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

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
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Making a Difference in our Community