

0.0% 

-18.18% 

Policy/Service 

1 

1 

0.0% 

Informal Resolution 

27 

20 

-25.93% 

YOUTH CRIME COMPARISON 

5-YEAR PURSUITS COMPARISON 

Informal Discipline 

1 

0 

-100.0% 

5000 

4000 

3000 

2000 

1000 

Processed by Other Means 

Youths Charged 

4,431 

4,087 

1,590 2,841 

1,635 2,452 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

61 

60 

60 

51 

25 

Non-jurisdictional 

Review requested 

Outstanding files 

Officers disciplined 

2 

18 

41 

1 

0 

16 

80 

4 

-100.0% 

-11.11% 

95.12% 

300% 

In 2007, officers responded to 227,949 Calls for 

Service and received 131 complaints. That figure 

represents one complaint for every 1,740 calls for 

service, which continues to be among the lowest 

for the larger police services in Ontario. 

0 

2006 


0 

2003 

2004 

2005 

2006 


52 


I feel that Constable Patrick Sprigg of #3 District Uniform deserves to be recognized for being an 

exceptional officer. Patrick helped our family by being extremely patient, kind and understanding. 

Armenian 

SELECTED VIOLATIONS 

3-YEAR TRENDS 

MAJOR CATEGORIES 

Actual Number 

2005 2006 2007 Variance 06/07 % 

Clearance Rate (%) 

Rate Per 100,000 

Population 

Actual Number 



Population 

Actual Number 



Population 

Actual Number 


Population 

Crimes Against Persons 6,681 

75.9 

727.47 

6,567 

83.3 

690.77 

6,465 

81.0 

657.64 

-1.6 

-4.8 

Crimes Against Property 

23,702 

38.6 

2,580.84 

24,403 

38.1 

2,566.92 

23,204 

37.6 

2,360.39 

-4.9 

-8.0 

Other Criminal Code 

5,596 

50.8 

609.33 

4,199 

77.7 

441.69 

3,919 

83.8 

398.65 

-6.7 

-9.7 

Weapons Violations 

658 

74.2 

71.65 

645 

76.0 

67.85 

628 

77.9 

63.88 

-2.6 

-5.8 

Public Morals Violations 

128 

50.8 

13.94 

129 

64.3 

13.57 

124 

56.5 

12.61 

-3.9 

-7.0 

Total Criminal Code Violations 

36,765 

47.9 

4,003.23 

35,943 

51.7 

3,780.79 

34,340 

51.9 

3,493.19 

-4.5 

-7.6 

Drug Violations 

2,418 

97.8 

263.29 

2,558 

98.5 

269.07 

2,782 

99.0 

283.00 

8.8 

5.2 

Other Federal Violations 

Total Criminal Code and 

Federal Violations (not incl. Traffic 

177 

39,360 

100.6 

51.2 

19.27 

4,285.79 

243 

38,744 

99.6 

55.1 

25.56 

4,075.42 

303 

37,425 

100.0 

55.8 

30.82 

3,807.01 

24.7 

-3.4 

20.6 

-6.6 

Criminal Code Traffic Violations 

3,567 

42.5 

388.40 

2,818 

57.8 

296.42 

2,695 

60.6 

274.15 

-4.4 

-7.5 

VICTIMS SERVICES 2006-2007 

ON-SCENE OCCURRENCES 

VICTIMS SERVICES 2006-2007 

TELEPHONE CRISIS CALL/ OFFICE VISIT OCCURRENCES 


06/07 


06/07 

Occurrences 291 

277 

-4.8% 

Occurrences 2,560 

4,554 

77.9% 

Clients Served 

553 

395 

-28.6% 

Clients Served 

2,598 

5,766 

121.9% 

Female 

282 

224 

-20.6% 

Female 

2,119 

4,002 

88.9% 

Male 

127 53 

-58.3% 

Male 

479 547 

14.2% 

Children 

144 118 -18.1% 

Children* 

N/A 1,207 N/C 

* A new database was implemented in 2007 therefore allowing 

for the collection of this data 

Deeds Speak 53

SERVICE EXCELLENCE 

40-YEAR SECOND BAR 

Staff Sergeant William Seed #341 

30-YEAR FIRST BAR 

Superintendent Richard Finn #276 

Inspector Gary Miner #221 

Constable Ronald Axamit #455 

Constable Stephen Baird #468 

Constable Jonathan Benner #470 

Constable William Courtice #761 

Constable Murray Hamilton #477 

Constable Neil Dixon #1274 

Constable Melanie Martin #1221 

Constable Jason Mendoza #1273 

Constable Ahmad Salhia #1383 

Crime Analyst Emily McKee #5489 

Staff Sergeant Edward Bicket #123 

Staff Sergeant Paul Carlsen #63 

Staff Sergeant Douglas Hall #79 

Staff Sergeant John Sheldon #273 

Staff Sergeant Rodney Sine #100 

Detective David Kingston #71 

Sergeant Kevin Cross #22 

20-YEAR MEDAL 

Detective Sergeant André Crawford #473 

Staff Sergeant Keith Merith #480 

Detective Angelo DeLorenzi #474 

Detective Michael Keizerwaard #479 

Detective Todd Sepkowski #484 

Detective David Stilo #463 

Detective Elisabeth Willcox #487 

Sergeant Robert Cullen #456 

Sergeant John Giangrande #457 

Sergeant David Wright #489 

Constable William Arniel #465 

Constable Steven Astin #466 

Constable Daniel Jordan #124 

Constable Edward McIntyre #481 

Constable William Russell #483 

Constable David Waterfield #1208 

CIVILIAN 25-YEAR PIN 

Wendy Duncan #5026 

Heather Orr #5030 

Patricia Skrypka #5639 

CIVILIAN 20-YEAR PIN 

Corinne Cooper #5133 

Janine Hanko #5099 

Laureen Jackson #5092 

Marion Morrison #5121 

Tina Townsend #5106 

POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR 

FOR EXCELLENCE IN 

POLICING 

Sergeant Robert Shaw #1093 

Detective Constable Steven Blenkhorn 

#1181 

Detective Constable Adam Ford #1333 

FOR BRAVERY IN THE LINE OF 

DUTY 

Detective Constable Robert Plunkett 

#446 

FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE 

TO THE COMMUNITY 

Sergeant Sarah Riddell #1031 

HERBERT H. CARNEGIE 

COMMUNITY AWARD 

Sergeant Peter Duguay #650 

Sergeant Tammy Duguay #824 

CIVILIAN RECOGNITION 

AWARD 

Brenda Mulroy #5224 

CHIEF OF POLICE AWARD 

Detective Derek Wheeler #597 

Sergeant Peter Duguay #650 

Detective Constable Steven Blenkhorn 

#1181 

Detective Constable Jason Dinsmore 

#1085 

Detective Constable David Ecklund 

#1051 

54 


We would like to thank Constables Ben Thompson and Dave Howells of the Marine Unit for their help out 

on Lake Simcoe, pulling us out of the water when our sailboat tipped over, then towing the boat back to 

shore. 

Portuguese 

Detective Constable Ross Milne #912 

Detective Constable Robert Shaw #1093 

Detective Constable Chad Lee Wing #1087 

Constable Steven Borovskis #1175 

Constable Audrey Brumell #1160 

Constable Andrew Cook #1121 

Constable Scott Cresswell #1348 

Constable Gina DiGenova #1152 

Constable Adam Ford #1333 

Constable Aaron Gee #1302 

Constable Chantal Hodgson #1211 

Constable Melanie Martin #1221 

Constable Jason Mendoza #1273 

Constable Mandy Pattenden #1621 

Constable Shawn Sparkes #1417 

Constable Alec Tompras #1195 

Josie Badowich #5194 

Emily McKee #5489 

Karen Richards #5476 

BILL MILLER MEMORIAL AWARD 

Sergeant David Mitchell #702 

WILLIAM GRANT AWARD – FOR 

PHYSICAL FITNESS 

Constable Nicole Cornect #1785 

Constable Amanda Mashinter #1805 

Constable Brienna Ross-Hood #1777 

Constable Aaron Van Leusen #1758 

Constable Leanne Van Iderstine #1811 

DOUG TRIBBLING AWARD- FOR 

LEADERSHIP 

Constable Michael Madigan #1798 

Constable Brienna Ross-Hood #1777 

Constable Brent Rouillard #1753 

THOMAS DESROCHERS AWARD 

FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

Constable Drew Howard #1793 

Constable Matthew Houlieff #1799 

Constable Gregory Johnston #1759 

WILLIAM THORPE AWARD – 

FOR TRAINING EXCELLENCE 

Constable Jeffrey Broughton #600 

THE KEITH FREEMANTLE 

AWARD FOR TRAINER 

EXCELLENCE 

Constable Craig James #1578 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 

AWARD 

Auxiliary Police Unit 

Auxiliary Staff Sergeant Hans Uhr 

Male Chorus - Maria Lim 

Pipes and Drums - Bevan Carrique 

Rovers - Constable Robert Vingerhoets 

Venturers - Patrick Lim 

Victim Services of York Region 

Michael Hodge 

2007 RETIREES 

Inspector Dennis LaPlante #194 

Detective Sergeant John Nechay #72 

Staff Sergeant Paul Carey #249 

Staff Sergeant William Seed #341 

Staff Sergeant Rodney Sine #100 

Staff Sergeant Eric Strong #209 

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Venables #97 

Detective David Kingston #71 

Detective Donald MacPherson #251 

Detective Stephen Rushton #196 

Sergeant Raymond Bunce #173 

Sergeant Patrick Harold #99 

Sergeant Wendy Heaver #579 

Sergeant Edward Horton #133 

Sergeant Gordon Lemoine #312 

Sergeant Gary McBrien #55 

Constable Craig Brown #119 

Constable Floyd Sales #259 

Lynne Clare #5119 

Carolyn Millsop #5055 

Deeds Speak 55

IN MEMORIAM 

DAVIS AHLOWALIA 

Friends, fellow officers and members of the public 

mourned the loss of Constable Davis Ahlowalia, who 

died in a motor vehicle collision on January 6, 2007. 

Davis was an enthusiastic and dedicated police officer 

who joined York Regional Police in April, 2004. 

He was committed to the community and worked 

tirelessly to make life better for those less fortunate, 

including orphans living in areas of Kingston, Jamaica. 

Davis’ passion and urging led York Regional Police to 

adopt a Jamaican orphanage in Kingston, Jamaica in 

2004, in support of the Missionaries of the Poor in 

Jamaica. 

community fundraisers provide much-needed supplies 

for orphans and the elderly living in residences run by 

the Missionaries of the Poor. 

In 2007, 14 York Regional Police 

members distributed these products 

during our trip to Jamaica. 

We will continue to support Davis’ 

dream, working in partnership 

with Friends of the Poor 

Canada Inc. in support of 

the Missionaries of the 

Poor in Jamaica. 

Our annual member-driven food drives and 

DEB YOUNG 

Friends, family and members of York Regional Police 

also grieved the loss of long-time civilian member 

Deb Young in February, 2007. 

Throughout her 23-year career Deb exemplified our 

motto Deeds Speak. Her analytical nature and natural 

ability to master new computer software transformed 

her from a Stenographer into one of the first York 

Regional Police Crime Analysts. As a Crime Analyst, 

Deb played an important role in our efforts to keep 

York Region among the safest communities in all of 

Canada and she was proud of and passionate about 

that role. 

It wasn’t unusual to find Deb working at home during 

the evenings and on weekends. It was this dedication 

that gained Deb recognition in 2000 and in 2002 for 

her work on a joint forces Sexual Assault Task Force 

and again in 2004 for her work on a complex mailtheft 

ring operating out of Hamilton. 

Deb fought cancer with the same conviction she 

demonstrated throughout her career. 

During breaks from treatment, she 

volunteered for the Canadian Cancer 

Society. 

On February 2, 2007, surrounded by 

her family, Deb passed away. She is 

missed by her many friends and 

colleagues at York Regional 

Police. 

56 


YORK REGIONAL POLICE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS 

In the conduct of their services, all members of York Regional Police: 

• Understand their primary responsibility is to share with the community the responsibility for 

improving quality of life by safeguarding lives and property, preventing and investigating 

offences and preserving peace and order. 

• Are guided by the Values of the Service which include integrity, community, respect, 

accountability, competence, leadership and teamwork. 

• Appreciate the importance and responsibility of their positions as a symbol of public faith, 

adhering to the same standards of conduct that they are bound by duty to enforce. 

• Preserve the rights and freedoms of all individuals in accordance with the Canadian Charter of 

Rights and Ontario Human Rights Code. 

• Faithfully administer the law in a just, impartial and reasonable manner to all individuals, 

regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, age, mental or physical 

disability, or sexual orientation. 

• Understand and encourage continuing awareness of the culturally diverse nature of York 

Region, remain responsive to community issues and concerns, and are committed to 

developing and enhancing community partnerships. 

• Never permit personal feelings, animosities or friendships to infl uence professional decisions 

and actions and refrain from accepting gratuities or favours that may compromise them as 

individuals or members of York Regional Police. 

• Perform their duties within the limits of authority and recognize the importance of consistently 

enhancing their level of knowledge and competence. 

• Ensure good faith in all their actions and respect the confi dentiality of any information obtained 

in the course of duty. 

• Remain faithful in their allegiance to Canada and strive to attain excellence in the performance 

of their duties. 

Deeds Speak


MAKING A DIFFERENCE 

IN OUR COMMUNITY 

For copies, please contact: Corporate Communications 

17250 Yonge Street 

Newmarket, ON. L3Y 4W5 

Toll free: 1-866-8-POLICE 

(1-866-876-5423) 

Visit the York Regional Police website: www.yrp.ca 

Deeds Speak

Annual Report-2007- Inside Pages.indd - York Regional Police

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